After a night of Christian funeral service followed by a wake keep ceremony on Friday, the body of the Late Pa. Faraju Ibime, the Amaokusuwei of Opuede Federated Community in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, was interred in his hometown in the early hours of Saturday, November 23, 2024.

The Amaokusuwei who passed away at the age of 104 years, according to his biography, was born into the family of Ibime and hails from Opuede in Gbaramatu Kingdom; and Sekebolor, Ogulagha and Obotobo II communities all in Ogulagha Kingdom, as well as from Oviri Quarter in the Bela family, Udu.

The late Pa. Ibime is known as a tradomedical doctor, who got trained in Ubefan community, Gbaramatu Kingdom, and was a specialist in herbs. His other traditional titles include Balogun, Tuwetuwe, Babga, Ajogiri, Asakasiki, Kposi, among others.

On religion, the late Pa. Ibime was a trustee of Fiafia Zion, Opuede, led by the spiritual head, late Rev. Apst. Ezekiel Jemibor, with whom he served God. Described as a kind and jovial person, as well as highly disciplined and gentleman to the core, the late Pa. Ibime was also a leader who converses in the Yoruba, Itsekiri, and Urhobo languages, earning much respect from all.

In community service, he was the Treasurer, a position he held for years without controversy or embezzlement of funds, as he served meritoriously in all capacity and position assigned to him. In addition, he was a man of justice who hated oppression.

While paying tributes on behalf of Opuede community, the Chairman, Mackson Utieyin Ode Esq write, "Pa Faraju, the Amaokosuwei of Opuede Community was indeed a quintessential father in Opuede, a gentleman with impeccable and unquestionable character, a gentleman to the core.

"His face was always full of infectious smiles; never a dull moment with him. His smiling face always exudes happiness in whoever met him. Opuede and indeed the entire Gbaramatu Kingdom has lost an enigmatic fortress and personality. Adieu our Father," he added.

The eldest son, Capt. Bello Faraju, also recalled, "Daddy, you are a father indeed. You are the best father I ever known. I will always remember you. You have created a vacuum in the life of your children that cannot be replaced" while the eldest daughter, Sis. Anthonia Faraju, also recalled, "I miss you Daddy. I always remember the special time we spent together and you were always giving fatherly durable advice. But for now I have no one to play that fatherly role," she lamented.

For Pst. Joseph Fred Faraju of the Christian Faith Ministry, Opuede, wrote, "My irreplaceable Daddy, I can’t forget you Daddy, you were a man of integrity, justice and in all ramification. So far so good, I define you as the most truthful father who always think of safety and future of life. You are God-fearing and always take things simple no matter what. I pray by the mercy of God when the trumpet shall sound, you will be among those that will rise. We love you but God love you most. Rest in the Bosom of the Lord" he prayed 

Others in their tributes described the late Pa. Faraju as "a precious father; an irreplaceable dad; a loving father..." and that someday they will see him again as captured by Elder Robert Faraju of the Christian Faith Ministry, Opuede, "Daddy, it is really difficult to notice that you have left us in this sinful world. The news of your death came as a great shock to us that fateful Sunday, but so far so good, we go to church believing that we will see you in Heaven one day by the grace of God."

With music supplied by Bestmay JFred and D Giant Stars Crew, it was a night of celebration of the life lived by the late husband of four wives, father of 17 children, 83 grandchildren, 62 great grandchildren, and two great great grandchildren, who will be missed by his family and all who knew him. May his gentle soul rest peacefully, Amen.

View more photos on PENGlobal Facebook: 

#penglobalsocial #funeral #Opuede #LatePaFarajuIbime