OGHARA – By Okiemute Okpomor Mr. James Onanefe Ibori, former governor of Deita State has said that his entire life is a testimony to God just as he disclosed that his life is fashioned, directed and blessed by God.
Ibori disclosed this during a thanksgiving church service organised by Oghara Kingdom at First Baptist Church, Oghara, Ethiope West Local Government Area over his safe home coming from London, he said that the pains and sufferings his people went through during his travails were his burden during his trying times and not the physical stress he underwent.
According to Ibori who is commonly called ‘Odidigborigbo of Africa’ by friends, kinsmen and political associates, “what was most painful to me was the pains and suffering my people were going
through. It has nothing to do with me as a person because for some reasons I drew inspiration and strength from God”.
He expressed appreciation to the people for supporting him throughout his sojourn in London prison, adding that words cannot explain his gratitude for those who stood by him.
The former governor of Delta State said that the only testimony he had to give was that he is alive to see his people again, he noted that he is committed to the awesomeness of God in his life, adding, “somehow, I knew God will stand by me. I know that one day I will return home, I am indeed happy to be in your midst. Persons that I have missed so much are those of you that have suffered the pains of my absence.”
Ibori who spoke interchangeably in English language and Urhobo dialects again expressed his appreciation to the people for their show of love throughout his travails, adding, “If I am to give testimony of my journey we will not leave here today, adding, “the only testimony I have to give is that I am alive and standing in your midst. I never have any doubt in my mind that I will get back home”.
Earlier, in his sermon, Archbishop God–Do–Well Awomakpa in his homily titled “Knowing the gift of God” urged the people to emulate the good life of Chief Ibori, adding, “a gift of God is the one sent
to earth with a responsibility to put smile on the faces of people.
Many are the afflictions of the righteous but the Lord delivered them all,”.
Archbishop Awomakpa commended politicians that recognised and protect the church, he stressed that Ibori has done so much for the church and his people.
Also speaking, HRM Noble Oyibo Eshemitan, Orefe111, Ovie of Oghara kingdom said that Chief Ibori has placed the kingdom on the world map, noting that the people of Oghara will forever be grateful to him for what he has done for them and what would continue to use him to do for that kingdom.
According to HRM Orefe 111, “our son who was taken away from us, has come came back, we have to celebrate him We should pray that the good foundation he laid should continue.Our son went to a special school and now that he is back, we will have to welcome him him home. He respects traditional authority”.
The ceremony was attended by traditional rulers, including the Ovie of Oghara, Ovie of Ughelli, Ovie of Evwreni, Ohworode of Olomu, HRM Efeizomo, Obi of Owa kingdom among others.
Others were Chief Wilson Atumah, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, Immediate past governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Festus Agas, Secretary to the Delta State Government (SSG), former Police Affairs Minister and his wife, Alaowie and Mrs Broderick Bozimo, Com. Ovuozourie Macaulay, Chief Solomon Fukekeme, Senator Patrick Osakwe among others.
