The untimely departure on the occasion of the demise of Chief Mrs. Esther Ifeyinwa Okirika Nee Ojuederie on August 25, 2025, wife of the Bolowei of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, drew a wide-range of sympathisers across the state and Nigeria at large, to the residence of High Chief Dr. Wellington O. Okirika (JP), the pioneer chairman of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) and advocate for the establishment of the 13 percent derivation fund for host communities in Nigeria (HOSCON), on condolence visits marked by tributes.

As the Service of Songs ceremony in honour of the late Chief Esther Okirika held at the Anglican Diocese of Warri Cathedral Church of St. Andrew in Warri, on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, we bring to you some of the tributes from various organizations, groups, families, friends such as DESOPADEC, TROMPCON, Oporoza House, Anglican Girls Grammar School Old Girls Association (AGGSU–OGA) among others, as compiled from the condolence register. Excerpts:

"It is with a heavy heart that I received the sad news of the demise of the wife of our great leader and uncle, Chief Mrs. Esther Okirika. Life is truly a journey and death is the end of the trip. I give God all the glory for the privilege of a life well spent. I pray that God gives the husband and the family the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss in Jesus name, Amen." —  Olorogun Dr. Ebenezer Okorodudu, Executive Director, Project, DESOPADEC.

"A dedicated member of Anglican Girls Grammar School Ughelli Old School Association (AGGSU OGA). You were passionate about the welfare of our alma mata, consistently supporting the school financially even with your presence whenever needed. Your legacy will live on in our hearts. Rest in peace dear. You will be deeply missed, but forever remembered." — AGGSU OGA

"We, the Conference Committee members led by our Mother-in-Israel and our women’s chaplain, will miss you and your labour in the Lord greatly. Rest in the Bosom of the Lord until we meet again on the Resurrection Day in Jesus name, Amen." — Women’s Conference Committee

"AGGSU! Walking in the Light! Dear Great mum, mother full of grace and hope, mother full of passion and love, mother full of wisdom and understanding. Astute and erudite lecturer. A great philanthropist, always supporting AGGS Ughelli students and AGGSU old girls, financially. We missed you our lovely mummy, but God knows better. We will forever remember you and the works of your fingers. Rest on Mum!" — Chief Evang. (Mrs) Enefe Kelicha Uzoamaka, President, AGGSU OGA, Warri Branch

"On behalf of the St. Brendan’s Izon Catholic Community and the Gbaramatu Ijaw Catholic Community, we extend our condolences to Chief W. O. Okirika and his family on the passing of his dear wife. We pray that God will grant the family the fortitude to bear this loss and grant the departed eternal rest." — Gabriel Ukuli, Coordinator, Gbaramatu Ijaw Catholic Community.

"On behalf of the Gbaramatu Interdenominational Christian Fellowship, we condole with our National Leader, High Chief W. O. Okirika (JP) on the demise of his beloved wife. We pray that her soul finds solace in the Lord for this great loss to Gbaramatu Kingdom. May God grant her eternal rest in Jesus name, Amen." — Pst. S. T. Ukuli, Chairman, GICF & Apst. Dr. Mathias Zion Amaye, Vice Chairman, GICF

"Chief Mrs. Esther Okirika, you actually lived a fulfilled life as a backbone to Chief Wellington in the struggle for the sustainable development of the host communities and the 13% in particular. We shall continuously cherish your resilience. Rest in peace Esther." — Prince Makpobi Okarume, Pioneer National Secretary, TROMPCON

"The news of mama’s death came to me as a rude shock. I was not expecting this news even in the next 10 years. Ever since my dad (Chief W. O. Okirika) made her his wife and brought her into the Okirika family, she played the role of a mother-figure to me and as a grand mama to my children when I started giving birth. She was so supportive to me and my children. She will be greatly missed by us all. But we cannot question the All Wise God, who has decided that she should go and rest from all her labours and pains. We shall see her again on the Resurrection Day by God’s grace." — Mrs Ofeoritse Daupreye Erhisohwode (Nee Ogio-okirika)

"On behalf of the Board and Management of DESOPADEC, we, the Ijaw Board Members, commiserate with our leader and pioneer chairman of DESOPADEC on the demise of his beloved wife, Chief Mrs. Esther Okirika, with our prayer that God grant her eternal rest in Jesus name, Amen." — Hon. Spencer Ukpoye, Member, Ijaw Ethnic Nationality, DESOPADEC

"Esther, you were a worker of God. Indeed, your departure was painful, but glory be to God for a life well lived. We know you are going to rest with the Lord. Rest in the Bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ till the day of Resurrection when the trumpet will sound." — Rev. Dr. Pere-egbe Odogbo

