Snr. Boan. Pa. Opuede Uremure Onimiyenmene, a native of Okerenkoko Federated Community in the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, has been honoured with the Ibe-Okosuwei (oldest man) of the kingdom, during his installation and conferment ceremony by the Pere of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, Oboro Gbaraun II, JP, who was represented by the Pere Gbolu, High Chief P. T. Heavens, JP.

The historic ceremony held in Okerenkoko community on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, with traditional chiefs, community leaders, youths, women, and dignitaries from across the Kingdom in attendance to celebrate the emergence of the new Ibe-Okosuwei.

Snr. Boan. Pa. Onimiyenmene takes over the oldest man title from the former holder, Pa. Chief Ituebi Gabriel Aruwei Bakpa (of blessed memory) who hails from Kunukunuma Federated Community and transited at the age of 110 years in December 2024.

In a citation of the Ibe-Okosuwei read by Dcn. Ernest Bebenimibo, "Snr. Apostle Pa. Opuede U. Onimiyenmene was born into the families of Pa. Onimiyenmene Odibo of Oboro Quarters, Benikrukru Community, and Mama Ukudon Oluba Akpata of Okiri Quarters, Okerenkoko Community, both in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West LGA, Delta State. He is over 100 years old.

"From his early years, Papa took to fishing as his major occupation. He  engaged in his fishing activities in various fishing camps across Niger Delta communities, where he earned respect for his hard work and integrity.

"In pursuit of God’s calling, Papa attended the Seraphic School of Theology, Ugbonla during the 1991/1992 session. He was ordained a Senior Cherubim and, due to his dedication and commitment to the work of God, he was later elevated to the rank of Senior Apostle.

"Following the passing of Late Pa. Aramisi Sokoto in 2018, Papa emerged as the oldest man of Okerenkoko Federated Community, a position he has held with dignity and wisdom.

"Until his installation today, Snr. Apst. Pa. Opuede U. Onimiyenmene, is a dedicated and committed member of the Prayer Band Group of BIBOPERE Zion Church, Okerenkoko, where he serves God daily with fasting and prayers.

"Papa is widely known as a 'Fasting Giant'. He fasts and prays daily for the peace of his family, the Church, the Community, and the entire Gbaramatu Kingdom."

According to Dcn. Bebenimibo, when asked in the course of this citation about the secret of his good health and longevity, he said: "Serving God keeps me alive and healthy to this day. God is my sustainer and preserver over the years." Continuing further in the citation, he said, "Papa was happily married and was blessed with children and grandchildren who are making him proud.

"Your Royal Majesty, Oboro Gbaraun II, Aketekpe, Agadagba, the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, the Gbaramatu Traditional Council of Chiefs, Ladies and Gentlemen, for and on behalf of the leadership of Okerenkoko Federated Community, l do hereby respectfully and formally present to you Snr. Apostle Pa. Opuede U. Onimiyenmene Odibo, to be installation as the Ibe-Okosuwei of the Ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom," he concluded.

The colourful ceremony highlights the important place of honour accorded to the aged, a position which "underscores the value of wisdom and the wealth of experience that accompanies old age" according to the Fiyewei of the ancient kingdom, High Chief Amb. Godspower Gbenekama, JP, Ph.D, during his remark at the historic ceremony.

View photos from the historic ceremony on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CcyuQMgr7/