Rain of Tributes, Encomiums as dignitaries bid Elizabeth Oyewumi Ogedegbe farewell in Kiagbodo

By Ezekiel Kagbala 

It was a rain of tributes and encomiums in Kiagbodo, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State on Saturday, 12th April, 2025, as eminent personalities from all walks of life converged on the riverine community to bid farewell to the late Deaconess Elizabeth Oyewumi Ogedegbe (nee Ogbeki).

Even though the atmosphere was filled with both sorrow and celebration, the attendees, in their large number, reflected on the legacy of love and compassion of Deaconess Elizabeth who passed away at the age of 79 years.

Dignitaries in attendance at the funeral ceremony comprised the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku, represented by the agency's Director, Administration and Human Resources, Mr Patrick Ekade; member representing South-South in the National Council on Privatization (NCP), Dr. Akwa Effion Okon; former NDDC chairman and Vice-Chancellor of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, Prof. Victor Peretomode; some members of the Delta State House of Assembly; Local Government Council chairmen and Councillirs; as well as distinguished legal practitioners, among others. 

The funeral ceremony commenced with a service of songs held in Kiagbodo where family members, friends and well wishers sang hymns and shared stories of Deaconess Elizabeth Ogedegbe’s life and times of service to humanity laden with kindness and generosity. 

Sir Ogedegbe Lucky 
Director LORANTO Limited

The funeral procession was a sight to behold, with a large turnout of mourners who accompanied the casket to its final resting place amidst an atmosphere filled with a sense of unity. as people from various backgrounds came together to celebrate.

Observers remarked that the grand and rousing funeral ceremony was "an expression of the children's love for their dear mother, grandmother great grandmother, a devoted Christian, exemplary woman and politician, who was born on December 5, 1945".

In a moving tribute to the late Deaconess Elizabeth Oyewumi Ogedegbe, her eldest son, Barr. Ogedegbe Godwin, spoke of the "mother’s unwavering support and guidance throughout her life". 
He described the late mother as "a disciplinarian, adviser and a woman of resilience".

He said, "My mother is supreme under the above context. Today, the son of late Deaconess Elizabeth is a director in the prestigious organization. It is painful that Mama didn't enjoy sufficiently the benefits of what she cultivated before the cold hands of death snatched her away, exactly 2:20 am that Thursday, at Meridian Hospitals, Port Harcourt".

Community leaders and dignitaries also paid their last respects to Deaconess Ogedegbe with many emphasizing the significant role she played in the development of Kiagbodo community.

See some of the Condolence letters to the family