The Palace of the Pere of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom through the Gbaramatu Traditional Council of Chiefs as well as the leadership of Kokodiagbene Community among other sympathisers have expressed deep sadness at the demise of the Amadiwei of oil-rich Kokodiagbene Community, Chief (Elder) Paul Tonbrapagha Ukuli, JP, whose death occurred on April 5, 2026, at the age of 59 years.

In a condolence message, signed by the Puwei and the Fiyewei, Chief Isaiah Ukulor, JP, and Chief Godspower Gbenekama, JP, respectively, the Gbaramatu Traditional Council noted that the late Chief Ukuli "distinguished himself as a calm, focused, and insightful leader; a chief, usually presenting a dimension not easily noted by many during critical council deliberations."

The Council stated further that the late Chief Ukuli's "analytical acumen had helped the Traditional Council decide complex cases with commendable outcomes" and that he "was a team player, a peacemaker, a bridge builder with a convivial personality."

Describing the deceased as "a jolly good fellow" the Council expressed sadness that the late Chief Ukuli "has created a vacuum, not just in the Traditional Council and the kingdom, but also in the Ukuli family" while they prayed to the Almighty God to give "the family and the kingdom the fortitude to bear this great loss, and we wish his soul eternal rest in the bosom of the Lord."

On the part of Kokodiagbene Community, in their condolence message signed by the Chairman, Comrade Ark Selegha, and General Secretary, Mr. Gabriel Ukuli, they describe the late Amadiwei as the Chief Librarian of the community and a Pillar in the Bekenawei Dynasty, as well as recognised his leadership acumen having served as Secretary, and then Vice Chairman of the community.

"The late Chief Paul Ukuli will also be remembered as the Chief Librarian of Kokodiagbene Community, keeping in his safe custody valuable documents. His high level of intelligence was often displayed when he makes presentation by heart without resorting to reading from such documents, having painstakingly studied them and memorised them—a feat only intelligent minds could achieve.

"His position as Amadiwei of Kokodiagbene community, which he held till his untimely death, is a testament to his deep knowledge about the community and the kingdom.

"The late Chief Paul T. Ukuli, who is well outspoken, is also a pillar in the Bekenawei Dynasty and in Kokodiagbene Community in general; an icon that inspires and motivates the youths.

"The kokodiagbene community will miss his wise counsel and dedication to duty as he always makes himself available to serves the community and the people even as the Town Planning Committee Chairman till death called," part of the message reads.

Other sympathisers who condole with the Ukuli family include members of the Merchant Club of Nigeria whose condolences was signed by its President, Merch Sonnie Robert Emaniru; the Augustinian Brothers whose condolences was signed of the Parish Priest of St. Cyprian Catholic Church, Very Rev. Fr. Nicholas Barki OSA; the Foursquare Gospel Church whose condolences was signed by the Snr. Pastor/District Overseer, Rev. Dr. Imeleye Emmanuel, and the Church Secretary, Bro. Confidence Idjai.

The late Chief Ukuli, whose memory was honoured with a Service of Songs ceremony at his residence in Ekpan Delta State, om Tuesday, May 5, 2026, will be laid to eternal rest in his hometown, Kokodiagbene Community, Gbaramatu Kingdom, on Friday, May 8, 2026.

He is survived by a wife, Mrs. Onome Ukuli, who is a native of Okpokunou Community in Akugbene Mein Kingdom, Burutu council area; seven children and nine grandchildren. May his gentle soul rest peacefully in the Bosom of the Lord, Amen.

#penglobalcommunity #condolences #LateChiefPaulUkuli #Kokodiagbene #Gbaramatu #Delta