Oborevwori, Okowa, Delta Leaders Bid Late Ex-Commissioner Joseph Otumara Farewell in Warri”
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his wife Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, former Governor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, and the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, joined dignitaries on Saturday to pay their final respects to the late Dr. Joseph Sisanmi Otumara in Warri.
The distinguished medical doctor, politician, and administrator was laid to rest following a life of public service in which he occupied several key positions across Delta State.
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The funeral service was held at Yonwuren College, Ugbuwangue, Warri, and was conducted by the Itsekiri Pastors Association, led by Bishop Mike Oyemiren.
Dignitaries, associates, and mourners in attendance included:
- Mrs. Roli Uduaghan, former First Lady of Delta State;
- Chief Solomon Arenyeka, State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC);
- Senator James Manager, former Senator; and
- Other political leaders, friends, associates, and members of the Otumara family.
During the solemn service, the Warri Choral Society rendered songs and praises. Scripture readings were taken from Ecclesiastes 8:1-9 and 2 Peter 3:3-14.
Distinguished Career and Leadership Roles
Dr. Otumara was born on December 16, 1960. Throughout his career, he served Delta State and his community in numerous key political and administrative roles.
His major titles and positions included:
- Traditional Title: Obarisuwa of Warri Kingdom
- Itsekiri Politicians Forum: Served as Chairman until his death
- Warri South Local Government Council: Three-time Chairman
- Delta State Government: Former Commissioner for Health
- Warri/Uvwie and Special Area Development Agency: Chairman from 2019 until his death
Sermons and Tributes
Officiating minister Bishop Mike Oyemiren urged Nigerians to live purposeful lives and leave behind legacies worthy of remembrance. Preaching on the topic “The Marketplace and Its Legacy,” Oyemiren likened life to a marketplace where everyone must eventually return home.
“Nobody visits the market and does not return home,” he said, describing the late Otumara as a man who completed his earthly race and left a legacy of service, leadership, and positive impact.
He urged the congregation to fear God and live with eternity in view, asking: “When we die today, what will men say about us?”
Another officiating minister, Bishop Mike Laju, urged the people to use their time wisely, stressing that everyone has a limited tenure on earth.
Paying tribute to the deceased, Chief Solomon Arenyeka, Delta State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), described Otumara as a man who left “indelible footprints on the sands of time.”
Arenyeka described him as kind, meek, humble, a pathfinder, and God-fearing. He added that Otumara’s contributions to society and the lives he touched would continue to be remembered, while praying that God console the Otumara family and grant the deceased eternal rest.