Members of the Gbaramatu Kingdom Traditional Council of Chiefs including the member representing Burutu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Julius Pondi; and the Special Assistant on Special Duties to the Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Hon. Amb. Uyadonghan Powede, among other prominent personalities joined the families of the Sukore-Ere, late Chief (Madam) Aruagbagha Fanny Adurumokumo Ekpetipu, to honour the departed mother, grandmother and great grandmother who passed away at the age of 67. 

The solemn ceremony, which held on Friday, September 11, 2026, featured a Christian funeral service conducted by the Temple of Salvation Zion Ministry under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Bishop Godfrey Timiyan, JP, and a social wake-keep ceremony with Izon highlife musician, Dr. Alfred Izon-Ebi alias JKing entertaining guests in attendance.

Late Chief (Madam) Aruagbagha was a woman with a very large heart, known for accommodating people and welcoming those who came around her. She was a philanthropist to the core, always willing to assist people with whatever she had. Her generosity extended beyond her immediate family to friends, neighbours, community members, and others who needed her help. She gave freely from her substance and was always concerned about the welfare of others. Many people experienced her kindness, generosity, encouragement, and motherly care.

According to her biography, she was born on December 27, 1959, into the family of Chief Adurumokumo Ekpetipu Ebiabu of Kokodiagbene Community and Madam Reason Okoromadu Oboro of Benikrukru and Okerenkoko, all in Gbaramatu Kingdom, was the last child of her parents. Sadly, she lost her mother at a very tender age and was thereafter raised solely by her father, a respected and prominent figure in Kokodiagbene.

From childhood, she was known to be smart, intelligent, hardworking, industrious, and courageous, learning the value of hard work from an early age and was always willing to put her hands to work.

She attended Ebiabu Primary School, Kokodiagbene, where she received her primary education. While growing up, she also joined her father in his fishing occupation, through which she acquired valuable lessons in hard work, self-reliance, perseverance, and determination.

Another tragedy struck in July 1974 when she lost her father. Following his death, she was given the assurance that she would be taken to the city to further her education. Unfortunately, instead of pursuing the education she had hoped for, she was given out in marriage at a young age to Capt. Samuel Lamieghan, with their marriage blessed with seven children. As a young wife and mother, she worked tirelessly to support her family and contributed in every positive way she could to ensure that her husband and children were cared for and that the family was comfortable.

After some years, due to circumstances and challenges in the marriage, she eventually took a bold step and left the marriage, returned to her paternal home in Kokodiagbene. Refusing to allow the difficulties she encountered in the marriage to defeat her, she courageously picked up her father's occupation and engaged in different positive means of livelihood to sustain herself and her children. She was a woman of remarkable versatility and resourcefulness, truly living by the saying, “Jack of all trades, master of all.”

Later in life, she was blessed with another union and got married to Mr. David Urowayino; the marriage produced three children. Sadly, one of the children passed away, leaving two surviving children. But despite experiencing the pain of losing a child, she remained strong and devoted to her surviving children by demonstrating love, courage, and resilience that had characterized her life. Throughout her journey, motherhood remained very important to her. She was a caring mother who desired the best for her children and worked hard to give them the support and opportunities she could.

Chief (Madam) Aruagbagha was not only devoted to her family, she was also deeply committed to development of her community. She served as women leader on several occasions, largely because of her courage, leadership qualities, and impact on the women and people of Kokodiagbene Community. On one occasion, she led a group of women to protest against Chevron and Shell over what they considered the neglect of their host community, Kokodiagbene.

She was also appointed as a member of the Community Development Forum of Kokodiagbene Community during the tenure of Chief Sheriff Mulade as Chairman in recognition of her capacity, commitment, and contribution to community development. In recognition of her contributions to community development, leadership, peace, and the wellbeing of her people, she was honoured with the prestigious chieftaincy title of “Sukore-Ere of Gbaramatu Kingdom,” meaning “Peace Maker,” on 31st March, 2020. This honour was a testament to the impact she had made through her years of service, leadership, courage, and commitment to her community.

Chief (Madam) Aruagbagha was a mother, businesswoman, community leader, philanthropist, peace advocate, and a woman of uncommon strength. She touched many lives during her lifetime, and her legacy will continue to live on through her children, grandchildren, great grandchild, family, friends, community, and all those who benefited from her kindness and generosity.

Described as a woman of strength, a mother to many, a philanthropist, and a true peacemaker, Chief (Madam) Aruagbagha, is survived by nine children, 26 grandchildren, one great grandchild, in-laws among other relatives.

View photos of her funeral here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1D6Exp6Gph/