By Foster Akpore
Aragba Orogun drew an unusually large gathering on November 14, 2025, as political leaders, community figures and residents from across the Orogun and beyond assembled to honour the late former chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Council, Chief Grace Ogheneovo Oddiri. The funeral, held at her family compound, reflected the regard she earned during and after her years in public service.
At the head of the dignitaries was Senator Ovie Omo Agege KSJ, former Deputy President of the 9th Senate. His arrival with a sizeable entourage added colour and weight to the ceremony. He was followed by Senator Ighoyota Amori, Political Adviser to the Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori and Chief Ovie Agas, former Secretary to the Delta State Government.
Traditional and community leadership was represented by Chief Barr E. T. Opone, President General of Orogun Kingdom, accompanied by members of his executive, and Chief Barr Benson Ndakara, the immediate past President General, who also attended with his executive. Their presence underscored the kingdom’s collective recognition of the late chairman’s contributions.
The Executive Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government, Olorogun Jaro Movudu Egbo, led a full council delegation comprising principal officers, legislators and aides. Their attendance served as the council’s formal tribute to a woman remembered for her steady leadership between April 1997 and July 1998. Egbo described her as a dependable administrator whose calm disposition guided the council through a demanding period.
The delegation included the vice chairman, Chief Meg Atano, the leader of the legislative arm, Rt Hon Ajero Okeoghene Prosper, the secretary to the local government, Hon Goodluck Irikefe Unuavwhoro, Mr Godwin Onovweghware of the peace and security unit, the chief press secretary, Mr Efe Ekete, and several councillors and staff.
The turnout from Orogun Kingdom further illustrated her place within the community. Those present included Chief Austin Oghenesivwohwo, Deputy President General, Chief Kenn Enwefah, President General of Aragba, Chief Paul Okogu, Director of Security in the Office of the President General, CSP Gladys Imegu, Hon Ebu Joe, Treasurer in the Office of the President General, Barr Goodluck Etinagbedia, Legal Adviser in the Office of the President General, Sir Jerry Nwosa, Chief Edward Akarinwa, Hon Igogono Goddey, Hon Regina Edeki, ESV Chris Oghene Omoru, Prof Emmanuel Ndakara, Barr Dennis Warri, Chief Paul Abu, Damian Odinisu, Lucky Enegide, Chief Young Akpude, Ms Bennis Agbonifo, Comrade Gabriel Akpude and others too numerous to mention.
Beyond the gathering of political and community leaders, the tributes traced a life shaped by family duty. Born the first daughter of her father’s children and the first child of her mother, the late Mrs Felicia Otiti Oddiri, she grew into the family’s matriarch. Those closest to her remembered her firm nature, steady warmth and the hospitality for which her home was known. Though she pursued her university education later in life, she made it a priority to ensure her younger siblings received the education she once desired.
Family members described her as disciplined and compassionate, with a generosity that endured across decades. She is survived by her three sons, grandchildren, siblings and a wide extended family.
Several reflections pointed to her faith. Psalm 23:1 guided her outlook and shaped the fellowship that marked her home. Her daughter-in-law, Ejiro Adeniran, spoke of her kindness and open-hearted nature. Her grandchildren shared memories that have become cherished family stories.
Her siblings recalled their childhood in Warri, Sapele and Benin, remembering a sister who defended those she loved and held to her convictions. After their mother’s death in 1998, she took on the responsibility of raising the younger children and influenced their lives in enduring ways. A younger brother recounted how she sponsored his education at Federal Government College Ilorin and supported his relocation to the United Kingdom, where she was expected the day after her passing.
Other tributes highlighted her ability to keep the extended family united. Barr Mrs Esther Omotekoro Joe remembered how she guided siblings through academic challenges after returning from England. Her first son, Akpevwe, recalled their final conversation and the sacrifices she made for his education abroad. Her son, Akpovi, spoke of her steady encouragement and prayers.
To many of her contemporaries, she remained the first elected female local government chairman known within their political generation, a distinction that continues to shape her legacy in Ughelli North.
The gathering of national figures, state leaders, local government officials and community elders offered clear testimony to the esteem in which she was held. The presence of Senator Omo Agege KSJ, Olorogun Egbo, Senator Amori, Chief Agas, Opone, Ndakara and other dignitaries lent the ceremony a sense of significance, marking the occasion as both a farewell and a recognition of a life defined by service, faith and compassion.