Late His Eminence, ENB Opurum, GSSRS, MFR, JP, Ochie of Etche Ethnic Nationality.
The Senator representing Rivers East Senatorial District and Chairman, Senate Committee on Works, Distinguished Senator (Chief) Allwell Heacho Onyesoh, DSSRS, JP, has expressed deep sadness over the passing of the Ochie of Etche Land and Paramount Ruler of the Etche Ethnic Nationality, His Royal Majesty, Eze E.N.B. Opurum, JP, GSSRS, MFR.
Senator Onyesoh described the late monarch as a father, an elder statesman and a revered traditional ruler whose life was defined by wisdom, courage, dignity and an unwavering commitment to the welfare and advancement of his people.
In a statement, Senator Onyesoh described the late Eze Opurum as “the last of those who fought for the creation of Rivers State,” acknowledging his place among the distinguished founding fathers who contributed to the struggle that culminated in the creation of Rivers State.
He also described the late monarch as “an epitome of wisdom,” stressing that his wealth of experience, sound counsel and deep understanding of the affairs of his people made him a respected voice in Etche and across the traditional institution of Rivers State.
According to Senator Onyesoh, the late Eze Opurum was not only a custodian of the culture and traditions of the Etche people but also a builder of the traditional institution. As the first classified King and Paramount Ruler of the Etche Ethnic Nationality and a member of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, he played a significant role in preserving the identity, unity and dignity of his people.
He said the passing of Eze Opurum marks the end of a remarkable era, describing him as one of the oldest traditional rulers in Rivers State whose decades of experience and knowledge of the history and evolution of the state would be greatly missed.
“His Royal Majesty was more than a traditional ruler to many of us. He was a father, an adviser and a repository of wisdom. His fatherly counsel, humility and commitment to his people left a lasting impression. His passing is a great loss to Etche, Rivers State and the traditional institution as a whole,” Senator Onyesoh said.
Senator Onyesoh extended his heartfelt condolences to the immediate family of the late monarch, the Opurum family, the people of Etche, the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers and the entire traditional institution of Rivers State.
He urged the bereaved family and the people of Etche to take solace in the remarkable life and enduring legacy of the late monarch, whose contributions to the development of his people and the state would continue to be remembered by generations to come.
Signed:
Peter Oriri
Special Adviser to the Senator
(Publicity & Communications)
17th September, 2026
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