The ancient town of Owhelogbo in Isoko North Local Government Area was filled with solemnity and reverence on Friday as family, friends, clerics and dignitaries gathered at St. Stephen’s Anglican Church for the funeral service of Mrs. Joan Elo Edafioghor, the Oni-Ewheya of Ogboje, who passed on at the remarkable age of 92.
The funeral service, marked by deep spiritual reflections and glowing tributes, drew prominent personalities including representatives of the Delta State Government, three Anglican bishops, military commanders, academics and community leaders.
In an inspiring sermon, the Bishop of Oleh Diocese, Anglican Communion, Rt. Revd. John Aruakpor, drew his message from John 11:25–26, where Jesus proclaims Himself “the Resurrection and the Life.”
The Bishop highlighted three cardinal truths from the scripture: Jesus is the Resurrection, Jesus is the Life, and Jesus offers the promise of eternal life.
He described this promise as an unshakable assurance—“that though a believer dies, he shall live again, and that whoever believes in Christ will never die.”
He stressed that Christ’s message goes beyond physical death, pointing to the certainty of eternity and the avoidance of spiritual separation from God.
Bishop Aruakpor reminded the congregation that life’s delays, hardships and unanswered prayers should never be mistaken for divine absence. Just as Jesus delayed before visiting Lazarus so that God’s glory might be revealed, he said, God may permit difficult circumstances for a higher purpose. “No situation,” he emphasized, “is beyond Christ’s power.”
The Bishop warned about the reality of eternity, noting that every soul lives forever because humanity bears God’s image. He illustrated this through stories highlighting the seriousness of sin, the need for genuine repentance, and the danger of secret wrongdoing. True death, he said, is not physical departure but eternal separation from God.
He concluded with a call to wisdom, repentance and authentic Christian living, urging the congregation to examine their lives, confess and forsake sin, forgive others, and hold firm to Christ’s promise of everlasting life.
The service was also attended by Bishop of Warri Diocese, Rt. Revd. Christian Ide, and Bishop of Ozoro Diocese, Rt. Revd. Benjamin Idume, who joined in commending the late matriarch’s life of faith and service.
Representing Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, delivered the Governor’s tribute, describing the late Mrs. Edafioghor as “a pillar of faith, dignity and strength who devoted herself to the service of God, her community and the upbringing of accomplished children and grandchildren.”
“On behalf of my family, the government and the good people of Delta State, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the entire Edafioghor family of Ekruogboje, Owhelogbo, particularly to her distinguished sons, Engr. Fred Amawhe Edafioghor and Brig. Gen. Engr. Efe Edafioghor (Rtd),” the Governor said. “Though her passing brings sadness, may the family find strength in the beautiful memories of a mother who gave her all to humanity.”
He prayed for the peaceful repose of her soul and for God to grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss.
Among the dignitaries present were Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Johnson Erijo; former Secretary to the State Government, Chief Ovuozourie Macaulay; Olorogun John Oguma; Chief Mike Okah; Vice Chancellor of the University of Delta, Agbor, Prof. Stella Chiemeke; General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Emekah; and Brigade Commander, 63 Brigade Asaba, Brig.-Gen. M. A. Shonibare.
The late Mrs. Joan Elo Edafioghor is remembered as a community pillar, a devoted Christian, and a matriarch whose legacy of faith, service and love continues to reflect in the lives of her children and generations after her.
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