Late Princess Mrs. Veronica Okodogbe nee Ojese Abhulimen, beloved mother of Anthony Okirika, has been laid to eternal rest after a befitting Christian funeral rite which was followed by a grand reception ceremony at Ubiaja in Esan South-East local government area of Edo State, on Friday, April 24, 2026.

The funeral rite which was conducted by Pastor Kingsley Amayo of the Richly Blessed Christian Assembly (RIBCA), was marked with Bible readings, singing of hymns, documentary, testimonials, among other activities.

Meanwhile, Mr Anthony, son of Chief Dr. Wellington Okirika, the Bolowei of ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom and pioneer chairman of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), in his tribute, expressed his gratitude to his beloved mother and praised her for her motherly and godly virtues.

He wrote, "To my loving, charming, caring and inspiring mother in Heaven, I say a big THANK YOU for always showing up for me endlessly. Even though you are no longer here with me, I can still feel your guidance principle.

"Mama, you are Irreplaceable, not on Earth neither in Heaven. You were my hero, my superwoman; you were the strongest person I have ever known. Mama was not only a great mother, she was an extraordinary human being. Her character disposition was the kind you rarely see in this world—she embodied love, strength, protection and teaching will.

"I acknowledge the lessons you taught me as a growing child; they are surely formed my guiding lights today. I am who I am today because of your prayers. Not a single day goes by without thinking of you Mama. Your soul may have left this Earth, but your Spirit will guide me through the journey of life. Rest well my Mama," he concluded in prayers.

According to her biography, the late Princess Mrs Veronica Okodogbe (nee Ojese), also known as MISS, was born on the 6th of September 1947 to the family of late Julius Ojese Abhulimen, the Obanyagbon of Ubiaja Kingdom of Uokia quarters and Late Mrs Martha Ojese Abhulimen (nee Obiyan) of idumehan quarters (both of blessed memories), both in Ubiaja, Esan South-East Local Government Area of Edo State. 

The fifth of six children, her radiantly inclined beauty was second to none, which earned her the nickname 'MISS' as in Miss Universe. She attended Saint Benedict Catholic Primary School Ubiaja where her father was a well-respected and a British colonial teacher from 1953 to 1959, and proceeded to Modern School in Ubiaja immediately after which she met the love of her life, High Chief Wellington Okirika and had her first child, Mr Tony Okirika.

She worked with the Federal Ministry of Internal Affairs, particularly the Ubiaja Prison, now known as Ubiaja Correctional Center. she was so dedicated to duty that she rose to the rank of a staff officer. She later retired and started her own business in Merchandising of Uromi. Later in her life, she married Mr. Okodogbe of Uromi.

She was described as a pillar and an epitome of support to her siblings, extended and nuclear families. She loved gardening, cooking and volunteering at our local church. Her kindness and generosity basically was to assist those in need within her community. She was very industrious and leaves behind the legacy of compassion, strength and resilience.

She passed on to eternal glory on the 15th of February 2026 after a brief illness at the age of 79 years. She is survived by her children and grandchildren. May her soul continue to rest in perfect peace, Amen.

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