CHIEF JAMES OGBOKO EDEWOR

ONLINE TRIBUTE

Welcome to CHIEF EDEWOR’s tribute page

We hope that you enjoy reading excerpts

from tributes of beloved FAMILY,

friendS and well-wishers of

Chief James Ogboko Edewor

Editor’s Note: We have attempted to capture a broad spectrum of

tributes written in his honour, but could not accommodate all

messages because of space limitations.

Chief Bernard I. Edewor

So, Papa - The OBARISI, OGBEYAMA, THE OMON RO’VIE RU RINRIN, the very

CHIEF JAMES OGBOKO EDEWOR, you are really going away, And forever

too?

As much as I convince myself, I can hardly believe it. From now on, I will

look behind, look at my back, and not find you, the God-made Iroko of a

man and father. Papa, as you lie so still in this final vehicle taking you to

Heaven, I will declare before I say more that you lived a complete and full

life. What should I count and what should I leave out? In the three major

departments of life, you scored hundred percent and a three-over-three.

Children you had. Wealth, you had. Long life you had…

Papa, I will not dwell on the superlatives that qualify your life. Others have

done so much justice to them. I will simply state, therefore, that you were

so caring, understanding, reliable, dependable and trusted, that I will miss

you so dearly. I try to keep back the silent tears yet they keep swamping

me…

All that I am today, you made and shaped with your fatherly hands. Like

the malleable clay, you modelled me from the very beginning…Today, it can

be categorically stated that you are a veritable institution that has sprouted

and grown so many other institutions…Papa, I salute you and your life. You

saw and experienced it all, the good, the bad and the ugly.

God gave you the opportunity, and as usual, you utilized it to the fullest

and won. You were favoured by God and honoured by humanity…As your

son, I could not have have prayed for a better father.

CHILDREN

MRS. JULIANA EDEWOR-THOMAS:

Papa has always been my life. He made sense of the sun, the moon, and

the stars. Only great men have understood the universe and its impact on

mankind. He was my everything. His love for his children knew no bounds,

and no sacrifice was too great. His spirituality was grounded on his

Christian religion and respect for tradition.

He was the rare person who could see the world in a grain of sand and

eternity in an hour. As a child, I soon learned that he belonged to more

than just his children. He belonged to everybody – a jealousy I harbour to

this day, and a daily battle as a child. I followed him wherever and

whenever regardless. He inspired unconditional love.

Papa was a man for all seasons, loved by all and feared by many. He was

a visionary who empowered a renaissance of not just Urhobos, but also

other cultures in Delta and indeed Bendel, and the old Midwestern region.

He was charismatic, social, elegant and with the matching stature. He

believed that everyone should always present themselves to their best

advantage, and this was reflected in his dressing for every occasion. His

generosity and hospitality was legendary.

Papa, you were a tree of many branches….I know you are resting in peace.

Papa, thank you. You can never be forgotten. I know that you are still there

in my heart and all around me.

NIGERIA will miss you!

URHOBO will miss you!!

ISOKO will miss you!!!

ITSEKIRI will miss you!!!!

IJAW will miss you!!!!!

Forever, JuJu

MRS. FLORENCE EDEWOR-ITOJE

Papa! How many tears can I weep for your eternal going away? From

cradle, you and I know how much care and love you showered on me.

This claim is without prejudice to your love and feelings for my

siblings, and the public at large.

What you meant to me as a father is beyond explanations.

Today, you are going away finally. I cannot hold you back because

God, the almighty has decided. I celebrate your love for me and your

personal life. I could not have asked for a better father. As I loved

you from day one, when I began to know who I was – my left hand

from my right, your presence, spirit and overall essence remain

indelible in my heart and soul. This I will pass on to your gran-

children and beyond.

Papa, how I wish you could have stayed longer.

I remain your loving daughter, Florence.

CHIEF ALEX EDEWOR:

Papa, you were more than a Father, Friend, Teacher, and you have shown

so much love to all. Papa, we miss you dearly.

Till we all meet again.

GRAND CHILDREN

ELOHOR EDEWOR

Chief James Edewor was a man of great accomplishments, admired and highly

respected by most or I daresay by all who had the opportunity to know him…He

was a great man literally and figuratively, but all these titles pale in comparison to

the one title held as grandfather. The thought of him being absent from my life

brings sadness. We will never again have the feeling of content seeing the look of

pride in his eyes in our moments of accomplishment or the chance to hear his

wisdom when we are faced with the difficulties of life.

However, all is not lost, because he left behind a legacy for all of us…My

grandfather lived life to the fullest and on his own terms. His legacy is not of

material possessions…He marched to the beat of his own drum, and regardless of

his humble beginnings, he blazed through life with a relentless zeal to succeed the

honourable way.

Papa, I have always loved you and I will always miss you.

With all my heart, your granddaughter, Elohor.

.

