Abeg, make I gist una wetin happen for Ofoni as dem gather say bye-bye to late Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo. E be like movie, my people, as guests and weyala crowd pepper everywhere.
As early as morning, the place don turn national conference. Dignitaries wey no dey fit count, from President Bola Tinubu representative, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, to former President Goodluck Jonathan and di current Bayelsa Governor, Douye Diri, all of dem come show face.
The place get plenty black suits and white lace wey dey make sense, as dem all gather for St. Paul’s Catholic Church wey dey Ofoni. Na so dem dey remember person wey don go, make sure say di family no carry di burden alone.
Inside the church, the atmosphere dey heavy as everybody don gather. Pews full to the brim, latecomers dey stand outside hear which kind sweet words dem dey yan through di speakers. As di flower-draped purple casket waka enter, e be like say di whole church dey hold dem breath.
Senator Lokpobiri wey represent di President yarn sey ewhrudjakpo legacy no go vanish. E talk say, “Life na service and legacy. Ewhrudjakpo live am well, and e go always dey remembered for im wisdom and selflessness.” E really mean am o!
Former President Jonathan self dey drop him own tribute, call di late deputy governor “a good man wey dey serve di people.” E even talk say no be everyday politicians go receive that type of universal praise, but ewhrudjakpo get am. Him don touch plenty hearts.
Governor Diri dey miss im partner for governance wey im call “di dependable deputy.” E talk say ewhrudjakpo no dey joke with im life; he dey careful with wetin e dey chop and drink. “If na only carefulness fit save person, Lawrence for dey here,” Diri talk.
Bishop Hyacinth Egbebo wey dey do di homily encourage leaders to learn from ewhrudjakpo character. “E show us wetin politics suppose be. E dey generous, humble, and kind. We need plenty leaders like am,” e yan.
As di service wind down, dem carry di casket go outside for guard of honour. Choirs dey sing hymns wey dey touch the soul, and traditional rulers come do dia own rites wey fit move mountain. E get plenty people wey wey show face, from Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim, and even some plenty big men wey no fit count.
Na so di whole thing carry enter evening, condolences no dey end as people dey drop visits for di family till night catch dem. Na real tears and smiles wey dey mix together as people remember di good guy wey don go rest.
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