Ex-Delta First Lady Roli Uduaghan Joins Oborevwori, Okowa to Bid Otumara Emotional Farewell in Warri

In a rare public appearance that deeply moved attendees, the former First Lady of Delta State, Mrs. Roli Uduaghan, joined Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, and other political heavyweights in Warri to bid a final farewell to the late Dr. Joseph Sisanmi Otumara.

Mrs. Uduaghan, who has rarely been seen in public recently while caring for her husband’s ongoing health recovery, stood alongside Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to pay final respects to her husband’s most trusted political ally.

Governor Oborevwori, his wife, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, his predecessor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, and Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor paid their final respects to the late Dr. Joseph Sisanmi Otumara at the funeral.

Otumara who served under Chief James Ibori (1999–2007) as Commissioner for Special Duties (Government House) from 2003 to 2005 and also as Commissioner for Housing from 2006 to 2007, held the position of Commissioner for Health throughout the entire eight-year tenure of the Uduaghan administration.

He served as the Director-General of Okowa’s 2015 governorship campaign, Special Adviser on Health, and the pioneer Chairman of the Warri, Uvwie and Environs Development Agency (WUEDA), nder Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa’s administration.

Otumara, a renowned medical doctor, politician and administrator, died after a life of public service that saw him occupy several key positions in Delta State.

The funeral service, held at Yonwuren College, Ugbuwangue, Warri, was conducted by the Itsekiri Pastors Association, led by Bishop Mike Oyemiren.

Advertisement

Others who attended were; former First Lady of Delta State, Mrs. Roli Uduaghan; State Chairman of the APC, Chief Solomon Arenyeka; former Senator James Manager and other political leaders, friends, associates and members of the Otumara family.

The Warri Choral Society rendered songs and praises during the service, while Bible readings were taken from Ecclesiastes 8:1-9 and 2 Peter 3:3-14.

Otumara, who was born on December 16, 1960, until his death served as Chairman of the Itsekiri Politicians Forum and held the traditional title of Obarisuwa of Warri Kingdom.

He was a three-time Chairman of Warri South Local Government Council and a former Commissioner for Health in Delta State. He also served as Chairman of the Warri/Uvwie and Special Area Development Agency from 2019 until his death.

The officiating minister, Bishop Mike Oyemiren, urged Nigerians to live purposeful lives and leave behind legacies worthy of remembrance.

Preaching on “The Marketplace and Its Legacy,” Oyemiren likened life to a marketplace where everyone must eventually return home.

Advertisement

“Nobody visits the market and does not return home,” he said, describing the late Otumara as a man who completed his earthly race and left a legacy of service, leadership and positive impact.

He urged the congregation to fear God and live with eternity in view, asking: “When we die today, what will men say about us?”

Another officiating minister, Bishop Mike Laju, urged the people to use their time wisely, stressing that everyone has a limited tenure on earth.

Paying tribute to the deceased, Delta State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Solomon Arenyeka, described Otumara as a man who left “indelible footprints on the sands of time.”

Arenyeka described him as kind, meek, humble, pathfinder and God-fearing, adding that his contributions to society and the lives he touched would continue to be remembered.

He prayed God to console the Otumara family and grant the deceased eternal rest.

Advertisement