OMAMUYOVWI “MAMUS” EDEWOR

I miss your smile. I miss the way you walk. I miss spending time with you during

the Christmas and New Year vacations at Eku. I miss the expression of amusement

on your face when I tell you what is going on in my life

.

These are the simple moments that resonate in my mind, and I cherish such

moments dearly in my heart. I am truly grateful that God blessed me with such a

hardworking and funny grandfather. I celebrate your life and your memory truly

lives on.

Well done Papa. I love you, Mamus

RHODES EDEWOR-THORLEY

My grandfather was the embodiment of what a leader and man should be.

From his mere physical presence to his strength of character and mind, he

shone...He led a family, and his children and the community, based on

values he believed were right and true. He never folded his ethics or

traditions. He was stubborn, but he was also great. I pray that I can be a

man equal and loved like him.

JEREMY ITOJE

My granddad was the man who was at the heart of the Edewor family

– who carried a presence that was respected by all. He was always

loving and caring. We will always miss you. His love was felt by his

children to his grandchildren. We will always cherish every moment we

had with you.

Love, Jeremy.

MARO ITOJE (Captain, British Junior Rugby Team)

My grandpa was the ever righteous and rock of the family, whose

love had no bounds. You reached out to all of your children and

grandchildren. Your life continues to inspire me. Grandpa, you will

forever be missed and will never be forgotten.

Love always, Maro.

.

Dr. S. ODAFE (Nephew)

Sometimes in life, we are witnesses as the story of a unique individual

unfolds. My uncle was that that individual to me. You were

inspirational. You were charismatic. You were elegant. You were a

force of nature, and an enigma.

Some of my fun childhood memories were spending holidays with you

at “OMETAN” and then later EKU. I still remember how much of a

hospitable uncle you were. As busy as you were, I still remember how

special you made me feel by ensuring that the household staff

addressed every detail of my meals. I recalled how amused you would

be at my breakfast choice.

It was important that your immediate and extended family came

together. You were not only concerned with your success, but cared

about the wellbeing of others around you. You lived life on your own

terms. Your integrity was evident for all to see.

I watched your effortless elegance and strength. You inspired me with

your brilliant success. Most of all, you inspired me by your love for

life. There will be no one quite like you. We were privileged to have

watched your life’s movie. I miss you in more ways than I ever

imagined. I honour you. I honour the life you lived. I honour your

memory, and I count myself blessed to have known you. They don’t

make ‘em like you anymore.

Like Sinatra sang: You did it your way.

Adieu, my dear uncle. Rest well.

Auf Wiedersehen!!!

EXTENDED FAMILY

PASTOR AYO ORITSEJAFOR

(President, Christian Association of Nigeria)

Chief Edewor was a great man, father and leader who made a

significant impact on this generation. He will be surely missed. May

God bless his memory and legacy.

REV CANON RMU OBEGOR

(Vicar, St. Matthias Church, Eku)

A man of grace, divinely favoured, and spiritually built is gone to the

other side of triumphant souls. Your good work speaks for you. Till we

meet and depart no more. Rest in Peace!

PASTOR ALEX UDUGBA

(Deeper Life Bible Church, Port Harcourt)

A great man and Icon has left our midst. May God bless the memory of this

giant!

SPIRITUAL LEADERS

HRM, L.E. Ejowhomu, Adakaji 1

The Ovie of Abraka.

Chief Edewor, the business tycoon was a very humble and generous

son of Urhoboland. May his gentle soul rest in peace.

HRM, Ovie RL, Ogbom Ogoni-Oghoro 1 (JP)

Chief James Ogboko Edewor was an illustrious son of Urhobo Nation.

What an irreparable loss! The vacuum created by Chief Edewor’s exit

can hardly be filled. As God’s decision cannot be reversed, we pray

God to accept his gentle soul to rest peacefully in the bossom of the

Lord. In Jesus Name. Amen.

HRM, L.E. Ejowhomu, Adakaji 1

The Ovie of Abraka.

Chief Edewor, the business tycoon was a very humble and generous

son of Urhoboland. May his gentle soul rest in peace.

TRADITIONAL RULERS

HRM, Ovie RL, Ogbom Ogoni-Oghoro 1 (JP)

Chief James Ogboko Edewor was an illustrious son of Urhobo Nation. What

an irreparable loss! The vacuum created by Chief Edewor’s exit can hardly

be filled. As God’s decision cannot be reversed, we pray God to accept his

gentle soul to rest peacefully in the bossom of the Lord. In Jesus Name.

Amen.

HRM, Oharisi III (JP), The Ovie of Ughelli

Death is a necessary end, and it will come when it will come. May

God give the family the fortitude to bear the loss.

HRM, Emmanuel E. Sideso, Ovie of Uvwie

We hereby express our deepest sympathy to the family of our dear

father, brother, uncle and friend who passed on peacefully to the

great beyond. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.

Eze Udo Ndigbo

(Delta Central Senatorial District)

We condole the family of Chief James Edewor who was a friend of

Ndigbo. We wish him safe journey back to his maker.

