The remains of the Paramount Ruler of Ayakoro Community in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, His Royal Highness King Righteous Inegbagha were at the weekend laid to rest.

The late monarch died on September 5, after a brief illness at the age of 74.

He was survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, cousins, in-laws and many relatives.

High profile personalities from all walks of life attended his funeral service conducted by the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Ayakoro Community.

Speaking, former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan extolled the sterling qualities of the late Monarch, King Righteous Inegbagha, describing him as a man whose name (Righteous) depicts his character.

The former President said the late traditional ruler was a personal friend and senior colleague from their school days at Mater Dei High School Imiringi, adding that even in the school he has lived a righteous life devoid of unnecessary punishment of students.

He asserted that he was not surprised Ayakoro Community collectively made him their Paramount Ruler.

“So, I am not surprised when the Ayakoro people made him the King of the community. And like everybody said for development to come to this community with his tenure speaks volume.

“Williams Shakespeare said in one of his writings that “The world is a stage for all of us to come and play a role and leave.

But some people try to leave when the ovation is laudest so that people celebrate them more, people will remember them; people will mourn them more.

“King Righteous Inegbagha actually left us when his ovation was still so loud. We would have loved that he stays a little more with us. But God knows best. And we pray that the Almighty father that took him away from us grants the immediate family, Ayakoro Community, the Ogbia Kingdom and the extended families the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” Jonathan said.

The former President urged the Deputy Chief of Staff, Bayelsa State, Mr Irorodamie Komonibo to convey the appreciation of the people of Ayakoro and Ogbia Kingdom to Governor Douye Diri for sending a representative to the funeral service of the late Paramount Ruler.

Jonathan also expressed gratitude to Chief (Dr) Samuel Ogbuku and his wife, the Speaker, Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Abraham Ingoberre for delegating the Leader of the House, Rt. Hon Monday Edwin Bubou Obolo to represent him, principal officers and members, members of the state Executive Council, traditional rulers both within and outside the state, and everybody that attended the burial ceremony of the deceased.

Also speaking, Gov Senator Douye Diri of Bayelsa described the late monarch as a trailblazer and a man of impeccable character.

He said Inegbagha was a peaceful, loving, and caring person, leaving enduring footprints worthy of emulation.

The governor, who was represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Government House, Mr. Irorodamie Komonibo, said the late ruler was a distinguished custodian of the traditional institution who served with uncommon humility, adding that his reign provided stability, guidance, and timely leadership to Ayakoro Community.

In his remarks, Chief (Dr) Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), described the late King Righteous Inegbagha as a man who truly lived by the values of righteousness, as depicted in his name.

Ogbuku attributed the enduring peace that characterized the Ayakoro Community during his reign was responsible for the development in the community.

“Those of you that have never been to this community for a long time can see the transformation courtesy of his reign that brought about peace.

“Because without peace there can be no development. That is what every traditional ruler should imbibe as you leave this place. If you go back to your domains enthrone peace in your communities. Once there is peace other things will come in.

“Just as the Bible says” But seek first the Kingdom of God and his Righteousness, all these things will be added to you.

“When you seek peace in your community, development will come in. But when your community is divided, when there is fighting in the community it also repels development.

Development is very selfish just like capital. Capital is selfish. Capital does not want to go where there is crisis. So, development also avoids where there is crisis.

If there is one thing we must remember the departed King for, is peace that he enthroned in this community.

“And that is what I want all of us to leave this place with. Because where there is peace there is love. And where there is love, there is growth and there is development.

Thank you very much for honouring us,” Ogbuku stated.

He urged traditional rulers across the region to emulate the virtues of the late monarch by promoting peace and unity in their domains, stressing that development can only thrive in an atmosphere of harmony.

Ogbuku added that the unity and developmental strides recorded in Ayakoro were clear testimonies to HRH Righteous Inegbagha’s godly leadership, humility, team spirit, and love-driven style of governance.

Ogbuku further expressed optimism about the future of Ayakoro Community, noting that the solid foundation laid by the late monarch would inspire the emergence of leaders who would build on his legacy.

Pastor (Dr) Peter Akpe, Provisional Pastor, Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), in his message, lauded the exceptional qualities of late King Righteous Inegbagha, his impacts and devotedness in the service of God.

He said the late monarch lived and died in Christ, so he is not dead but is asleep, adding that there will be a day he will transit to meet with God.

Akpe enjoined the people to live lives worthy of celebration, asserting that individuals are remembered for the positive impact they make while alive.