Dignitaries Pay Last Respect As Gov Oborevwori, Speaker, Senator, Chief Judge, Deputy Speaker, Others Present At Gbagi’s Funeral In Oginibo

The ancient town of Oginibo in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State was abuzz earlier today, Friday, July 12, 2024, as it hosted the funeral of former Minister of State for Education, Olorogun Kenneth Omemevwa Gbagi, FNIM, OON.

Gbagi, who was the Delta State Governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2023 general elections, passed away on May 4, 2024, at the age of 62.

In his homily during the funeral service, Very Revd. Fr. Ambrose Oghenejode Abaka described the late Chief Kenneth Gbagi as a generous man who extended his help to people both within and outside the country during their difficult times.

Revd. Fr. Abaka noted that the news of Chief Gbagi’s death came as a rude shock to many, highlighting his status as an erudite scholar of immense repute.

Revd. Fr. Abaka emphasized that the deceased was a servant leader in the authority of Christ, stating, “We are gathered here as a family in communion with God to seek God’s grace and mercy on his soul.”

The Catholic priest also stressed the importance of peace and unity among the people of the Niger Delta to advance sustainable socio-economic growth and development in the region.

“We need unity in the Niger Delta to advance sustainable development in the region. Before now, Burutu port was working, but today, Burutu and Warri ports are no longer functioning.

“Crude oil is extracted from the Niger Delta, but most oil companies have their offices in Lagos. We need unity to reposition the region,” he said, adding that without unity, no meaningful development could be achieved.

The funeral drew a host of dignitaries, including Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Senator Ede Dafinone; SDP Presidential Candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, Chief Judge of Delta State, Justice Theresa Diai; Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo.

Others are; Senator James Manager; former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Alexander Ogomudia; former Minister of Youth and Sports, Barr. Solomon Dalung; Member representing Ughelli South State Constituency, Hon. Festus Utuama; and Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, among others.

The presence of these high-profile individuals underscored the significant impact Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi had on the lives of many and his contributions to the development of Delta State and Nigeria as a whole.

The funeral was a solemn reminder of his legacy and the enduring influence of his work in education and governance.