Jonathan, NDDC MD attend burial of late Ayakoro monarch

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has paid glowing tribute to the late Paramount Ruler of Ayakoro Community, King Righteous Inegbagha, describing him as a man whose character truly reflected his name.

Jonathan spoke at the weekend during the funeral service of the late monarch held in Ayakoro Community, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. He attended the ceremony alongside the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku.

The former president said the late ruler lived a righteous and impactful life, adding that his reign brought peace, development and progress to Ayakoro Community. He described King Inegbagha as a respected traditional ruler, a close friend and a senior colleague from their school days at Martha Dei High School, Immiringi.

Jonathan also expressed appreciation to those who gathered to honour the monarch’s memory, noting that the large turnout was a testament to the life of service he lived.

In his tribute, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Ogbuku, said the late monarch embodied the values of righteousness, which, he noted, were evident in the enduring peace that characterised Ayakoro Community during his reign.

Quoting from the Bible, “When the righteous rule, the people rejoice,” Ogbuku described the burial ceremony as a celebration of a fulfilled and impactful life. He urged traditional rulers in the Niger Delta to emulate the virtues of the late king by promoting peace, unity and harmony in their domains.

According to him, sustainable development can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace, adding that the unity and developmental strides recorded in Ayakoro were clear reflections of King Inegbagha’s humility, team spirit and people-centred leadership.

Ogbuku expressed optimism about the future of Ayakoro Community, saying the strong foundation laid by the late monarch would inspire emerging leaders to build on his legacy and sustain the progress achieved during his reign.