Late His Eminence, ENB Opurum, GSSRS, MFR, JP, Ochie of Etche Ethnic Nationality.
The Executive Chairman of Etche Local Government Council, Chief Chima Boniface Njoku, has declared 90 days of mourning in honour of the late Ochie of Etche, His Eminence E. M. B. Opurum, who recently passed away.
Chief Njoku made the declaration on Wednesday, September 17, 2026, at the Etche Local Government Council Secretariat in Okehi, where he led the lowering of the Nigerian National Flag in honour of the late traditional ruler.
The Council Chairman also declared the traditional stool of the Ochie of Etche vacant pending the installation of a new occupant.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Dagogo Isaac, Chief Njoku described the late Ochie as a father figure to the sons and daughters of Etche, stressing his significant place in the history, culture and traditional institution of the area.
According to the Council Chairman, the late monarch was among the founding fathers of the old Rivers State and played an important role in preserving the history and traditions of the Etche people.
Chief Njoku further noted that the late Ochie, who was described as the oldest traditional ruler in Rivers State, represented an enduring traditional institution and remained a custodian of the culture, history and customs of the people of Etche.
He expressed deep sadness over the monarch’s death, describing the passing as a great loss to Etche Local Government Area and Rivers State.
The Council Chairman commiserated with the family of the late Ochie, the traditional institution and the people of Etche, while praying to God Almighty to grant them the strength and fortitude to bear the loss.
The 90-day mourning period is expected to serve as a period of reflection and honour for the late monarch as Etche mourns the passing of one of its prominent traditional figures.
The statement was signed by Dagogo Isaac, Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Chairman of Etche Local Government Council, and dated September 17, 2026.
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