The outpouring of glowing tributes at the funeral service in honour of the memory of the late Amaokosuwei of Benikrukru Community, Pa. Kwekwe-wei Onimiemene Odibo, who passed away at the age of 95 years, was one of the series of activities that marked the celebration of life for the departed elder and leader on Friday, May 15, 2026.

The tributes, which captured what the late Amaokosuwei stands for in the lives of the people of Benikrukru Community while he was alive, is a testament of his lifestyle that embraced truth and was marked by discipline, respect for the customs and traditions of his people, as well as love.

Among prominent personalities that paid tributes include Mr. Matthew Tonlagha, Executive Director of Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited; and Dr. Alfred Mulade, former Registrar of the Nigeria Maritime University (NMU). The quarters (Idumu) of Benikrukru: Nehi-Bralabor, Gbajoh, and Oboro, as well as Benikrukru Community, the Benikrukru Elders' Council, and the Council of Chiefs in Benikrukru also paid tributes. Below are extracts of the tributes in the order as listed above:

“Pa Kwekwe-wei was a man of dignity, wisdom, and quiet strength. He stood as a pillar in Oboro Quarters, a custodian of tradition, a father to many, and a source of counsel, whose words carried weight and respect. Those who knew him will remember his warmth, hospitality, and his unwavering commitment to the unity and progress of our dear community. His presence was a stabilizing force, and his absence will be felt profoundly by all who had the privilege of knowing him. In moments like this, words are inadequate to ease the weight of grief. Yet, I am encouraged, knowing that Pa Kwekwe-wei's life was marked by purpose, service, and love for his family and community.” — MR. MATTHEW TONLAGHA

"Though graciously advanced in age, his passing is a great loss, not only as a community leader, but also as a deeply cherished family figure. As a loyal brother-in-law to my late father, Pa Orighomisan Mulade, and younger brother of my stepmother, late Mama Onukuewu, he was an essential pillar of our extended family. I hold fond memories of our closeness. I will deeply miss the special bond we shared, particularly his affectionate nickname for me, 'Ikuku', and my reply, 'Agburen Nikoto'. He was a truly noble spirit. He will be greatly and sorely missed." — ALFRED MULADE, PhD, DBA, FCE

"He lived through changing times, yet, his core values of kindness, integrity, and strength never wavered. To say that Pa Kwekwe-wei Onimiemene was merely the oldest man in our community is a vast understatement. He was a living library of our history, the custodian of our traditions, and a steady compass by which many of us navigated life's challenges. His 95 years were not just a measure of time, but a testament to a life filled with resilience and love. He leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations. We thank him for his wisdom, dedication, and unwavering presence." — PST. BLESSING TORTOR (Chairman) & COMR. KINGSLEY GBENEWEI (General Secretary) for Benikrukru Community.

"His transition has cast a shadow over our community, for he was not merely an elder, but a custodian of our tradition, a pillar of wisdom, and a father to all. Pa Kwekwe-wei carried the weight of leadership with humility and fairness. His life was a testament to service, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the peace and progress of Gbaramatu Kingdom. His counsel helped settle disputes, his presence strengthened unity and dedication to our customs. He ensured that the values of our forefathers endured." — NEHI-BRALABOR QUARTERS

"Pa Kwekwe-wei was a custodian of our tradition and a man of wisdom whose counsel restored peace in times of conflict. He led with humility, fairness, and unwavering dedication to the unity and progress of our people. His words carried weight because they were rooted in true experience and deep respect for the customs of our forefathers. While no words can fully ease the pain of losing a father and a pillar of the family, we take solace in the enduring legacies he leaves behind. The values of integrity, service, respect for humanity, and love for the community, which he served faithfully, will continue to guide the Onimiemene family and inspire younger generations." — GBAJOH QUARTERS

"Pa Kwekwe-wei was more than a reputable elder; he was a father, peacemaker, and a custodian of our tradition. As Amaokosuwei, he led with humility and fairness, settling disputes with wisdom and prioritizing the unity and progress of Benikrukru above personal interests. His counsel was trusted because it came from a life of truth, experience, and genuine love for the people, bringing stability and authority to the community... The values of respect for humanity, irrespective of age, the love for his community, honesty, and selfless service that he lived for will remain alive in our family, and will guide the younger generation in Oboro Quarters and beyond." — OBORO QUARTERS

"The Council remembers the Amaokosuwei for the roles he faithfully played within the Council and the community. In the Council, he served as a custodian of tradition and a mediator in disputes, ensuring that decisions were reached with fairness, transparency, and respect for our ancestral laws. In the community, he acted as a father to many beyond his biological children, settling conflict between families, guiding youth on cultural values, and mobilizing support for communal projects that advanced the peace and progress of Benikrukru. His leadership was defined by impartiality, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the common good of the people. Even in his old age, his loss is painful, but we find solace in the legacy he left behind." — BENIKRUKRU ELDERS' COUNCIL

"The Council of Chiefs in Benikrukru remembers the late Amaokosuwei as a custodian of our esteemed culture and a pillar of leadership whose life was marked by wisdom, impartiality, and selfless service. He upheld the traditions of our forefathers with dignity, mediated in times of dispute with fairness, and placed the unity and progress of Benikrukru above personal interest. His counsel carried weight because it was grounded in truth, experience, and a genuine love for his people, making him a stabilizing force in our community affairs." — BENIKRUKRU COUNCIL OF CHIEFS

View photos of the funeral here: 

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