By Monday Iyke –
It was a solemn gathering of family, friends, political associates, traditional rulers and community leaders in Otolokpo, Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State, as the President General of the Otolokpo Development Union (ODU), Barr. David Igbodo, AIG (Rtd.), bid farewell to his late mother-in-law, Mrs. Ezinne Josephine Osafiele.
The funeral ceremony, held on Friday in Otolokpo, combined grief with thanksgiving and reflection as mourners gathered to celebrate the life and legacy of a woman widely described as a devoted mother, mentor and pillar of her family.
The event attracted a strong representation from across the political, traditional and community leadership spectrum, underscoring the respect enjoyed by the deceased’s family and Barr. Igbodo.
Among the dignitaries in attendance was former Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, alongside the Executive Chairman of Ika North East Local Government Council, the Ika APC Chairman, the Obi of Otolokpo, APC stakeholders and faithful from across Ika Nation.
Also present were members of the national and branch executives of the Otolokpo Development Union, women and youth leaders, community stakeholders, friends and well-wishers who came to identify with the bereaved families.
Igbodo: ‘Mama Was a Mother to All’
Paying tribute to the deceased, Barr. David Igbodo described Mrs. Osafiele as a woman whose influence went far beyond her immediate family.
He said she was more than a mother-in-law to him, describing her as a mother whose life was defined by faith, discipline, hospitality and selfless service.
According to him, she raised children of integrity, counselled those around her and maintained an open heart and home for people who sought her support.
He noted that although her death had created a painful void, the values she embodied would continue to live on through her children, grandchildren and the many people she touched during her lifetime.
Barr. Igbodo also expressed appreciation to everyone who supported the family throughout the period of mourning, particularly those who offered prayers, financial assistance and their physical presence.
He singled out Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, the Ika North East Council leadership, the Ika APC leadership, the Obi of Otolokpo, party faithful, ODU members at home and abroad, and the people of Otolokpo for their solidarity.
Okowa Pays Tribute
Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa’s presence at the burial ceremony was seen as a demonstration of his longstanding relationship with the family and his respect for Barr. Igbodo.
The former governor paid his respects to the late Mrs. Osafiele and extended condolences to Barr. Igbodo and the entire Osafiele family.
His participation added political and community significance to the solemn occasion, as leaders and associates joined the family in mourning the deceased.
APC Ward 14 Demonstrates Solidarity
The All Progressives Congress (APC), Ward 14, Otolokpo, was also strongly represented at the ceremony.
Members of the ward turned out in significant numbers to demonstrate their solidarity with Barr. Igbodo and his family at a difficult moment.
The presence of the ward members was described as a reflection of the unity and strong bonds within the party and the wider Otolokpo community.
Barr. Igbodo expressed appreciation to the APC Ward 14 family for the show of love, support and solidarity, describing their presence as meaningful at a time when the family needed the strength of friends and associates.
A Life Remembered
Beyond the political and community dignitaries, the ceremony remained fundamentally a celebration of the life of Mrs. Josephine Osafiele.
Tributes at the funeral portrayed her as a virtuous woman who devoted herself to family, faith and service. She was remembered for raising children and grandchildren who, according to mourners, remained a source of pride to her.
The funeral service featured hymns, prayers and exhortations centred on Christian hope, resurrection and the promise of eternal rest.
For the Osafiele and Igbodo families, the occasion marked both an emotional farewell and an opportunity to celebrate a life that left enduring memories.
As Otolokpo bid farewell to Mrs. Osafiele, the gathering also highlighted the strong bonds of family, friendship, political association and community solidarity that continue to define the people of the kingdom.
The families prayed that Almighty God would grant the deceased eternal rest and give all who mourn her the fortitude to bear the loss.
Adieu, Mama Josephine. Your life of love, sacrifice and service will remain remembered.
