Revered Also In Death: A Recap Of Last Respect Accorded King Igodo
Written By Enideneze Etete – Renowned poet, Gabriel Okara wrote in his classic poem, The Fisherman’s Invocation, that: ‘The celebration has now ended but the echoes are all around whirling like a harmattan whirl-wind throwing dust around … the drums lay quiet … the dancers disperse walking with feet that have known many dances”.
Indeed, the funeral of HRM (King) Godwin Gurosi Igodo, JP, KSC, has ended but memories of the events are still fresh. So will the life of the monarch who embodied humility, love, peace, and unity, continue to reverberate, as his passage signified the passage of an era.
It began in the morning of Monday, November 24, when sounds of cannon shots announced the funeral in the wee hours of the morning, followed by ‘ogele’ (procession) which took over the streets and roads of Yenagoa. Atissa women and men adorned in colourful native attires, sang praises of their beloved king, to convey his body to Obogoro.
The sounds of the Talking Drum, called the alias of the ancestors, warriors, wrestlers and legends of the Kingdom, announcing commencement of the funeral and issuing instruction that every subject must honour the King during the period.
On same Monday, a solemn night of Tributes and Lighting of Candles took place at the Obogoro waterfront, near the King’s Palace, where glowing eulogies were poured on him.
On November 25, a public lecture was delivered in honour of the King, by eminent historian, emeritus Professor Chabouvie Memekiezibe Sorgwe, who relived the philosophies, life and times of the late King Igodo. Same day at Noon, the King’s autobiography book, The Bridge Builder: Memoirs of King Igodo, was unveiled, and reviewed by Professor Steve Sinikiem Azaiki.
Dissecting chapters of the book published by Newzmarshal, Azaiki in his characteristic nostalgia and versatility, retold the life of a king who personified humility, peace and service. He spoke of a traditional ruler who built bridges across cultures, clans, and tribes—a monarch whose daily motto was ‘Babokie’: “love, peace, and unity.”
The guest lecturer, Professor Sorgwe, and reviewer of the autobiography, Professor Azaiki challenged Epie-Atissa people to document events and their life’s activities in biographies. They stated that such works will help preserve history of personalities and the two kingdoms.
Azaiki lauded the King for documenting his life and delving into historical antecedents of Epie-Atissa, Bayelsa and Nigeria, and commended the publisher and editors of the book, for doing a good job.
November 26, brought the cultural entertainment of Atissa to life, at the Oxbow Lake Pavilion, where troupes of women and little girls took the audience back memories of the native songs and dance moves inherited from their forebears.
Thereafter, in the morning of November 27, Atissa youths did a street procession (Ogele) in honour of the King whose leadership style was adored by all classes.
This was followed by a Service of Songs held at Gabriel Okara Cultural Center, same day. At the event which was was thronged by people, Christian songs, hymns, sermon and eulogies rented the air, for a revered king.
The main day of the funeral, November 28, entered the annals of Atissa and Bayelsa’s histories, as a remarkable day. Expectedly, a crowd of people from all strata of the society, from far and near, turned up to pay King Igodo the last respect.
A mammoth crowd of Chiefs and the King’s subjects escorted the body of the Ebeni-Ibe, with pump and royalty, from the morgue to the Obogoro School Field.
Mythical of the burial of kings in Atissa, even nature affirmed that the day was set aside for a royal funeral. Rain showered blessings on the colourfully designed arena, when the King’s body arrived and lay in state.
But the rain stopped, and sun shone on the arena, where The Anglican Dioceses, courtesy St. John’s Anglican Church commenced the funeral service in atmosphere enveloped with solemnity, and edification for the living. Hymns in the forms of dirge, songs from the choir, Amange Christian Band, and prayers from the clergy signalled the presence of angels.
Eulogies poured on the late King for his services to God and society, as well as personal accomplishments. The sermon and admonishments at the funeral service reminded humankind of the essence of righteousness, inevitability of death and judgement.
From the funeral service, the body of the Obeni-Ibe was conveyed to the new palace hall built and donated by Ebe-Ovie 1 of Atissa Kingdom, Professor Steve Azaiki, where the body of the king was laid to rest.
The funeral was graced by various class of persons and organizations. Some lent financial and in-kind support, some prayed, some carried out assignments towards the success of the funeral.
Epie monarch, King (Barr) Malla Sasime, his Council and subjects came in their numbers to wish their brother-king, HRM Igodo farewell.
Kings from other kingdoms, Traditional Rulers Council of Bayelsa State, Bayelsa Elders Council, Ijaw National Congress, Ijaw Youth Council, Epie-Atissa Youth Congress, Christendom, the political class, government, captains of industry, etcetera, joined Atissa Kingdom to honour the deceased King Igodo.
After the funeral service, same day, the reception segment exploded with musical performance by Barrister Smooth, the Paddle of the Niger Delta, and his performing crew. His energetic performance sent the audience agog.
Paternal and maternal lineages of the king (Ibili-gene and Ibili-gbele), as well as big-bride price and small-bride price sons-in-law (Udomu-gene and Udomu-gbeli) took turns on November 29, to bury their late father-in-law. They offered assorted drinks and money as customary in Epie-Atissa tradition.
After the successful interment, a thanksgiving service was held in St. John’s Anglican Church Obogoro, on November 30, to return glory to God who brought King Igodo and took him back peacefully.
Then came Beletiomo, the final funeral rites on December 2; a revered tradition in which the bereaved Igodo family and relatives lined up, danced on the arena and donated drinks and briskets. The items were shared and consumed, as the custom demands.
An engaging wrestling competition between two great champions: Amen Zikenah and Harrison Israel preceded the Beletiomo.
During the final rites, the Because of Love crooner, Alfred Izonebi, aka J-King Robert, Izon-ebi and his scintillating female dancers held the audience spellbound at the Obogoro School Field, with his re-branded Owigiri music, amid frenzy mood.
The Beletiomo ritual, which was also blessed with showers of rain, symbolized end of the funeral and send-forth of the King to the eternal world.
Indeed, the well-attended funeral, was a well-deserved honour for a king who prioritized peace and public service above personal interest. The homage accorded him, even in death, attests to his charismatic leadership and the honour he gave others. Thus, he was paid in return for the goodwill he created while alive.
King Godwin’s kingship was a continuum of the royalty entrusted on his grandfather, Chief Omonowe Igodo and his father, Chief Gurosi Igodo, who both reigned as Ebene-Eken of Obogoro, at different times. His kingship also had roots in the royalty of his maternal lineage: Kings Aduku Simangi; B. L. W Mabinton and Fredrick Abiye Agama, leaders whose names become proverbs in Epie-Atissa.
King Godwin Gurosi Igodo believed in education, ensuring every one of his children attained university education. He united Epie and Atissa. He gave freely. He ruled gently. He loved deeply.
Atissa indeed lost a rare gem, dubbed as A Bridge Builder; a personification of peace and love; a King who reigned with dignity, and departed with honour.
Nevertheless, his exit is rather a challenge for Atissa leaders to maintain, emulate and even surpass his leadership styles and accomplishments.
This, the kingdom must strive to achieve, to catalyze progress, and appease the spirit of HRM (King) Godwin Gurosi Igodo, JP, KSC in his eternal abode.
Rest on in eternity. Rest perfectly in the Lord’s abode, our amiable Bridge Builder, selfless leader, lover of peace, alias Babokie. May the memories of your examplary leadership and accomplishments continue to inspire Atissa to greater heights.
