Sylvester Idowu in Warri
Family, friends and residents of Agbarha-Otor community in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State yesterday turned out en masse to honour the late Olorogun Michael Ibru for living a fulfilled life that left an indelible mark on their lives and community.
At the Saint Michael’s Anglican Church, Agbarha-Otor, where they gathered for the first memorial service in honour of the late business mogul in appreciation of his contribution to the upliftment of his kinsmen and development of his country home,prominent Nigerians poured encomiums on Ibru.
Ibru, the Otota of Agbarha Kingdom and Avwoghokefe of Olomu Kingdom, was born on December 25, 1930 and died on September 6, 2016.
The Bishop of Ughelli Diocese of Anglican Communion, Dr. Cyril Odotemu, who anchored his sermon on Psalm 92 verse 12 advised the family to live in unity and build on the legacy left by the deceased.
He recalled that in the history of Urhobo nation, nobody has got as much wealth as Ibru and spread it to all his relatives, friends and community as he did.
“This man had everything in the world and gave it back to everyone on his way. He left so much wealth but the only wealth is his family. That’s why there should be unity amongst his family,†he added.
Bishop Odotemu urged the deceased children not to listen to those who might urged them to claim their right, adding that when the fight starts, they will not be there to separate them.
The head of Ibru family, Mr. Goodie Ibru, said his brother left a big shoe for him to wear but assured that he would keep the family united in line with his (deceased brother) wish.
He acknowledged that in every family, there are usually challenges, promising that whatever challenge the family is going through now would be a thing of the past.
