As Nigerians and the rest of the world marked the birth of a new month in joyful mood, the Councillor representing Azama Ward in the Legislative Arm of Warri South-West Council Area of Delta State, Hon. Eseimobowa Marvellous Dude, was struggling to say goodbye to her late father, General Naiye Zipamode Dude, whose funeral ceremony held at Igoba Federated Community in the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

The ceremony which was marked in an atmosphere of sadness that brought a downpour of tears, witnessed a massive attendance by friends, associates, and sympathisers of the late General Dude who joined the Dude families to pay their last respect to the departed father of eight children and one grandson.

Earlier in the day, his body was conveyed from the Ame Specialist Hospital mortuary in Warri to the Miller Jetty near NPA, on onwards by ferry to his hometown, accompanied by a crowd of sympathisers.

According to his biography, the late General Dude was born in 1976 into the respected family of Mr. Zipamode Dude of Pelebagha Quarter, Igoba Federated Community, and Late Madam Temile Oturubo of Okiri Quarter, Okerenkoko Federated Community, both in Gbaramatu Kingdom.

He grew up in igoba where he was nurtured in the rich traditions and cultural heritage of the Gbaramatu people. He was actively involved in community affairs and development, a dedicated stakeholder who served as a member of the Igoba Town Planning Committee.

He was also widely recognized as a strong figure, popularly referred to as General, reflecting his influence and leadership role, deeply committed to the unity, peace and progress of his people. He participated actively in meetings and developmental discussions aimed at improving the welfare of the Igoba community. 

Known for his bravery, generosity and straightforward nature, the late General Dude was a man who believed in truth, loyalty, and standing up for what is right. He maintained strong relationships with family, friends and associates, leaving lasting memories in the hearts of those who knew him.

Paying tributes to her departed father, Hon. Dude described her father as an "extraordinary man whose presence was strong, whose love was deep, and whose impact can never be forgotten" as well as a man "strict, yet incredibly loving; firm, yet deeply caring: hard-working, devoted and full of humor in his own unique way.

"He believed in discipline and responsibility, and though he sometimes felt tough, it was always rooted in love. I can still hear his voice clearly saying, 'You feel say I no love you. Anything I do you na because of love.' Those words mean even more to me now than ever before," she wrote.

"Daddy you were not just my father, you were my hero, a man who showed love not just in words, but in action. You worked tirelessly to provide, to guide and to protect. You carried your responsibilities with pride and never gave up. No matter how hard things got, your strength shaped me, your values molded me gave me a foundation I will forever stand on.

"One of the things I will miss the most are your calls. No one called like you did. Even when I was the one on the journey, you would still call to check on me, to make sure I was safe and okay. Back then, those calls sometimes felt like a disturbance. But now, I would give anything just to see your name pop up my phone again. I didn't realize how precious those moments were until they became memories.

"You had a way of making your presence felt even in the simplest ways: your laughter, your corrections, your care; they all came together to make you the amazing father you were. You were not perfect, but you were perfectly you and that was more than enough," she acknowledged.

She noted that her late father's legacy will live on in her, other siblings and in others whose lives he touched, and then added, "Daddy, this goodbye is one of the hardest things I've ever had to face, but I take comfort in knowing that you lived a life of purpose, strength, and love. You fought your battles, you played your part and you left your mark. Thank you for being my father, thank you for being my hero, thank you for loving me in your own way. Thank you for everything. Rest well my hero."

The late General Dude is survived by a wife, eight children, one grandson, family members, relatives, friends and well-wishers who will forever cherish his memory. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace, gone but never forgotten.

View photos of the funeral here: 

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