POLITICAL LEADERS

Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan (Governor, Delta State)

Papa was a great man. A man who believed in the unity of

Nigeria and was friendly to everyone. We shall miss him greatly.

May his soul rest in peace.

Chief James Edewor represented the core values of the Urhobo man

of his generation. A strong disciplinarian who towered above all. He

believed in hard work and reward for diligence.

A patriot he was a rallying point for young and old. I grew up wanting

to be rich and famous like him. He inspired a lot of young people like

me to dig in and reach our full potential.

- Richard “RMD” Mofe-Damijo, Actor & Commissioner for Cultural Affairs.

Papa lived a full life and we his children are proud of him. We take solace

that God has taken papa to His bosom. We will miss him, but God loves

him best. Rest in Peace, dear father.

- Brigadier-General D.O. Oneya (Rtd)

Papa was a great man. He has left an indelible footprints in the sands of

time. He will be greatly missed for his loving kindness and generosity. May

God grant him eternal rest in His bosom. Amen.

- Chief (Mrs.) Grace Ekpiwhre (Fed. Minister of Science & Technology)

Daddy, you lived well. May the Almighty crown your efforts on earth and see

you to the great beyond. We miss you, but God loves you most.

- Godsday Orubebe (Minister for Special Duties).

Papa, you lived a fulfilled life. You died at the time, we, your children need

you the most. However, only God knows best. May your gentle soul rest in

perfect peace. Amen.

- Chief Tony Oboroh (Chairman, Ethiope East Local Government).

Obarisi, you brought Eku to the limelight with your patriotic spirit. You lived

a fulfilled life. You embraced God just before your end. Rest in the

- 1st Vice-President General, Eku Progress Union

May the Almighty continue to bless you and members of the Edewor family.

- Major-General David A. Ejoor (Rtd)

OBARISI OGBEYEMA, P. G. You were an awesome leader. You

demonstrated so many virtues, that those of us who watched you

throughout the 1950s till date remain breathless at your gargantuan

accomplishments. Rest in Peace in our Lord’s bosom.

In Jesus Name, Amen.

- Alaowei Broderick & Bozimo Family

(Minister of Police Affairs)

Papa lived a very good, interesting and fulfilled life. Nothing can be

better than a legacy that lasts. Urhobo will not forget you. We shall

not forget you. Rest in Peace.

- Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru

On behalf of the entire executive members of EPU, we mourn with the

family of our late Life President-General, who was a father to us all.

There is no way we can be able to replace him.

Papa, it is hard to believe that you have left us. You were an

embodiment of courage, frankness and hard work. Your personality,

dynamism and charisma will be difficult to emulate. The Urhobo

Nation, Delta State and Nigeria as a whole will miss you dearly.

May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace.

Adieu, Papa.

- Olorogun A.S. Emeyese.

I thank God you gave your life to Christ. Now you are Omon

Ro’vie Ru Rinrin. Rest in Peace in our Lord.

- Prof U. A. Igun

Daddy, you lived a life worthy of emulation. We shall miss you

greatly. Rest peacefully in the bosom of the Lord

- Chief Efe Akpofure

One of our dear founding fathers, mentor and honorary Life

Vice-President. We shall surely miss you and your fatherly advice,

guidance and love towards the Chamber movement.

Rest in Perfect Peace.

- Warri Chamber of Commerce and Industry

You were like a father figure to me and a true friend indeed. God

knows the best. Adieu, great one, till we meet to part no more. Rest

in the bosom of the Lord, God Almighty.

- Chief Peter O. Obi (The Igho of Abraka).

A great Urhobo leader and patriot has departed. He was the leader of

leaders. A great national politician and nationalist. However, to God be

the glory.

The greatest joy is that he gave his life and soul to the Lord as a

great Christian philanthropist. May his great soul rest in the bosom of

the Lord. Amen.

- Chief Mike O. Adiotomre

SOCIAL LEADERS

The Obarisi has gone! A great Nigerian and man of many parts.

An industrialist, politician, estate developer, philanthropist and a

courageous and outspoken man.

He lived his life and left behind a proud heritage. We pray that

the almighty God gives his family the courage, wisdom and

fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss. May God rest his soul in

perfect peace.

- Chief E.K. Clark

A great son of Africa has gone. Obarisi, rest in peace with the

Lord.

- Chief P.A. Ewetuya & Family.

ECO BANK (NIG) PLC

All that Papa left behind will blossom more and more.

Amen.

COMMERCE

APPRECIATION

Thank you for visiting the online memorial of

Chief James Ogboko Edewor. It is our utmost

desire that you have been inspired by his life

story. It was always his wish that everyone he

came in contact with lived to their full

potential.

May his spirit inspire you to dream big dreams

and accomplish the loftiest goals you set for

yourself

Like Chief Edewor, keep dreaming big!!

God’s richest blessings!!!

- The James Ogboko Edewor Foundation