Late His Eminence, ENB Opurum, GSSRS, MFR, JP, Ochie of Etche Ethnic Nationality.
The apex socio-cultural organisation of the Etche ethnic nationality, Ogbakor Etche Worldwide, has called on the Rivers State Government to accord the late Ochie of Etche Land and Paramount Ruler of the Etche Ethnic Nationality, His Eminence, Eze E. N. Opurum, a state burial in recognition of his contributions to Etche, Rivers State and the Niger Delta.
The President General of Ogbakor Etche Worldwide, Dr. Silas Anyanwu, made the call in a condolence message following the announcement of the death of the revered monarch by his first son, Eze Iyangidi Opurum, on behalf of the family at Ndashi.
Dr. Anyanwu described the death of Eze Opurum as a major loss to the Etche people, Rivers State and the wider traditional institution, noting that the late monarch dedicated a significant part of his life to the service of humanity and the advancement of his people.
According to him, Eze Opurum made notable contributions to peace, development and the growth of Rivers State and the Niger Delta, while providing traditional leadership and guidance to generations of Etche people.
The Ogbakor Etche Worldwide President General therefore appealed to the Rivers State Government to honour the late monarch with a state burial, saying such recognition would reflect the place he occupied in the history and development of the state.
Dr. Anyanwu further called on the state government to immortalise the late monarch by naming a road, institution or other reputable public establishment after him.
He said such a gesture would provide a lasting reminder of the contributions of Eze Opurum and preserve his memory for generations yet unborn.
The Ogbakor Etche leader described the late monarch as a repository of the customs and traditions of the Etche people, as well as a custodian of historical knowledge concerning the socio-political development of Rivers State and Nigeria.
Dr. Anyanwu also highlighted the late monarch’s traditional and historical positions, describing him as the Onye-Ishi Etche, the first classified traditional ruler of Etche Land and Grand Patron of Ogbakor Etche Worldwide.
He said Eze Opurum also participated actively in the struggle for the creation of Rivers State, a contribution which, according to him, places the late monarch among those associated with the movement that culminated in the creation of the old Rivers State.
The President General expressed deep sadness over the passing of the monarch, describing Eze Opurum as a great traditional ruler, nationalist and a leader who remained committed to the interests and wellbeing of his people.
He said the late monarch’s death had created a significant void in the Etche traditional institution and among those who benefited from his wisdom, leadership and fatherly counsel.
Dr. Anyanwu extended the condolences of Ogbakor Etche Worldwide to the immediate family of the late monarch, the Opurum family, the Etche traditional institution and the entire people of Etche.
He prayed for God’s comfort and strength for the family as they mourn the passing of their father and monarch, while urging the people of Etche to draw strength from the life, service and legacy of the late Ochie of Etche Land.
About The Author
