By Foster Akpore
Dignitaries gathered in Sapele in uncommon numbers on Saturday 29 November, 2025 as the remains of Elder Catherine Umugere Oraka were laid to rest at Orodje Grammar School on Shell Road. She was 82. The ceremony drew a broad circle of political leaders, community figures, and long-standing friends of the bereaved families.
Elder Oraka was the mother of Dr Mrs Joy Erhire, wife of Chief Hon Chuks Erhire, who serves as Executive Director of Engineering Services at the Niger Delta River Basin Development Authority and holds the traditional title of Onotu-Uku of Igbuku Orogun.
Chief Erhire’s long association with Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, CFR, KSJ, under whom he once coordinated the senatorial campaign and constituency operations, was evident in the attention the event received. Though the Senator could not be physically present, his presence loomed large, as he sent Hon Friday Onodjae to represent him. The calibre of those who came on his behalf ensured the atmosphere retained the dignity and weight of a major state gathering.
After the church funeral service and interment, the rites unfolded with the familiar rhythm of Urhobo custom. The in-law greeting began with the sharp crack of ceremonial gunfire, followed by singing and steady drum patterns that carried the procession forward. At the appointed moment, Dr Mrs Joy Erhire carried a bottle of gin and performed the symbolic act reserved for the woman whose husband stands before her family. She poured the drink at her husband’s feet, a quiet but meaningful gesture that signified gratitude and honour for completing his duty in giving her mother a fitting farewell. Many familiar with the tradition watched with a sense of understanding, knowing its depth and tenderness.
Speakers and relatives described Elder Oraka as a woman whose strength rested in calm habits. Her children recalled a mother who faced life with patience and plain wisdom, meeting challenges with endurance and guiding her home with a steadiness shaped by faith. Her influence continued through her grandchildren and through the values she passed down.
The condolence register of personalities reflected Erhire’s broad ties across Delta State and beyond. Present were Hon Benedict Etanabene of the House of Representatives, Hon Innocent Anidi, Hon Collins Egbetama, Hon. Blessing Achoja, Hon Julius Okpoko, Hon. Joseph Oshevire, Hon Friday Onodjae, Chief Ejaife Odebala, Engr Michael Akpobire, Hon Blessing Achoja, Chief Godwin Sigbenu, Chief Owelle Jerry Nkeweshe , Dr. Lovely Ebonka, Olorogun Theo Mukoro, Olorogun Florence Akpoyibo, Dr. Edmond Anowa, Prince Sunny Jifas Ogbon, Chief Emma Venture, Hon. Playwell Omonigho, Chief Mrs. Rita Ekpebide, Chief Lucky Orishe, Engr. Henslope Imonivwerha, Barr. Jude Fregene, Hon. Mrs. Felicia Awani, Presidential of PEPIN, Hon Chief Andrew Oghene-Aga Orugbo and many others from public service, the legal community, academia and grassroots leadership.
The Leadership and members of the APC in Sapele LGA were on ground in their numbers ably led by the LGA Chairman.
The leadership of the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority was fully on the ground. They were ably led but the Chairman of the Board, Chief Bosin Ebikeme. Others include the Executive Director Agric Services, Hon. Felix Kurogha, ED Planning and Design, Prof Nnamdi Akani was represented by Hon. Chima, Peace Ebbah, Director Geology,Engr George Inye (Head, COM), Engr. Hart Waltson, Engr. Egu, Nimi Negite, Engr. John Ogbosei, and Engr. Akekue Mueka.
Also in attendance were the President and members of Erhuvwu Club of Nigeria Sir. Onokpe, Vice Chairman; Chief Joseph Evwieruroma, Secretary; Barr. Smart Edoge, Chief Anthony Abanum, Chief Biokoro, Dr. Wilson Oghenekevwe, Wallace Anidi, Mr. Obie amongst others.
Other dignitaries present include Chief Magistrate Enakpodia, Hon Chief Henry Itedjere, Mr John Itoghor, Chief Young Akpude, Prof Edwin Achugbue, Chief Grace Usirare, Dr Sunny Ofuafo, Hon Regina Edeki, Hon Innocent Iyede, Hon Ben Kaine, Chief (Barr) Hero Omwirhiren, Mr Henslope, Prof and Mrs Edwin Achugbue, Sapele LGA Chairman, Surveyor Friday Erubasa, Ughelli North LGA APC Chairman Onoabedje Obakpororo, Warri North APC Chairman Akatakpo, Hon and Mrs. Moses Ogodo, Mrs. Mona Lisa Nwaise; Aniocha North LGA Women Leader, Mrs. Omolara Eke; Ndokwa West LGA Women Leader, Representatives of Chief Valentine Oyemike, Mr. Adavwor Whiskey, Ms. Gina Umuku, Orbits, Mr Ogiwilaya Rero, Mr Ogegere Enis and a wide representation of community groups.
The State Organizing Secretary of Delta State APC, Hon. Johnson Ejoh aka Okoro jerk, Delta Central Zonal Woman Leader, Deaconess Loveth Onojoserio, Chief Edewor Akpedafe, Dr. Henry Itedjere, Comrade Desmond Aghogho Ekokotu, Hon. Felix Oderhohwo Hon. Innocent Efetobor, Triple Chief Efeviroro Edjuto, Kelly Ugboduma, Prince Solomon Ovakporaye, Dafe Koloko, John Itoghor representing Dr. Otive Igbuzor, Alhaji Zango, Churchill Eferakeya, Voke Edeyan, Mrs. Faith Ederhi, Madam Becky, Mrs. Josephine Asiaka Ogbodu, Alhaji Musa, representatives of Hajia Zainab Musa; Honourable Commissioner, National Hajj Commission, Hon. Benedict Kaine was not left out.
Igbuku Orogun Development Union led by the PG, Austin Onojedo and Chairman of Sapele Branch; Elder Matthew Erhoma of IDU led the IDU and Igbuku-Orogun community to the grand ceremony
Former Aides to the Deputy President of the Senate were present in their large numbers; Engr. Godstime Akokotu, Chief Soso Godwin, Alex Batete, Nelson Mukoro, Chief Athan Iwuchukwu, Good way Ganani, Chief David Unuafe, Comrade Sunny Enenuvwedia, Jimoh Kayode, Surveyor Friday Erubasa, Hon. Obakpororo Onoabeje, Lucky Ohwojero, Man United Okeh, Victor Onoge, Isaiah Emebradu, Williams Aminugo, Mrs. Rose Iwhiwhu, Julius Unugabor, Tega Benson, Pastor Omofoye,
For the Oraka and Erhire families, the day offered a moment to look back on a life marked not by display but by quiet depth. The gathering provided a dignified farewell to a woman whose values shaped those around her and whose memory now rests in the affection of her family and the regard of all who came to honour her.