Late. Capt. William Elaweremi Sails Home in a Golden Casket, as Niger Deltans Storm Ayakoromo in Solidarity with Engr. Kestin Pondi to Bury his Father in-law in a Grand style

Francis Tayor

Ayakoromo Federated Community went agog over the weekend as family, friends, business associates, politicians, sympathizers and well wishers from all walks of life across Nigeria trooped out in their numbers to join the Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief (Engr.) Kestin Ebimorbowei Pondi, FNSE, to bid his beloved father in-law, late Pa Capt. William Ayagbene Elaweremi a befitting final burial rites.

The historic carnival like event took place on Friday December 5th, 2025 at the deceased compound GRA, Ayakoromo Community in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State.

The dignified burial ceremony creates an avenue to unite illustrious sons and daughters of ljaw nation as well as great successful business men from the Eastern part of Nigeria including the popular Anambra born billionaire Hotelier/Housing Estates developer, Odogwu Obi Cubana alongside Zenco the great.

Other notable Niger Delta born business moguls and politicians that attended the burial include, High Chief. Tunde Smooth, the Bolouwei of Niger Delta, Dr. Baraduce Angozi, Sen. James Manager, High Chief. Dennis Burutu Otuaro, Coordinator Presidential Amnesty Programme, Sir. Matthew Tonlagha, Chairman Maton group of companies, Sir. Clement Moni, Chairman Seiya group of companies, Barr. Dcn. Kingsley Otuaro, former Deputy Governor, Delta State, Chief. Dan Yingi, Barr. George Turnah,Snr. Prophet Jeremiah Omoto Funfeyin, Chief. Kenneth Brabo Obogu who happens to be the Chairman of the burial committee, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori Jnr, son of the Executive Governor of Delta State, Chief. Barrister Smooth, the paddle of Niger Delta, Sir. Jonathan Lokpobiri Snr, National President ljaw Youth Council, Prof. Ogele Benjamin Okaba, National President lNC, Chief (Comrade) Sheriff Mulade, CEO CEPEJ, Chief. Boro Opudu, Dr. Paul Bebenimibo, Chief. Bosin Ebikeme, Hon. George Ekpemupolo, High Chief. Godspower Gbenekama, Chief. Godfrey Tare Pondi among others too numerous to mention.

Meanwhile, over twenty seven (27) members of the Delta State House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Dennis Emomotimi Guwor, members of Bayelsa State House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobiri and members of the Federal House of Representative led by Rt. Hon. Julius Pondi also graced the occasion.

Moreover, the remains of the late. Capt. William Elaweremi voyaged home at about 9:25AM on Friday morning Via Miller Jetty NPA Warri in a golden casket onboard twin barges where the Numu-pere of lsaba kingdom, Prince Abraham Donokoromo, popularly known as lsaba Abraham thrilled distinguished guests numbering over twenty thousand with captivating ljaw owigiri high life music in a slow and steady mood down to Ayakoromo.

The corpse arrived Ayakoromo at about 5:50PM for a social night wake keeping according to the ljaw culture and tradition in honour and respect to a great man whose exemplary lifestyle and good legacy continues to inspire the loved one he left behind.

At the night fanfare, both ljaw and Nigeria R/B super stars as well as comedians performed to thrilled the mammoth crowed with good melodies and comedy.

Among the artists include, super star Face of the former plantation Boyz, Lizgberg lzontubo, Alfred lzon-Ebi alias Jking, Kingsley Takemebo among other side attractions.

However, in the early hours of Saturday 6:AM precisely, funeral mass service was conducted by priests from St. Stephen's Catholic Church, Ayakoromo and prayers where offered for the soul of the deceased to rest in perfect peace in the bosom of the Lord.

The remains of the deceased was interred at about 7:20AM amidst tears by children, in-laws, wives and other relatives in a solemn assembly at the graveside, marking the end of an era of a great man.

Finally, thanksgiving service was held on Sunday December 7, for the successful burial rites of the octagenarian. The main in-law, High Chief (Engr.) Kestin Pondi alongside his adorable wife, Mrs. Blessing Pondi was joined by family, friends and well wishers at St. Stephen's Catholic Church, Ayakoromo for the thanksgiving Mass.