Pa Emmanuel Eghwrudje Lived A Long, Fruitful And Fulfilled Life — Agbarha Development Committee Chairman

By Daniel Dafe

The Community Head of Agbarha Umiaghwa-Abraka, Pa Emmanuel Owhojeheri Eghwrudje (alias Igbigbisimo) has passed on at age 97.

He was laid to rest on the 10th of June, 2023.

Speaking at his funeral service, the Chairman, Agbarha Development Committee, ADC, in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State, Sir Festus Oghenekevwe Eghwrudje, said that Late Pa Emmanuel Odibo Owhojeheri Eghwrudje (Alas Igbigbisimo), lived a long, fruitful and fulfilled life.

He continued: “I recall what he told us in 2012 that he will be departing after the land dispute between Agbarha and Ekrejeta has been decided in Agbarha’s favour by the courts. You can imagine how I have been praying for God to extend his life when the two cases were finally laid to rest in December 2021 in favour of Agbarha. We had hoped he would live longer to enjoy the benefits of his labours, but God knows the best.”

Speaking further, he said that Pa Eghwrudje took the community to two “landmark legal battles, defended and won the two cases. He preserved the land deforested by our forefathers to the glory of God Almighty and brought Agbarha Community in Abraka to limelight. He always reminded us of what Late Pa Jackson Emobornuvie Agbaragu told us to depend solely on God’s help for victory in the two cases.”

Adding: “He was personally present at all court sessions with his team. He was equally present at all prayer meetings, and even after the victory, he never relented in his attendance at prayer meetings, praying for the betterment of Agbarha Umiaghwa Abraka Kingdom and beyond.”

According to him, his strong support for the ADC was wonderful, saying: “His verdicts on every matter were void of prejudices.“

“He was indeed a worthy Community Head, a great father to all, strong, bold, and forthright always on the path of truth and justice. Like the biblical Caleb, at age 97, his memory and strength were still intact.”

The deceased was born on 24th May, 1926 into the family of Late Pa Eghwrudje Itiakpor of Agbarha Community, Umiaghwa Abraka Kingdom in Ethiope East Local Government Area and Late Mrs. Ugboto Itiakpor (Nee Okoro) of Ojekpo family of Ebor-Orogun in Ughelli North LGA both of Delta State.

He attended Anglican Primary School, Abraka. During his school time he was a footballer and also took part in other sporting events.

He became a farmer and hunter before he gained employment to Nana College, Warri as a Cook in 1967.  He rose to the position of a Chief Cook and retired in 1987. He then returned to his own town Agbarha Abraka in 1988 and continued with his farm work and hunting. He was a great hunter who killed all kinds of animals. He was equally a good farmer.

Papa had a blissful marital life. He is survived by Mrs. Edijana Baby Eghwrudje and was blessed with 14 beautiful children.