Ijaw Monarchs In Paris, Pay Condolence Over Death Of Nigeria’s Ambassador To France

A delegation of Ijaw traditional rulers, led by the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, HRM Williams Ogoba Oboro Gbaraun II, Aketekpe, Agadagba, has paid a condolence visit to the Nigerian Embassy in Paris following the death of Nigeria’s Ambassador to France, Late Ambassador Kayode Laro.

The monarchs, who were in Paris for a holiday, used the visit as an opportunity to show their respect and recognition for Ambassador Laro’s contributions to Nigerian-French relations.

The delegation, drawn from Delta, Bayelsa, Edo and Ondo States, accompanied by Netherlands-based Niger Delta environmental rights activist, Dr Sunny Ofehe and his wife, Dorothy, expressed their sympathy and support to the embassy staff and the late ambassador’s family.

Ofehe, a Chief Executive Officer of the Hope for Niger Delta Campaign, a Dutch Non-Governmental Organisation that advocates for the environmental and human rights of the people in the Niger Delta region, said that the visit to the Nigeria embassy in Paris allows the monarchs to express their sympathy and support to the embassy staff and the late ambassador’s family.

Ofehe who left Nigeria few.days ago to meet up with the Ijaw traditional rulers’ visit, said they have shown solidarity and the importance they place on maintaining diplomatic relationships and honoring the late ambassador’s service.

In his response, Deputy Head of Mission Nigerian Embassy, France, Ambassador Tunde Mustapha, thanked the monarchs for the condolence visit, saying that their presence was a testament to the strong bond that exists between the Ijaw community and the Nigerian diplomatic mission in France.

“We gather here today to remember and honor the late Ambassador Kayode Laro, who tragically passed away while serving his beloved country. Ambassador Laro was a dedicated and committed diplomat who served Nigeria with unwavering loyalty and passion. His untimely demise is a great loss not only to his family and friends but also to the entire nation.

“During his tenure, Ambassador Laro played a pivotal role in fostering economic ties between Nigeria and France. He worked tirelessly to facilitate numerous investments and trade opportunities, which have contributed significantly to the growth and development of our country”.

He, however appreciated the Ijaw traditional rulers for taking the time to pay their respects and offer their condolences and wished them safe journey back to Nigeria.

Other monarchs on the trip alongside HRM Williams Ogoba Oboro Gbaraun II, Aketekpe, Agadagba, the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Delta State, were HRM Pere (Barr.) Z.O Egbunu JP, Opukutu III, Agadagba of Arogbo Ijaw Ibe, Ondo state, HRM Pere Frank Okiakpe, Egbesuwei Gbaraun The X, the Agadagba of Gbarun Kingdom, Bayelsa State, HRM Godwin Ogounyinbo, Alagbabinafa III, the Agadagba of Olodiama Kingdom, Edo State, HRM Ogonikara Eseimikumoh I, Oguruyeke, Pere of Tubuturu Kingdom, Ondo State.

Others include, HRM Queen Kathy Williams Ogoba, Queen of Gbaramatu Kingdom, HRM Queen Tari-Ebi Egbunu, Queen of Arogbo Ijaw Ibe Kingdom, HRM Queen Fayesima Okiakpe, Queen of Gbaraun Kingdom, HRM Queen Edina Ogounyinbo, Queen of Olodiama Kingdom, HRM Queen Roseline Gbebokedi, Queen of Tubuturu Kingdom, High Chief Joseph Odubo, the Tonwei of Tubuturu Kingdom, High Chief Julius Tonfawei JP, the Perediwei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, as well as Chief Vero Tangbowei, the Benemo-Ere of Gbaramatu Kingdom and Mr. Alphus Ukpekpere, Personal Assistant to the king of Gbaramatu Kingdom.