Ayiri Plans Befitting Burial For 2 Itsekiri Elders

Businessman and philanthropist, Chief Ayiri Emam, has expressed grief over the death of two sons of Delta State and indigenes of Itsekiri Nation, Pa Samuel Okorodudu and Pa William Anukun.

The duo, prominent elders from the Ologbotsere family in Warri, died last year.

Okorodudu, who was the head of Omagene Family stock of Ologbotsere Descendants, passed away on November 21, 2023 at the age of 83.

Speaking when he led some members of the Ologbotsere family and associates on a condolence visit to the Okorodudus in Warri, Chief Ayiri said the Ologbotsere family in particular and Itsekiri Nation in general, have lost two important personalities and elders who inspired others with their selfless service and integrity.

Recalling the words of encouragement from the deceased when he was to be installed as Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom, Ayiri said the elders told him he was chosen for speaking the truth always, apart from his paternal Ologbotsere heritage.

He said Okorodudu, the former secretary-general of Ologbotsere Descendants and Anukun would be accorded befitting burials.

He said, “I said this visit would be my first outing for the year (2024). We know the late Pa Samuel Okorodudu was from Abigborodo Community, but his death is a big loss to Ologbotsere Descendants. “We will do the burial in a honourable way, by supporting the Omagene Family stock. The problem of Itsekiri Nation today was the failure of prominent Abigborodo sons to give proper leadership when it mattered most.”

The spokesman of Ologbotsere Descendants, Mr. Alex Eyengho, a Warri-based legal practitioner and promoter of Itsekiri cultural heritage, Clement Ade Omotoye as well as an Ologbotsere descendant, Besidone Esimaje, were among those that accompanied Ayiri on the visit.