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By Young Erhiurhoro, Warri
It was a beehive of Christian and cultural activities as the remains of late Chief (Mrs.) Julie Oroweriodia Egoh (nee Ziregbe), aged 90, was laid to rest at her country home of Ewu-Urhobo town, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
The burial ceremonies which kicked off with the vigil of prayers and songs on February 11, 2021 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Ewu was conducted by the parish priest of the church, supported by other Catholic clerics. It was also a night of tributes by Mama’s children, siblings, the Ziregbe family of Ewu, the Egoh family of Uwheru, friends, business associates and loved ones on the life of late Mama Egoh.
A funeral mass conducted in honour of the late Chief (Mrs.) Julie Egoh at the same church the following day, February 12, 2021 witnessed a large gathering of Catholic priests like Rev. Fr. Ewherido, Rev. Fr. Mario Ozelle and others, parishioners, children, family members and guests.
In his homily, the guest preacher, Rev. Fr. Martin, described the deceased as a philanthropist per excellence, who helped the less privileged ones in the society and also the Church of God with her material wealth and hard earned financial resources without grudge or complaint.
The man of God, who recalled his relationship with the late Mama Egoh, and how she supported him while still in the seminary, admonished her children to emulate the good virtues of their late mother and to also contribute to the everlasting legacies left behind by their mother in the church and the community at large.
After the interment at her compound in the town, family members, guests, in-laws and well-wishers were treated to a reception put together by Mama’s children at the Eghereka Primary School playing field, Ewu.
Arube Music Ocheastra, an Isoko traditional music band and Evang. Jerry Ekpekuro, an Urhobo Christian artiste were on ground, dishing out sonorous lyrics and traditional songs in honour and respect of the late Mama and to the admiration of the multitudes of people present.
Speaking to our correspondent, Mama’s eldest son, Chief Ted Egoh, described her late mother as a caring mother with inestimable love for all her children and family members.
Hear him: “My mother was a caring mother. And her love for her children and every person that came her way was inestimable. She was a story teller with an incredible memory. She was a generous type that always shared the little she had with everybody.
“Today, she’s gone. Unfortunately, death is an experience that happens to all the living. I really miss her. But, I’m consoled for two reasons. First, I know she is in a better place where there is no sorrow, no more pains, no more suffering. All that is there is joy, happiness and peace. Secondly, by the grace of God, I have the hope that I will see her again.”
Also, step-daughter of the late Mama Egoh, Mrs. Felicia Overare, nee Egoh, who described the late ‘woman of substance’ as a pillar of hope in the Egoh family of Uwheru town. She extolled her virtues to include generosity, kindness, love and open heartedness.
“I can’t finish telling the good story of our late mother. She was my step mother. She was my father’s wife. She took care of us in the house as her own biological children. And we are indeed grateful to her for that kindness and love shown to us. As a first time visitor to our father’s house, it would be very difficult to distinguish us from Mama’s own children. She took care of us together.
“She was also a good adviser and highly disciplined woman. She doesn’t tolerate nonsense. She also guided us on the path of life. Today, we are happy because of the kind of training she gave us. We are here today to give her the last honour and respect as our lovely mother. We miss her dearly,” she said.
Late Chief (Mrs.) Julie Oroweriodia Egoh, nee Ziregbe, who lived a fulfilled life, died at the ripe age of 90 years. Because of her philanthropic gestures to the development of society and humanity, Urhobo monarchs of her own Ewu, Uwheru and Olomu kingdoms bestowed on her different chieftaincy titles. She was the Onirigho of Uwheru kingdom, Obotemuyovwi of Ewu kingdom and the Olorogun Atete of Olomu kingdom.
Late Mama Egoh was survived by six children, Mrs. Joyce Tuedor, Mrs. Beno Akpereva, Chief (Mrs.) Kim Agedah, Chief Ted Egoh, Chief Evuovo Egoh and Chief Obaro Egoh, nine grandchildren, a great-grand child and many family members. Late Chief (Mrs.) Julie Oroweriodia Egoh was married to late Chief Herbert Mukoro Egoh of Uwheru kingdom of blessed memory.
