By Our Reporters
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, joined by his wife, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, his predecessor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, and the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, on Saturday led a host of dignitaries to bid farewell to the late Dr. Joseph Sisanmi Otumara.
Dr. Otumara, a distinguished medical practitioner, seasoned politician and administrator, was interred in his hometown Warri, after a career marked by meritorious public service at both the local and state levels.
The funeral service, which attracted political leaders, traditional title holders, family members and associates, was held at Yonwuren College, Ugbuwangue, Warri.
The service was conducted by the Itsekiri Pastors Association, under the leadership of Bishop Mike Oyemiren.
In attendance were the former First Lady of Delta State, Mrs. Roli Uduaghan; the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Solomon Arenyeka; former Senator representing Delta South, Senator James Manager, alongside other political stakeholders, friends and members of the Otumara family.
The solemn ceremony featured soulful renditions by the Warri Choral Society, with Bible lessons drawn from Ecclesiastes 8:1-9 and 2 Peter 3:3-14.
Born on December 16, 1960, the late Otumara, until his demise, was the Chairman of the Itsekiri Politicians Forum and held the revered traditional title of Obarisuwa of Warri Kingdom.
He had served three terms as Chairman of Warri South Local Government Council, and previously as Commissioner for Health, Delta State. From 2019 until his passing, he served as Chairman of the Warri/Uvwie and Environs Special Area Development Agency.
In his sermon themed “The Marketplace and Its Legacy,” Bishop Oyemiren admonished Nigerians to live impactful and purposeful lives that will outlive them. Drawing an analogy between life and a marketplace, he noted that every sojourner must inevitably return home.
“Nobody visits the market and does not return home,” the cleric said, describing Dr. Otumara as a man who had finished his earthly course, leaving behind a legacy defined by selfless service, exemplary leadership and community impact.
He challenged the congregation to live in the fear of God and with eternity in perspective, asking: “When we die today, what will men say about us?”
Also ministering at the service, Bishop Mike Laju urged the people to redeem their time wisely, stressing that human existence on earth is transient and time-bound.
In his tribute, the Chairman of the APC in Delta State, Chief Solomon Arenyeka, eulogized the deceased as a man who left “indelible footprints on the sands of time.”
Arenyeka described Dr. Otumara as kind-hearted, humble, meek, a pathfinder and God-fearing leader whose contributions to governance, the medical profession and humanity will remain indelible.
He prayed for divine comfort for the bereaved Otumara family and for the peaceful repose of his soul.
