Patriarch Essi goes home amidst tears, joy

The life and times of Hon. Raphael Avuakeoghene Essi will without a doubt remain evergreen in the hearts of his loved ones.

The Essi patriarch who was bade final goodbye on May 10, 2019 at his hometown, Uzere Kingdom, Isoko South council area of Delta state, was aged 80, when he departed this world, last December 2018.

Although he lived to a very ripe age, the tears could not be held as the final rites of internment were performed.

He was once a teacher and an administrator and later held some managerial positions until his appointment as a lay judge in the Customary Courts Department attached to the district court in Uzere from 2000 to April 2013, when he retired, Pa Essi became the Odio Orere (a member of council of Edios) of Uruehe, a sub-community in Uzere in October 2017 till his death.

Meanwhile, in a tribute to her late father, the first daughter, Comrade Dr. Felida Essi said, "you taught us that no matter how offended we are, we should forgive the offender and let God fight our battles. And that in everything we do in life, we should always be perseverance and be patient."

Asked what she will miss most about him, the Comrade, who is the publisher of Isoko Mirror newspaper stated thus: "I will miss his comforting words, especially when I am down."

On his part, the first son, Rotarian Brooklyn Essi, expressed gratitude for all the many lessons, including "the importance of humility, education and the remarkable power of emotional and financial generosity," that he learnt from him (his father).

One of his students Dr. Benjamin Ubreye Owhe-Ureghe in RCM school, in this tribute wrote “the truth is that, I benefited from your disciplinary action as your pupils, which helped shaped my life words are not enough to express my formative years. Bye my teacher”

With the demise of his second son, Evang Jeff, Pa Essi is survived by a wife, nine children, including a step daughter, Mrs. Florence Emuobor and several sons and daughters in-law.

Other children are Mrs. Faith Ariekoko, Mrs. Efe Ubu, Rtn. Ifoghale Maaer, Bosco, Israel and Barr. Rafaela Essi. Also left behind, are 16 grandchildren and a brother, Mr. Ligourey Essi.

The ceremony which was a celebration of life, saw dignitaries, friends and families from all walks of life graced the occasion.

The Ogieh and Uti family members in attendance

Some notable personalities present at the occasion are Isoko Mirror director, Chief JAD Iboma, Executive Director, Finance and Administration, DESOPADEC, Bashorun Askia Ogieh, Uzere Grammar School Old Students Association led by its president, Chief Joseph Ubeleke, Isoko Ladies League  International, led by Chief (Mrs.) Stella Ejeh and Community Newspaper Publishers of Nigeria, Delta State chapter led by Comrade Jude Obeyemenyego.

Some members of Community Newspapers Publishers of Nigeria, Delta State with the bereaved Dr. Comrade Fellida Essi

Also present were Isoko Development Union (IDU) Women's wing, Warri and Asaba branches, Enyaharo Eyana Warri, former colleagues of the late Hon. R. A. Essi in the judiciary led by Chief Uriri, the Akporeros from Olomoro, Uzere community, Asaba, Chief Godwin Awoso, Dr. Isaac Ejebe, Chief Isaac Agbajileke, Dr John Eru, Chief Richard Okogba, Chief Sunny Omoredo, Mr and Mrs Okorigba, Pastors Duke and Kelvin, Mrs Christy Okotie, Chief Erume, Barrister Mrs. Mary Erijo, Hon. Mrs. Ilolo.

Others are Mr. Festus Owhojero, Sir Akporuno, Director-General Delta sports commission Chief Onogagamue Victor, Sir Evans Egbo among others.

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