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By Young E. Freeborn, Warri
A respected community leader and devout Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) member, late Mr. Evans Onakpoberuo Iloloje was recently laid to rest at the age of 79 at his hometown, Unenurhie community, Evwreni kingdom in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.
The funeral, which took place on Saturday August 27, 2022, began with an open air service at the deceased’s compound, led by the general superintendent and supported by other pastors in the CAC Ughelli district.
After the sermon and prayers for the children and family, the deceased was interred in his compound according to the funeral rites of the church.
A reception put together by the children, supported by members of the Iloloje and Ataghwemu families, followed at the Unenurhie Primary School playing field.
Speaking to our correspondent during the reception, Mr. Iserimena Evans, the second son of deceased, described his late father as a hard-working man who didn’t allow his children and wives to stay hunger, and as a dedicated and God-fearing Christian throughout his lifetime.
“My late father was a hard-working man. He was among those of his age in this community that made money in his time from business and farming at Agbere community in Bayelsa State.
“He was also a dedicated and God- fearing Christian. He was a member of this CAC since his young age. He was truly committed to the divine service of God. Not only that, my late father was a highly respected community leader. He once served as a member of the marriage committee and also held other leadership positions in the town.
“He was known as a bridge builder and a peace maker in the community. In fact, I learnt so many good virtues from my late father which I know, are helping me in my own life now. My late father left great legacies which can’t be forgotten easily amongst the children and other members of the family that were close to him,” he said.
In his tribute, Mr. Ben Iloloje, a younger brother to the deceased described the late Evans Onakpoberuo Iloloje as a very good man who always fought for the good of all.
“My late brother was such a good man. We were brought up by our parents in an environment of decency and harmony. They instilled in us virtues of humility, obedience, joy in labour, truthfulness and kindness. We grew up with these virtues to form the foundation and base of our life styles.
“Today, these virtues have separated us, including my late brother from the crowd. He was such a decent man and very generous, no matter the quantity of food he had. His death is a great loss to me personally and also created a very big vacuum in our family.”
The late Mr. Evans Onakooberuo Iloloje is survived by two wives, sixteen children, many grand and great grand children. He died after a brief sickness.
