By Matthew Amgbaduba
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!It was a solemn but memorable farewell on Saturday, August 8, 2026, as family members, friends, associates, community leaders, political figures and well-wishers gathered at Okrika Community in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State to bid farewell to Pa Agbodoubiri Amgbaduba, who died at the age of 92.
The funeral service was marked by prayers, tributes, eulogies and thanksgiving, as mourners celebrated the life of the respected patriarch, who was remembered as the oldest man, or Amakosowei, in Okrika Community.
Guests from Ekeremor Town, Yenagoa, Port Harcourt, Warri, Forcados and other parts of the Niger Delta attended the ceremony, reflecting the broad network of relationships the deceased and his family had built over the decades.
The gathering provided an opportunity for relatives, friends and associates to mourn the patriarch while celebrating a remarkable life journey that spanned more than nine decades.
Among the dignitaries at the funeral was Justice Ebiyerin Omukoro of the Bayelsa State High Court, who attended with his entourage from Penawei Egede Quarters, Ekeremor Town, Bayelsa State, where the Amgbaduba family traces part of its heritage.
His presence, as a serving judicial officer, added further dignity to the ceremony and underscored the significance of the occasion to the extended family and its associates.
Also present was a Federal lawmaker hopeful and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2027 general elections, who joined other dignitaries in extending condolences to the Amgbaduba family and paying tribute to the deceased.
Traditional leaders, professionals, politicians, businessmen, clergy and members of communities connected to the Amgbaduba family also attended the funeral.
A LIFE THAT TOUCHED MANY
Pa Agbodoubiri was remembered by speakers at the ceremony as a man whose 92 years were defined by family, hard work, wisdom, humility, community relationships and commitment to the advancement of succeeding generations.
Children, grandchildren, relatives, friends and associates paid glowing tributes to the deceased, highlighting the values he represented and the legacy he leaves behind.
The funeral brought together several generations of the family, with children and grandchildren gathering to honour a patriarch whose life provided a foundation upon which succeeding generations continued to build.
Members of the Amgbaduba families of Okrika and Ekeremor, as well as the Mozimo, Adirimo and Sifo Wari families of Peredumu, were among those who joined relatives and associates from Burutu, Warri, Forcados, Port Harcourt, Yenagoa and other communities.
For the family, the occasion was both a moment of grief and thanksgiving — grief over the physical departure of their patriarch and gratitude to God for granting him 92 years of life and the privilege of witnessing several generations.
TRIBUTES TO A PATRIARCH
In their various tributes, mourners described Pa Agbodoubiri as a man whose presence commanded respect and whose life exemplified endurance, family values and the importance of leaving behind a worthy name.
They noted that while his death marked the end of an era, the principles he upheld, the memories he created and the values he instilled in his children and grandchildren would continue to live on.
The atmosphere alternated between tears and thanksgiving as mourners shared memories of the deceased and reflected on his long journey through life.
SON: HIS 92 YEARS WERE A BLESSING
Speaking on behalf of the family, the deceased’s son, Mr. Sunny Maxwell Amgbaduba, a petroleum engineer with Renaissance Energy Ltd., formerly Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), expressed profound appreciation to those who travelled from far and near to honour his father’s memory.
Mr. Amgbaduba described his father’s 92-year journey as a blessing to the family and thanked God for granting him a long life marked by meaningful impact.
He particularly appreciated guests who travelled from Ekeremor Town, Yenagoa, Port Harcourt, Warri, Forcados and other communities to identify with the extended Amgbaduba family during the period of mourning and thanksgiving.
He said, “Our father’s 92 years on earth were a blessing to us. We thank God for giving him a long and impactful life and for allowing him to witness several generations of his family.”
According to him, the turnout at the funeral demonstrated that his father’s influence extended beyond the immediate family.
“The presence of distinguished guests from different communities shows that his life touched many people. We are deeply grateful to everyone who came to mourn with us, celebrate his life and support the family,” he said.
FINAL FAREWELL TO A GREAT PATRIARCH
The funeral service culminated in the interment of Pa Agbodoubiri Amgbaduba at Okrika Community, Burutu LGA, where he was committed to mother earth amidst prayers, tears, tributes and solemn reflections.
A song composed by his first son in honour of the deceased was also rendered as a dedication to his life and legacy.
As the family bade farewell to their patriarch, the ceremony served as both a final tribute and a celebration of a life that spanned 92 years and witnessed children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Pa Agbodoubiri leaves behind children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, relatives, friends and associates who, according to the family, will continue to preserve the values and memories for which he was remembered.
The Amgbaduba family expressed gratitude to God for the life of their patriarch and prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul.
May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.
*Matthew Amgbaduba is a Media Mogul & Veteran On-Air Personality
Media Mogul & Veteran On-Air Personality, and First Son of the Deceased
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