By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Port Harcourt
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has pledged to personally foot the funeral expenses of the late former acting Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, ENB Opurum, the Onye Ishi Etche of Echie of Etche kingdom) in Rivers State.
Wike made the pledge yesterday when he paid a condolence visit to the family of the foremost traditional ruler, who died peacefully at the age of 106, over two weeks ago.
Paying tribute to the late monarch, Wike, who was accompanied by the APC governorship candidate, described Opurum as a father who played an important role in his life and political journey.
He recalled that when he was preparing to contest the governorship election, he visited the late traditional ruler, who prayed for and blessed him.
According to him, the blessing became effective, adding that the late monarch remained a father figure to him and the people of Etche Kingdom.
“I will personally take up the burial expenses of our late father. I remember how good and fatherly he was to me and the people of Etche Kingdom.
“He was always after truth, peace and unity of the people as a father. I want to be involved in this burial actively.
“I have to pick the funeral bill because I know that you will have a lot of other expenses to make after the burial,” Wike told the deceased’s first son, Prince Opurum, who received him alongside other family members.
Earlier, Prince Opurum recalled the contributions and achievements of his late father, His Eminence Opurum, in Rivers State, expressing joy that he was the last surviving member of the state’s set of founding fathers.
He said the late traditional ruler often spoke fondly of Wike, referring to him as his son.
Prince Opurum also reminded Wike of his promise to build a befitting palace for the people of Etche, saying his late father had also expressed the wish that the main road leading to the palace be constructed.
He disclosed that the funeral of the late traditional ruler, who was also the International Chairman of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star Traditional Rulers’ Fellowship, is expected to hold in the last week of December 2026.
