A delegation of Ijaw Board members in the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) led by the Commissioner representing Ijaw ethnic nationality, Hon. Spencer Okpoye, has described as "a shock" the passing to eternal glory of Chief Mrs. Esther Okirika alias Adorable Mama, wife of the Bolowei of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, High Chief Dr. Wellington O. Okirika (JP), popularly known as Mr 13% Derivation Fund.

The Commissioner made the remark when the DESOPADEC Ijaw Board members paid the Bolowei a condolence visit at his private residence in Effurun on Wednesday, September 3, 2025.

Other members of the delegation are Chief Hon. Favour Izoukumor, the Executive Director of Social Service (EDSS), who was represented by Chief Joel Ogbonna; Capt. Joseph Zitu Ziko, Mr. Roland Douglas (Personal Assistant to the EDSS). Hon. Bernard Okoh (Personal Assistant to Commissioner Okpoye). 

Also present are Chief (Engr.) George Timiyan JP, Chief (Capt.) Felix Eguare, Chief Reuben Tonjoh, Comrade Jackson Timiyan PhD, Hon. Korebor Werekumor, Mr. Newman Ekpo, General Felix Oyazeimo, Dancross Tonfawei, Raphael Timi Olomiegbene, Mr. Endurance Odu, among others.

In their condolence, Commissioner Okpoye, who described Chief Okirika as “a great leader in the Niger Delta for advocating for the establishment of 13% derivation,” encouraged the Bolowei to be strong, to take heart and that God will best console him.

While lamenting the loss, the Commissioner recalled seeing the late Chief Esther Okirika on the Bolowei's 83rd birthday that was marked recently, and prayed that such tragedy will not be again be repeated in the Okirika family, 

Hon. Okpoye further requested that DESOPADEC be duly informed when a burial date has been chosen to afford the Commission the opportunity to play its pivotal role in honour of the pioneer chairman of the Commission.

In his response, the Bolowei thanked the DESOPADEC Ijaw Board members for the visit and for their comforting words to him and his family, as well as charged the Commission to not derail from the purpose it was established for as they continue to do the good works.

Highlights of the visit include entertainment as the Gbaramatu Ijaw tradition demands, the signing of the condolence register by the Commissioner, and group photograph of the delegation with the Bolowei.

View photos of the visit: 

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