By Foster Akpore | Emonu-Orogun | Friday, 14 November 2025
Emonu-Orogun stirred with colour and emotion as a large assembly of relatives, friends, and public figures gathered to honour the life of Mrs. Alice Esemekivwaro Oderhohwo (née Igbuzor). The day carried the mood of a cultural festival, where mourning blended with gratitude for a matriarch whose influence stretched across family, commerce, and community.
The atmosphere rose sharply when Senator Ovie Omo-Agege KSJ arrived at the Emonu Comprehensive High School Field. The crowd answered with cheers, ululation, and the lively rhythm of Urhobo drums. Many described the scene as a kind of triumphant return that reflected both the senator’s bond with the community he so loved and the standing of the Igbuzor family, often spoken of as the Igbuzor Dynasty.
Among the voices moved by the turnout was a physically challenged Evangelist Blessed Adjekukor, who recalled her own moment of hesitation when she saw the sheer size of the crowd earlier in the day. She said she stepped back to avoid being pressed on all sides, noting that Dr. Otive Igbuzor did not need to print IV card to invite anyone because he had touched so many lives. Her reflection offered a simple, human window into the weight of goodwill surrounding the family.
A Life Anchored in Family and Faith
Mrs. Oderhohwo was born on 15 December 1933 to Late Mr. Michael Eruemukowharien Igbuzor of Eiemonu, Emonu-Orogun, and Late Mrs. Omohwovo Igbuzor (née Idjere) of Ugono-Orogun. She grew up as the eldest child and carried a reputation for calm guidance and deep affection. Known by names such as Aunty r’Ugono, Omote Okpako, and Awhemokpisi, she became a dependable presence in her extended family.
Her marriage to the late Mr. Thompson Oderhohwo Itodje brought twelve children, who credited her for the unity and spiritual tone that shaped their home. She later embraced the Christian faith, was baptised into the Anglican Communion, and remained steadfast in the church until her passing.
Entrepreneurship and Community Leadership
Her working life showed quiet determination. She managed a family cassava mill and later ventured into the trade of gin and garri, sending goods to Benin City, Warri, Port Harcourt, and Okwagbe. She earned a place in local memory as the first woman in Ugono-Orogun to own a white Superb bicycle, which became a small symbol of her drive.
Through her efforts she educated her children, supported relatives, and offered steady help to neighbours and friends. Many remembered her as a woman who opened paths for others.
A Pillar of Social Life
She held leadership roles in the Ugono and Emonu Garri Women Association, led the Iroro Social Club, and served in the Women Guild of the Anglican Church. Her presence lifted gatherings and her counsel shaped younger women in the community.
“Mama Alice was more than a mother. She was the heartbeat of our community,” said Chief Barr. E. T. Opone, President General of Orogun, who attended the funeral in honour of the deceased and to stand with her younger brother, Dr Otive Igbuzor, one of Orogun’s illustrious sons.
Heartfelt Tributes
Tributes poured from children, grandchildren, and leaders. Her daughter Mrs. Mabel Eboh spoke of her trust and affection. Captain Lagos Oderhohwo recalled her influence on the wider community. Sons Vincent, Akpofure, and Hon. Felix O. Oderhohwo remembered her generosity and steady guidance. Alex Joy O., Evang. Mrs. Enamuotor Evelyn, and Don Ayiri described her care, her prayers, and her quiet strength.
Her brothers, Noble Sir Paul Igbuzor, Dr. Otive Igbuzor, and Pastor Joe Igbuzor, reflected on her leadership within the family. Cousins, extended relatives, and close friends, including Prof. L. O. Eboh, Dr. (Mrs.) Ejiro Otive-Igbuzor, Engr. Enamuotor Friday, DSP Endurance Ogbekene, CSP Ojevwe Igbuzor, and Miss Jecinta Oghenemine Oderhohwo, added their voices to a long list of tributes.
A Distinguished Gathering
The wide attendance gave a clear measure of the family’s reach, drawing Senator Ovie Omo-Agege KSJ, Chief Andrew Oghene-Aga Orugbo, Chief Barr. E. T. Opone, Prince Henry Efe Duku, Chief Paul Okogu, Mr and Mrs Monday Osasah, Hon. Kelly Emuoghenerue Oghenekevwe, Ambassador & Mrs Edewor Egedegbe, Chief Monday Itoghor, Comrade Monday Enudi, Prof Edwin Achugbue, Lucky Enegide, John Itoghor, Damian Odinisu, Wilfred Oliseneku, Sylvester Nkwo, Mamus Edjeba, Chief Godstime Assin, ESV Chris Oghene-Omoru, Chief Young Akpude, Engr Ben Okwonu, Chief Henry Itedjere, Comrade Gabriel Akpude, Ms Bennis Agbonifo, Barr M. A. Mukoro, Comrade Progress Omo-Agege, Mrs Christine Aluyi, Evangelist Felix Ogbajini, Barr Beauty Ubogun-Nze, Hon Regina Edeki, CSP. (Engr.) Festus Ichioma Odemerho PhD, Barr. Albert Ochuko, Rev Joseph Todo, Pastor Gift Eze-Efe, Pastor Iwhema, CSP Gladys Imegu, Mr Imiko Obukohwo, Hon Festus Oke Inana, Mr Edwin Idiode, Dr Philip Itedjere, Hon Friday Onodjae, ACP Aluyi Shaba, CSP George Omunu, CSP Festus Pastor and Mrs Joe Igbuzor, Hon Ebu Joe, Dr Vincent Dania, Tina Nom-Sule, Sir Festus Uwadia, Omidji Ogheneynore, Hitler Romeo and Pastor Anthony Chukwuneme, along with many others from across the region.
A Celebration of Life
As the rites came to a close, the day stood as a tribute to a woman whose life was marked by faith, service and steadiness. The Igbuzor family’s legacy continues to rest on the strength of matriarchs like Mrs Alice Esemekivwaro Oderhohwo, whose example remains fixed in the memory of those she nurtured and guided. Her influence will be felt across generations in Orogun and beyond.