The ancient town of Owhelogbo in Isoko North Local Government Area, Delta State, was steeped in solemnity on Friday as family members, clerics, community leaders and top government officials gathered for the funeral service of Mrs. Joan Elo Edafioghor, the Oni-Ewheya of Ogboje, who passed away at the age of 92.
The service, held at St. Stephen’s Anglican Church, attracted notable figures including representatives of the Delta State Government, three Anglican bishops, senior military officers, academics and traditional leaders.
Delivering a sermon drawn from John 11:25–26, the Bishop of Oleh Diocese, Anglican Communion, Rt. Revd. John Aruakpor, reiterated the Christian message of hope in the resurrection. He emphasized three key truths from the scripture: Jesus as the Resurrection, Jesus as the Life, and the assurance of eternal life for all believers.
According to him, Christ’s promise offers “unshakable confidence that though a believer dies, he shall live again, and whoever believes in Christ will never die.” He urged Christians not to mistake delays, hardships or unanswered prayers for divine absence, noting that even the delay before Jesus visited Lazarus served a higher purpose; to reveal God’s glory.
The Bishop cautioned the congregation on the reality of eternity, stressing that every soul lives forever because humanity bears the image of God. He highlighted the consequences of sin, the necessity of sincere repentance and the danger of secret wrongdoing. True death, he said, is not physical departure but eternal separation from God.
He concluded with a call for self-examination, forgiveness and steadfast Christian living.
Also in attendance were the Bishop of Warri Diocese, Rt. Revd. Christian Ide, and the Bishop of Ozoro Diocese, Rt. Revd. Benjamin Idume, who both praised the late matriarch’s enduring legacy of faith, service and community leadership.
Representing Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, described Mrs. Edafioghor as “a pillar of faith, dignity and strength” who devoted her life to service, family upbringing and community development.
“On behalf of my family, the government and the good people of Delta State, I extend heartfelt condolences to the entire Edafioghor family of Ekruogboje, Owhelogbo,” he said, acknowledging her sons, Engr. Fred Amawhe Edafioghor and Brig. Gen. Engr. Efe Edafioghor (Rtd). He prayed for God to grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss.
Other dignitaries at the event included Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Johnson Erijo; former Secretary to the State Government, Chief Ovuozourie Macaulay; Olorogun John Oguma; Chief Mike Okah; Vice Chancellor, University of Delta, Agbor, Prof. Stella Chiemeke; General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Emekah; and Brigade Commander, 63 Brigade Asaba, Brig.-Gen. M. A. Shonibare.
Mrs. Joan Elo Edafioghor is remembered as a devoted Christian, a community pillar and a loving matriarch whose legacy of faith and service continues to shine through her children, grandchildren and generations to come.
