Felix Ibru, ex-Delta governor laid to rest

Former Delta State Governor, Felix Ibru, has been buried in his hometown, Agbarho-Otor, Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state with prominent Nigerians witnessing the event.

Ibru, whose corpse arrived his country home at 2:15pm, was buried after being accorded a guard of honour by policemen with gun salute as his remains were being lowered into the grave.

Earlier a funeral service was held for him at the All Saints’ Cathedral Church in Ughelli.

Gun salute for Olorogun Felix Ibru shortly before he was interred . Punch Photo.

Ibru, the first civilian governor of Delta State, died on March 12 at the age of 80.

The Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa described the deceased who was a Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District and also, led the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) as "a very special man in our lives as a people and as a state, we thank God for the life of our political icon; he was a jolly good fellow."

The Governor used the occasion to challenged Nigerians to always assist people in need and ensure that they do the right thing, asserting, "do not use the opportunity you have to abuse the privilege God has given to you.

Late Felix Ibru's eldest son, Dr. Paul Ibru performing the dust to dust
 function at the interment of the body of his father.  Punch Photo. 

"It is our prayer and belief that Olorogun Felix Ibru has gone to live with the Lord, flags will fly at half mast in the state, till he is buried," the Governor stated.

It would be recalled that at a valedictory cum tribute session held at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, the Governor had renamed the State Secretariat complex as Felix Ibru Secretariat, assuring that the Senate building of the Delta State University, Abraka would also, be named after the deceased Senator.

Earlier in a sermon at the funeral service, the Primate of the Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, urged Christians to always have in mind where they will spend their eternity in whatever they do and used the occasion to challenge the Ibru family to avoid actions capable of causing disunity among them.

"The name, Ibru is too great for it to be scattered, it is a great family in this country," the Primate said.

Immediate past Governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, former Deputy Governors - Prof. Amos Utuama (SAN), Chief Benjamin Elue, Pa Edwin Clark, General Alex Ogomudia, Senators James Manager, Peter Nwaoboshi, Ovie Omo-Agege, Rt. Hon. Monday Igbuya, among others attended the funeral service.