DISTINGUISHED SENATOR ALLWELL ONYESOH MOURNS LATE OCHIE OF ETCHE, H.E. OCHIE E.N.B. OPURUM, HAILS HIS LEGACY OF SERVICE
PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE — The lawmaker representing Rivers East Senatorial District, Distinguished Senator (Chief) Allwell Heacho Onyesoh, DSSRS, JP, paid a condolence visit to the royal palace following the passing of the Paramount Ruler of the Etche Ethnic Nationality, His Eminence, Ochie E.N.B. Opurum, JP, MFR, GSSRS.
Visibly moved during his interaction with the royal family, Senator Onyesoh expressed deep grief over the loss of the revered monarch, describing the visit as a painful departure from tradition.
“This is the first time I have entered this place and Ochie is not here. It is painful. Every time we came here, he was always here to receive us.”
A Giant in the History and Creation of Rivers State
Reflecting on the monarch’s vast contributions to the state and nation, Senator Onyesoh highlighted late Ochie Opurum’s distinguished record of public service and his role in shaping the political geography of the region.
The Senator noted that the late traditional ruler stood among the rare personalities in Rivers State who were honored with the Grand Star of Rivers State (GSSRS) award despite never having served as Governor—a testament to his visionary leadership and dedicated service to the people.
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Recalling the late monarch’s involvement in the founding of the state, Senator Onyesoh shared key historical milestones:
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The COR State Movement: In the 1960s, while part of the old Eastern Region, the late Ochie was among the key leaders who championed the struggle for the Calabar, Ogoja, and Rivers (COR) State.
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Creation of Rivers State: Following the 1966 political crisis, prominent sons of Rivers assembled to push for autonomy. The foundational document that formally yielded the creation of Rivers State bore the historic signature of the late monarch.
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Pioneering Governance: He served as the first Etche native in the Rivers State Cabinet, taking roles as Chairman of the Rivers State Marketing Board and subsequently as the state’s first Commissioner for Rural Development.
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Post-War Infrastructure: Before ascending the throne as the Ochie of Etche in 1975, he led major reconstruction drives, rehabilitating key roads and bridges destroyed during the Nigerian Civil War.
“A Bag of History” and an Unblemished Character
Throughout his decades of administrative and traditional service, Senator Onyesoh noted, the late Ochie maintained an unblemished character free of any public indictment. He described the late ruler as a living archive—“a bag of history”—whose formidable physical presence, warm sociability, and deep intellect enriched everyone around him.
“I agree that his children should bury him, not him burying them. For a beloved personality like him, we always want to have him more around.”
Addressing the bereaved family and the broader Etche kingdom, the Senator urged all sons and daughters of the land to take solace in the monarch’s towering legacy. He subsequently led those present in a two-minute period of silence and prayers for the repose of the late monarch’s soul.
Royal Family Responds
Responding on behalf of the family, Prince Opurum, the first son of the late monarch, expressed gratitude to Senator Onyesoh for the visit. He acknowledged the Senator as a true son of the palace who maintained a close father-son relationship with the late Ochie throughout his life.
“The spirit of Ochie is very happy with you. His spirit is very much alive. He has not left you as a father; he will continue to guide you and be with you,” Prince Opurum stated.
The Prince called on the people of Etche to uphold peace, preserve the late monarch’s enduring legacy, and remain united as one people. He extended the family’s appreciation to all well-wishers and stakeholders for their support during this period of national mourning.
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The condolence visit was attended by prominent traditional chiefs, community elders, royal family members, and key political stakeholders across Etche and the broader Rivers East Senatorial District.
May the soul of His Eminence, Ochie E.N.B. Opurum, rest in perfect peace.
Reported by Peace Christian Nnamdi for Gossiphome TV — Latest Nigeria News.
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