Note of Appreciation on the Successful Funeral Ceremony of Late Capt. William John Ayegbene Elaweremi (1938–2025)
On behalf of myself, my wife, Chief Mrs. Blessing Pondi, and our children, I express our profound appreciation to the general public—particularly our friends, family, and communities across the board—who stood with us to ensure that my late father-in-law, Capt. William John Ayagbene Elaweremi (1938–2025), was accorded a befitting burial on the 5th of December 2025, as he journeyed home to join his ancestors at the noble age of 87.
We remain overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, commitment, and generous contributions extended to us. Beyond institutional support, we also wish to recognise all individuals, families, groups, and communities who gave generously in diverse forms—from livestock to logistics. To those who donated cows, rams, drinks, water, food supplies, houseboats, wrappers, survenir and other materials in support of the burial activities, we say thank you. Your benevolence helped us provide hospitality befitting the memory of our father, and we shall never forget it.
We are deeply grateful to the high-powered delegation of the Delta State Government, ably led by His Excellency, Chief (Sir) Monday Onyeme, the Deputy Governor of Delta State, who graciously paid a condolence visit to our family upon receiving news of our loss. I also extend my sincere gratitude to my brother and friend, the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, and the entire members of the House for not only sending gifts in support of the burial but also attending the funeral ceremony in large numbers. This touching gesture is deeply appreciated and will never be taken for granted.
A heartfelt thank you goes to the members of the Delta State Executive Council for their collective support, as well as to the Honourable Members of the House of Representatives who attended the burial ceremony. We are equally grateful to the delegation of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly led by its Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere. Your presence meant a great deal to us.
Permit me to specially acknowledge my beloved brothers, allies, and friends who stood firmly by me throughout the planning stages of the funeral:
Mr Matthew Tonlagha; Chief Godfrey Tare Pondi; Rt. Hon. Julius Gbabojo Pondi, PhD; High Chief Dennis Otuaro, PhD; Paul Bebenimibo, PhD; High Chief Ekomieyefa Uduboh; Uncle George Ekpemupolo; High Chief Boro Opudu; Mr Harrison Oyegbenighe Izeh; Chief Moses Bebenimibo; High Chief Matthew Pudie; Hon. Chief Kome Okpobo; Chief Fezigha Odu; Chief Ebimobowei Oguma; Martins Otuedon, PhD; and others too numerous to mention. Your unwavering support strengthened us immensely.
My gratitude also extends to the Gbaramatu and Ogulagha Traditional Councils of Chiefs; High Chief Tunde Smooth, the Bolouwei of Niger Delta; His Excellency, Deacon Kingsley Burutu Otuaro, former Deputy Governor of Delta State; Maj. Gen. Lawrence Fejokwu (Rtd); Dr Hilary Ebegbulem; representatives of ALGON, Delta State; the Commanding Officers of 3 Battalion and 181 Battalion; the Commanding Officer, NNS Delta; Mr Zenco; Mr Obi Cubana; Professor Benjamin Okaba, President of the Ijaw National Congress, and his cabinet; the delegation of the Ijaw Youth Council under the leadership of Jonathan Olokpobiri Snr; and the Isoko National Youth Assembly led by Comr. Eniwareke Orogun.
We also appreciate our extended family from Isoko South and Isoko North, led by Chief Prosper Edo and Mr Sam Uyeri respectively.
To the Burial Planning Committee under the distinguished chairmanship of High Chief Kenneth Braimoh Oboku, we remain grateful for your diligence, organisational skill, and the thoughtful strategies that ensured the smooth and successful execution of the entire programme.
We extend profound appreciation to the communities of Ogulagha and Gbaramatu Kingdoms for the financial, moral, and cultural support rendered. Your collective expression of love was exceptional and truly unprecedented. In particular, we thank the communities of Sokebolou, Ayakoromo and Kurutie for their remarkable effort in assembling a boat regatta to showcase our rich cultural heritage, travelling considerable distances to add colour and pride to the ceremony.
Special appreciation goes to the Itsekiri Tantita family under the distinguished leadership of Comr. Esimaje Awani. Your show of love, unity, and cultural expression remains a powerful symbol of cohesion and progress among our people.
We equally appreciate the men, women, and youths who volunteered their time, labour, and skills, working tirelessly day and night to ensure every stage of preparation and execution was successful. Many offered their boats for transportation, cultural procession, logistics movement, and ceremonial display—a gesture of immense value that greatly enhanced the beauty, fluidity, and grandeur of the event.
Your selflessness—whether expressed through financial input, physical involvement, cultural performance, or material contributions—remains one of the greatest pillars upon which this successful funeral ceremony stood.
To my co-in-laws Lambert Odudu, Prester Smooth, Weris Orou, Sunday Okpodudu and Mr. Paul Akari; your dedication, teamwork, and cooperation made it easy for this funeral ceremony to be a huge success. God bless you.
We may never be able to mention every name or account for every act of kindness, but please be assured that we saw, we felt, and we deeply appreciate all you did. May the goodwill you extended return to you in multiplied measure.
May God bless you all.
Regards,
High Chief (Engr.) Kestin Ebimorbowei Pondi, FNSE, FNIIS
The Ibebenimowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom
The Dikeremowei of Ogulagha Kingdom
Managing Director, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd
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