On Friday, April 11, 2025, in the coastal Benikrukru community of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, was laid to eternal rest the body of late Pa. (Dr.) Prince Phillip Potoki Tonfawei, a man whose sojourn on Earth was marked with a devotion to the service of humanity, particularly in his traditional medical exploits, advocacy for the rights of his people to development and good governance, and commitment to the Christian faith as a Jehovah's Witness.

Here is the rich biography of the late father, grandfather and great grandfather who transited the Earth on Friday, March 14, 2025, at the age of 95 years, and the impacts of his life on his family and people. Excerpt:

Pa Philip Tonfawei was born on January 1, 1930, in Kokodiagbene Town, Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. His history was traced back to his fatherland, Kokodiagbene, with his paternal quarter being Agugu and his maternal roots in Benikrukru community of Gbazor Quarter, both of Gbaramatu Kingdom. 

Pa. Phillip Tonfawei grew up with a strong sense of responsibility towards his community. His early life was marked by curiosity and an eagerness to learn, shaping his eventual role as a respected community leader. Growing up with a deep sense of his heritage, he was instilled with the values of responsibility and service, which later influenced his approach to leadership. 

Pa Philip Tonfawei pursued his higher education at the German School of Technology, where he graduated as a telecommunications engineer. His technical expertise complemented his leadership roles, allowing him to contribute meaningfully to various development initiatives in his community. 

Pa Philip Tonfawei began his professional journey as a sailor, working with Tidex, navigating the waterways of the Niger Delta and beyond. His experience at sea provided him with a perfect understanding of the economic potential of the region. He developed a deep understanding of the traditions, maritime activities and the vital role they played in community development. His time as a sailor instilled in him resilience, adaptability and a global perspective that he later applied to his leadership and advocacy efforts.

Pa Philip Tonfawe's leadership was instrumental in navigating complex political and social landscapes, particularly concerning issues like resource control and governance. He was an active voice in Benikrukru community and Gbaramatu Kingdom striving to ensure the inclusion of the kingdom in development. His efforts toward maintaining the balance between preserving cultural heritage and embracing modernization were crucial for his people's development and prosperity.

Beyond his maritime career, Pa. Phillip Tonfawei possessed extensive knowledge of herbs and traditional medicine. He selflessly provided medical services to his community and people in general, using his deep understanding of traditional healing methods to treat ailments and improve the well-being of those in need. His expertise in herbal medicine complemented modern healthcare practices and he was widely respected for its ability to combine indigenous knowledge with practical healing approach.

Pa. Phillip Tonfawei was also a general contractor in construction, oil and gas; contributing to the infrastructural development of his region. His work in construction played a crucial role in building essential facilities that enhanced the quality of life in the Niger Delta. His expertise and dedication to development projects further cemented his legacy as a key figure in his community's progress throughout his lifetime.

Pa. Phillip Tonfawei dedicated himself to the advancement and protection of not just the Benikrukru community but also Kokodiagbene, Olukperebu Sarabubor, Kenyagbene, Oporoza and other surrounding communities in Gbaramatu Kingdom. He played a pivotal role in advocating for sustainable development, infrastructure improvements, and the protection of his people's right. He was committed to the improvement of lives of the people in his community. As a staunch advocate of human capital development, he played a key role in the successful achievement of the existing scholarship scheme program by some oil companies for intelligent and talented scholars in Benikrukru and Kokodiagbene communities.

Pa. Phillip Tonfawei's leadership in Gbaramatu Kingdom was instrumental in preserving cultural heritage while embracing necessary modernization. He worked tirelessly to ensure that his people's voices were heard in discussions on resource control, fair governance and for coexistence. He actively engaged both government agencies and local stakeholders, striving to create opportunities for growth and stability in his community. A firm believer in justice and progress, he was an influential voice in the Niger Delta, working to ensure that the rights of his people were upheld in matters of governance, economic empowerment, and environmental preservation.

Pa Phillip Tonfawei served as the pioneer Public Relations Officer of the Benikrukru community and led the community's legal land cases against external forces for over five decades with great success, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to justice and the protection of his people's rights.

Pa Phillip Tonfawei was also a key contributor to the formation and establishment of major developmental agencies, including the Oil and Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC), the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). His advocacy and supportive efforts played a crucial role in securing the 13% Derivation Fund, ensuring that oil producing communities in the Niger Delta received a fair share of the revenue generated from the nation's mineral resources. Through this initiative, he significantly impacted the economic development and infrastructural growth of his region.

In 2013, Pa Phillip Tonfawei experienced a spiritual transformation when he dedicated himself to Jehovah God. He was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses on September 28, 2013. His deep understanding of the Bible and commitment to Christian principles became central to his life in his later years. 

As a devout Jehovah's Witness, Pa. Philip Tonfawei found peace, purpose, and fulfillment in serving God, regularly participating in Christian activities, Bible study, and sharing the good news of God's kingdom. His faith strengthened his commitment to justice, honesty, and compassion, qualities that had already defined his character throughout his life.

Known for his humility, kindness, and genuine faith, Pa. Phillip Tonfawei set an example for others in his community and family. His transformation into a devout Christian not only shaped his personal life, but also impacted those around him as he frequently shared his faith through Bible study and community activities. 

Pa. Phillip Tonfawei was a devoted family man, blessed with a large and dynamic household. He fathered 16 children from six women and remained a strong figure in their lives, instilling values of respect, hard work, and unity. He was survived by 13 of his children who continued to uphold his legacy and principles. His legacy extended beyond his children, as he was also a grandfather to 43 grandchildren and a great-grandfather to 12 great-grandchildren. His home is filled with love, wisdom, and generational unity, with his teachings passed down through the many lives he touched. 

Despite the challenges that come with a large family, Pa. Phillip Tonfawei was deeply respected and loved by his children and extended relatives. He ensured that his family remained bonded in love and understanding, emphasizing the importance of education, discipline, and faith.

Pa. Phillip Tonfawei's life serves as a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and dedication to community. He is remembered as a strong pillar of his people, whose leadership, devotion to God, and commitment to justice left an indelible mark on Gbaramatu Kingdom and beyond.

Pa. Phillip Tonfawei will be remembered as a pillar of strength, wisdom, and faith. His legacy is not only one of community development and advocacy, but also of spiritual dedication and unwavering trust in Jehovah God. His life serves as a testimony to the power of faith, love, and perseverance. Even after his passing, his teachings, values, and devotion to both his people and his faith continue to inspire those who knew him. His legacy lives on in the Benikrukru community, his family, and the spiritual family he embraced as one of Jehovah's Witnesses. May his golden soul rest peacefully, Amen.

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