The Lifetime of a Matriarch, Ani-Gunn Rhoda Ikiogha
Etete Enideneze writes on The Lifetime of a Matriarch, Ani-Gunn Rhoda Ikiogha
The loss of a dear person is irreplaceable and grievous to those left behind. However, when it happens at old age and the deceased lived an accomplished life, the living celebrates the dead.
This is more so as the Bible says that, it is appointed onto every human once to be born and once to die and that for everything thanks should be given to God.
Therefore, the eternal journey of Madam Ani-Gunn Rhoda Ikiogha, who died January 29, 2024, at the age of 91, though grievous to the bereaved families, is a celebration of a fulfilled life lived on earth.
After all, considering the dwindling life expectancy in our clime, living up to 91 is a blessing, even though the family still needed her matriarchal presence and wise counsels.
Nevertheless, the bereaved children and extended families take solace in the facts that God giveth life and taketh when the appointed time comes. Thus, the nonagenarian, Ani-Gunn deserves honour even in death, for her remarkable life and onward journey to God, the Maker of humankind.
Born August 29, 1933, to Mr. Adagilo Ukuta and Mrs. Odu Stanley Adagilo (all of blessed memories), of Akenfa-Epie, Ani-Gunn was the third child of the marriage.
In an era in which formal education was not easily accessible to even male children in her community, let alone to the girl-child, little Ani-Gunn did not have the opportunity of attending school.
Her father died while she was about six years old and she and her siblings were catered for by their eldest brother, Mr. Adagilo Stanley (of blessed memory), who as a farmer equally trained them in the vocation.
Stanley, who was also a Vicar of St. John’s Anglican Church, Akenfa-Epie, groomed little Ani-Gunn in Christianity and she was baptized and named Rhoda. She was a devotee of the Anglican Church for decades, but later joined New Covenant Faith Proof Ministry, City of Truth.
In later years of her life, she worshipped at Redeemed Christian Church of God’s Rose of Sharon House Fellowship in her son’s compound.
While as a young virtues girl living with her brother, Mr. David Ikiogha of Agalaba Compound in Kpansia-Epie, then resident at Akenfa, asked for her hand in marriage. On consummation of the marriage traditionally, their union begat children; four are alive.
Together the couple worked hard, especially through crop farming to make ends meet, and also trained their children in school in different professions and trades.
Although Rhoda did not acquire Western education, she was endowed with wisdom and social skills, which enabled her to relate with people; and effectively mobilised women to advocate for their rights and justice for society. She also sensitized women to participate in communal, religious and civic programmes of government.
For instance, as an activist she was one of the young Epie women who fought against introduction of tax on women, and school fees in the then colonial Eastern Region in 1958, an incident commemorated till date as Obunem-Epie Festival. The Epie female activists were inspired by the spiralling influence of the Aba Women Riot of 1929.
Ani-Gunn’s leadership and mobilisation prowess earned her the position of women representative on the Agalaba Family Council in Kpansia, for decades.
She was an adviser and astute mobilizer of the female folk in Kpansia, Akenfa and Epie at large, when she was in her prime ages.
As an entertainer and custodian of the Epie culture, Ani-Gunn was a thrilling dancer and singer, for example in Ogbo, a popular dance group brought to Epie by Anthony of Akinima-Engenni.
She was a good counselor, a loving and caring mother to her children, and was equally hospitable to their friends, some of whom she took as foster children. In fact, her house was always open to relatives and visitors whom she usually received with hospitality.
Her traits of enterprise and comitment to work, which she inculcated in her children through farming, are visible in their chosen endeavors in which they are all doing well.
Madam Ani-Gunn Rhoda Ikiogha, Nee, Adagilo is survived by an elder sister, Chief (Madam) Uwaranku Johnson; a daughter, Elder (Mrs.) Better Asiou, trader; three sons: Chief (Dr.) Diekivie Bovie Ikiogha, a scientist, businessman and politician; Hon. Sinizibe Ikiogha, educationist and entrepreneur, as well as Deacon Inivie Ikiogha, businessman.
Also left to mourn her are 22 foster children, among whom are former president, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, King A. J. Turner, King Collins Daniel, Chief (ESV) Isiya Albert, Chief (Dr.) Alalibo Johnson, Pastor (Engr.) Obunene Clement Garrick, Dr. Leader Stanley, Chief (Prince) Tovie Stanley and Mrs. Monica Solomon, etc.
Others are 21 grandchildren, including Hon. (Mrs.) Keseme Wilson Asiou, Sir (Hon.) Tobiseme Wilson Asiou, Engr. Ayimovie Ikiogha, Engr. Fameme Ikiogha, Barr. Ukieh Ikiogha, etc; 20 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren; 40 daughters-in-law, and many relatives too numerous to mention.
Funeral of nonagenarian commenced December 18, 2024, with a crusade by Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Region 27, amid other activities on different days, including funeral service at Central Epie High School Kpansia-Epie, December 20 and interment same day, by RCCG Region 27.
The final rites, Beletiomo, takes place December 26.
Entertainment activities lined up include performances by Christian bands; secular performances such as Owigiri, old school pop and regae jams, cultural dance by Bayelsa State Council for Arts and Culture troupe, Epie cultural dance and local cuisines, football competition, wrestling contests, visits by sons-in-law, unveiling of a book in her honour, among others.
Indeed, Madam Ani-Gunn was a hard working woman who made enormous sacrifice for the progress of her children and others, and for the advancement of women and community development.
The bereaved children, relatives, friends and sympathizers from all walks of occupations will pay last respect to the nonagenarian, Madam Ani-Gunn Rhoda Ikiogha, tomorrow, Friday December 20, 2024, as she embarks on the journey to eternity.
Adieu Mama Ikiogha, adieu! Rest in perfect peace!
