The Miyenkeremowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom and the Mein Ibe-desimowei of Ogulagha Kingdom, Chief George Timiyan (JP) has praised the late High Chief Jonathan Ari (JP), the Puwei of Gbaramatu Kingdom in the Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta state for his contributions in community development by not abandoning any infrastructural project in his hometown Kokodiagbene community.

The Kokodiagbene community leader made the remark at the Service of Songs ceremony that held in honour of the late prominent High Chief Ari at his private residence in Warri on Tuesday, November 14, 2023.

While delivering a tribute on behalf of Kokodiagbene community, Chief Timiyan noted that the late High Chief will be greatly missed as he was a leader that led an exemplary life especially in promoting peace, transparency and leading with integrity.

"The community (Kokodiagbene) brought High Chief Ari to stand in the interim as chairman for three months before somebody that will lead the community. But because of his kind of person, three months became five years and some months, and everybody was happy with him.

"Chief J.G.B Ari is a senior chief in Gbaramatu Kingdom. And because he is the Puwei (Secretary) he decided to make more chiefs in Kokodiagbene. In 2017 he recommended 10 persons to be ordained as chiefs and because of his person, the king respected that list. As I speak, out of the 10, eight persons are clan chiefs," he said.

On community development, Chief Timiyan said it is on record that the late High Chief Ari executed completely all of the projects that were awarded him by Chevron Nigeria Limited and other oil companies.

"In fact, the jetty that the remains of the High Chief will pass through to the community is one of the completed quality projects and legacy of the High Chief.

"Chief J.G.B Ari is a good man. If we want to talk about him, we will not end this ceremony," Chief Timiyan added.

Others who paid tribute to the late Puwei of Gbaramatu Kingdom include Rev. French Ari, a brother of the deceased; Bishop Godwyns Soroaye (JP), and the Life Church of God Ministry among others that were in attendance.

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