By Ambrose Ologide
Dignitaries from far and near extolled the virtuous of the Okpako R ‘ Ovwodo ( eldest man ) of Agbarha Warri community of Edjeba , Warri South Local Government area of Delta State as he was laid to rest on Saturday 14th October, 2023.
The Amrata of Agbarha Warri kingdom High Chief ( Sir ) Sylvester Udi ( JP ) who doubles as the Unuovwodo (tradititioal representative of the the Ovie of Agbarha Warri kingdom ) of Ogunu Community remarked that late High Chief ( Pa) Francis Alagba Ikpuri was an asset to Agbarha Warri kingdom.
” He served his people deligently as the most eldest man of Edjeba Community , Agbarha Warri kingdom as Olotu of Owhurie Deity before he retired due to old age.
Surely we will miss him greatly ” Udi who is the Atuyota of Okere Urhobo Kingdom added.
The head of the Ikpuri Dynasty , Chief Amos Ikpuri ( JP ) on his part, described his late cousin as a pillar not only to the family but to Edjeba Community, Agbarha Warri kingdom and Okere Urhobo where he maternally hailed from.
True to the submission of Chief Amos Ikpuri , the Oghwuvwie Rode of Okere Urhobo Kingdom Warri , Chief Bright Okumagba remarked that late Chief ( Pa) Ikpuri was outstanding in his tradititioal roles as the Ogbe of Okere Kingdom as the head of Okumagba Dynasty also painfully stated that the late high chief of Agbarha Warri and Okere Urhobo Kingdoms will be greatly missed.
Meanwhile the traditional burial rites of late Chief ( Pa ) Ikpuri also featured the rich cultural display of Idju-Owhurie ( Agbassa Juju ) dance .
The Agbarha Warri host community to Government House Annex, Delta Broadcasting Service ( DBS ) , SPDC and College of Education was shut down for business in honour of late Chief ( Pa) Francis Alagba Ikpuri.
