By Ebi Oboko

The funeral rites of a foremost Ijaw historian and Amaokusuwei of Benikrukru community in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Pa John Akunojuya Ogio-Okirika, have been fixed for January 29 and 30.

A statement by the family and community, signed by Chief (Dr.) Wellington Okirika (CON), Bolouwei of Gbaramatu Kingdom/Pioneer Chairman of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) and Mr. Solomon Eris, Chairman, Benikrukru community, said the late Ijaw elder statesman, would be buried in Benikrukru town, Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State.

Pa Ogio-Okirika died on Monday July 13, 2020 after a brief illness in Warri at the age of 91.

The statement read, “With spiritual grief but with total submission to the will of God, the families of Okirika of Gbazor Quarters, Benikrukru community, Gbaramatu Kingdom and Eri-bokwo of Olaja-ori, Ugborodo town, both in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, announce the death of our father, grand father, great grandfather, brother, cousin and uncle, Late Bro. Pa. John Akunojuya Ogio-Okirika, the Amaokusuwei of Benikrukru community, which sad event occurred on Monday July 13, 2020, aged 91.

“The family wishes to announce that the burial will hold on Friday January 29, 2021 at his country home, Benikrukru, Gbaramatu kingdom.”

“The nonagenarian was survived by wife, 10 children, 32 grand children, nine great grand children and relatives.

“Pa. Ogio-Okirika was a chief custodian of Ijaw and Itsekiri cultures, most versatile, lover of peace and widely known by all for his strong advocacy for peaceful co-existence between Ijaws and Itsekiris.

“His indelible impacts and peace-loving nature will forever be missed by all and may his gentle soul rest in peace,” the statement further read.

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