The Western Zone of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) has commiserated with the immediate past National President of the Congress, Professor Benjamin Okaba, over the passing of his mother figure, Late Mrs. Buobai Alice Eseimokumoh-Okaba.

The INC Western Zone, comprising Delta, Edo and Ondo States, in a condolence statement signed by its Chairman, Barr. Priye Noel Kuete, LL.M., expressed its deepest sympathies to Prof. Okaba and the entire Okaba family over the loss.

Kuete described Prof. Okaba as a distinguished son of Delta State and the INC Western Zone whose commitment to the defence and advancement of Ijaw interests has remained unwavering.

According to the statement, Prof. Okaba's years of leadership, sacrifices and contributions towards the unity, development and advancement of the Ijaw people, particularly in the Western Zone and the Ijaw Nation at large, deserve the solidarity of the people at his moment of grief.

"At this moment of grief, therefore, we consider it both a duty and a privilege to stand firmly with our brother, leader and son of the Western Zone. His years of service, sacrifices and contributions to the Ijaw cause cannot be forgotten," the statement said.

The INC Western Zone accordingly called on its leaders, executives, elders, stakeholders and members across Delta, Edo and Ondo States to mobilise and identify with Prof. Okaba and his family as they prepare to give the deceased a befitting final farewell.

It stressed that the period of mourning presents another opportunity for the Ijaw people to demonstrate their unity, solidarity and brotherhood by standing with one another in difficult moments.

"When one of us mourns, we all mourn; when one of us is in need of support, we all stand together," the statement added, noting that the collective presence of INC members would provide comfort to the bereaved family while reinforcing the bonds of unity within the Ijaw family.

Late Mrs. Buobai Alice Eseimokumoh-Okaba is scheduled to be laid to rest on Friday, August 14, 2026, at Kpakiama in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State.

The INC Western Zone prayed Almighty God to grant Prof. Okaba, the entire family and loved ones the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss and to grant the deceased eternal rest.

"May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Amen," the statement concluded.