"On behalf of the Ojuederie family, we sincerely miss our beloved sister, Esther Okirika. May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace."  — Joseph Jamogha

"Esther, Esther, sweet sixteen, that is what I always call you. Although you have answered the supreme call and I am shocked, still your motherly love lives on. Rest in the Bosom of the Lord." — Ese Odjuvwederhie

"To live in the heart of those who love is not to die. Rest in peace sweet mama until we meet to part no more." — Mrs Nita E. Oke

"My dear mummy, sweet and adorable. I thank God for your life. You really loved God and served Him to the end of your life and it is time to rest from all the pains and suffering. You fought the good fight and finished well and now with your Maker and Creator. May your soul rest happily and peacefully in the Bosom of the Lord. I love you but God loves you most, sleep well. Lots of love!" — Ezonebi Odumosu

"No more ‘College Mother’ when you call and no more response of ‘College Daughter’. You have run your race, you have finished the course and joyfully you kept the faith to the end. Rest in perfect peace in the Bosom of your Redeemer until the Resurrection Day. Goodbye my ‘College Daughter’." — Ezinne Julie Osamezu   

"You were indeed a mother to all. Your departure is touching, but God has the answers to everything. I know you are in a better place mummy. Truly, this world is not ours. Until we meet again to part no more. Rest on. Love you dearly." — Ebi Okirika Brendan

"You were always there for us and all that associate with the body of Christ. Mummy, may your soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in the Bosom of the Lord." — Sir Emmanuel & Lady Pauline Ekweigbe

"Grandma was more than just a grandmother to me. She was a pillar of strength, a well of wisdom and a heart overflowing with love for all. Her life was a testimony of faith, resilience and kindness. She was an anchor, someone we all could always look up to. Grandma, we miss you deeply. Your legacy of love, kindness and faith will never fade. Thank you for raising such a family that will continue to carry your values proudly. Heaven gained an Angel, though our hearts ache, we are comforted knowing you are resting peacefully in the Bosom of the LORD. Rest well grandma, we love you." — Isadora & Siblings

"Sweet sixteen as I used to call you. Hmmmm! It is hard to believe. You were indeed a sweet and beautiful person who touched lives. You will be greatly missed by all who knew you. Continue to rest in the Bosom of our Lord." — Dame Ochuko Ziegbe

"Mummy, it was a sad news to me because I always promised to come and see you, but I wasn’t able to keep my promise before your demise. You were there for me at my lowest point; you helped me and my family. May God grant your soul rest as you sing with the Angels. Adieu mama. Rest in peace." — Mrs Elohor Darlington

"Our dear Mama Okirika, your loss is so painful. But who are we to question God. He brought and He so decided to take you. May your soul rest in the Bosom of the Lord in Jesus mighty name, Amen." — Elder T. K. Ogoriba, Leader, Oporoza House

"Life is a journey and the destination sure you fought the fight of faith and now you have rested from your labours, which will be rewarded fully. The Lord you served faithfully is now embracing you. Rest well my sister. In the hands of Jesus Christ our Lord there is rest and healing. Well done!!" — Ven. Dr. Daru Ike, Mount Zion Family Church

"Our dear mother, we will miss you dearly! You have been a blessing to generations and we thought you could stay longer to continue your good works. Adieu Mama!" — Izon-ibe Christian Association

Others who paid condolences are Carena Odudu, Efeturi Okene, Biacli Emmanuel, Mr. Abanum Ambrose, Mrs. Elizabeth Utieyone, Chief John Obribai, Onuwole Olufemi & family, Amb. Endurance Bekenawei Nwachukwu (Pioneer President, Gbaramatu Female Graduates), Hon. French Otusan, Mrs. Glory Otutufegha (President, Gbaramatu Female Graduates), Kukaye Foster (State Chairman, HOSCON), Dr. Grace Oghenekevwe (State Women Leader, HOSCON), Mr. & Mrs. Blessing James Oluba, Elder Ari Sylvester Ari, Alfred Piniki, Chief Oboko Bello, God’s Care Orphange Home.

Also, Mrs. Alice Rewane, Mrs. Fidelia Eyione, Niger Delta Women Foundation, Enuebuke Gena, Mr Raphael T. Olomiegbene (Secretary, DESOPADEC Izon Staff Association), Barr. Patrick K. Ederi, High Chief Oloye Akani, Lady Lucky Uduophori, Barr. Mabel Asarah, Inner Wheel Club of Nigeria District 916, Chief Gen. Domben (National Youth Leader, PANDEF), Princess Ebele Marbel Ogwu.

View photos of the Service of Songs ceremony here: 

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