The passing of the Puwei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, High Chief Jonathan Gere Bakah Ari (JP) on Monday, April 4, 2023, brings to mind the sayings of the French poet, essayist, and philosopher, Ambroise Paul Toussaint Jules Valéry, who said: "A great man is one who leaves others at a loss after he is gone." Indeed, a great man had fallen!

In recognition of the impactful life lived by the prominent chief who hails from Kokodiagbene community in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, the Gbaramatu Ibe Gboloi, an association of Gbaramatu Ijaws in Warri and environs, led by its chairman, Rev. Apst. Amb. Johnson Bibogha (JP), met in the private residence of the late Puwei on Monday, November 13, 2023, to celebrate the life of the chieftain.

Until his death, Chief Ari was a patron of the Gbaramatu Ibe Gboloi and a top ranking decision maker in Kokodiagbene community as well as in Gbaramatu at large. His residence, which can be referred to as 'Small Gbaramatu', served as a meeting point for Gbaramatu sons and daughters in Warri and environs.

By 12 noon, the arena was filled with joy as guests including chiefs, women groups, family members and friends of the Ari family joined in the activities. There was traditional dance display with music supplied by the Izon musician, Prince Smally.

Among those that graced the dance floor in the celebration of the life lived by the chief scribe are the Gbaramatu Ibe Gboloi members, children of the late Puwei, members of Kokodiagbene community and Gbaramatu Kingdom.

In his closing remark, Rev. Bibogha (JP) thanked all who graced the occasion and for honouring the late Puwei by their presence.

The late Chief Ari, as a community and kingdom leader, served in both Kokodiagbene and in Gbaramatu Kingdom by promoting peace, stability and growth. In the kingdom, he served as the General Secretary of the kingdom (the Puwei of Gbaramatu Kingdom). As the chief scribe of the kingdom, he served diligently and is known as a man of peace, visible integrity, and was a great man of valour.

Described as a selfless leader, Chief Ari made sure that Kokodiagbene, which is an oil-bearing community, benefits from the oil exploration benefits, and that the children enjoyed free education from oil companies as scholarship benefits /awards, as well as ensured that the women and youths gained empowerment through development programmes.

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