Pa Edward Okpako: Family Members Hold 7th Remembrance

By Daniel Dafe

Members of the Okpako family on the 11th of December, 2021, held the seventh remembrance for late Pa Edward Okpako.

The event which took place in Erho-Abraka, attracted family members, friends and well-wishers of the Okpako family.

Speaking to Oasis Magazine, daughter to Pa Edward, Evelyn Clifford, said: “My father was a good and a kind man. But, I am pained that he did not last; he died and left us behind. My father was good and he loved children. He was also a hard-working man. If he does not see you for two or three days, he will look for you and find out how you are.”

She continued: “I will miss the advice of my father. He was someone who traveled a lot and knew many things. He also encouraged us with the Word of God. I am pained that he died early.”

On his part, Pa Edward’s eldest son, Eseoghene Okpako, said his father was a good man, adding that he taught them how to follow the good path, adding that his father when he was alive was never happy with him if he did bad.

He called on family members to unite, saying that his late father taught him unity because of its importance.

Oasis Magazine also spoke to two nephews of Pa Edward, Chief Kings Okpako and Prince Emmanuel Okpako.

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Chief Okpako who commended the children of Pa Okpako for deeming it fit to hold the ceremony, said the deceased was a disciplinarian.

He added: “I watched TV in his house for the first time in 1972 when I was in class 2. He worked with the CAC, oil company, and Leventis as their manager. He was also a well dressed man. He was a very social man. When I go to visit his house every year, weekend and holidays when I was in Orerokpe Grammar School, I love one question he normally asks me- “wetin hungry you wey you wan chop this morning?” And when I tell him, he will give it to me.”

He continued: “He affected my life positively by not allowing me to be wayward. He told me that the only legacy he could leave for me was education.”

On his message to the family, he said: “Love and forgiveness; no man is perfect. Let’s cherish others.”

Prince Okpako had this to say: “He was a very nice person whose death was unfortunate.”

He gave an account of his time in Ile-Ife, where his uncle came all the way to look for him when there was crisis on campus. He also appreciated the love and oneness that exists amongst family members.