By: Ike Philip Abiagom
Death is a colossal debt which everyone must pay and that was evident in the recent death of Late Ogbueshi Victor Kanayo Okolo (the Diokpa of Umunkpa of Atufa village),Umuaji Quaters, Asaba, the father of Oshimili South APC Chairman,a Business Guru, Hotelier and Asaba socialite, Dada Okonji aka Igwe Omenife.The Diokpa passed away quietly in his Asaba home. His entire family members and his siblings gave their father a befitting burial. Of course, Igwe Omenife played a major role during the burial ceremony and dignitaries from all walks of life stormed Asaba to pay their last respects to the deceased.
The funeral ceremony boasted a kaleidoscope of guests in the persons of His Excellency, DSP Ovie Omo-Agege, Most Distinguished Senator Peter Nwaoboshi,member representing Delta North Senatorial District in the Senate Arm of the National Assembly and Chairman Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs, Obi Akaeze Ibonye, Ogbueshi Adizue Eluaka other distinguished personalities to mention but a few. With the huge number of eminent Deltans and Nigerians who graced the occasion, one needs not be told that Igwe Omenife, the deceased son, is not just a famous dude but also a respected crowd puller.
It was a burial ceremony that turned into a Carnival. Immediately papa Okolo was laid to mother earth, all the dignitaries moved to Oshimili South Arcade for refreshments.The Arcade ground was filled to the brim. Gozie Okeke, the gospel music maestro, Obogu Okonji, the Anioma musical legend and Asaba cultural dance band entertained the guests. The Ebu wonders and Antilogwu cultural troupe spiced the ceremony.
While paying glowing tribute to his father, late Ogbueshi Victor Kanayo Okolo, Dada Okonji described death as inevitable, stating, however, that the death of his father does not call for mourning, rather, having lived a fulfilled life, his exit calls for a celebration.He said that late Ogbueshi Victor Kanayo Okolo will be forever remembered for his numerous giant strides in his family and in his community. He described him as a liberal man in the management and running
of his family.
He went further to say that his late attained success through honest labour and resourcefulness helped him achieve fame in life; and such virtues as displayed by the deceased are no longer common among men. He is survived by prominent Delta Politicain, Dada Okonji aka Igwe Omenife;among other children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.