WARRI, Nigeria – Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, alongside his wife, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, and his predecessor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, led a host of political leaders and dignitaries on Saturday to pay their final respects to the late Dr. Joseph Sisanmi Otumara, who was laid to rest in Warri.
The funeral service, held at Yonwuren College, Ugbuwangue, was a solemn gathering of the state’s political elite, including the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, former First Lady Mrs. Roli Uduaghan, and APC State Chairman Chief Solomon Arenyeka, who all converged to honour the life of the esteemed medical doctor, politician, and administrator.
Dr. Otumara, who passed away after a distinguished career in public service, held several key positions throughout his lifetime. He was a three-time Chairman of Warri South Local Government Council, a former Commissioner for Health in Delta State, and until his death, served as Chairman of the Warri/Uvwie and Special Area Development Agency (from 2019) and as Chairman of the Itsekiri Politicians Forum. He also held the traditional title of Obarisuwa of Warri Kingdom.
Officiating ministers from the Itsekiri Pastors Association, led by Bishop Mike Oyemiren, delivered powerful sermons urging Nigerians to live purposeful lives. In a message themed “The Marketplace and Its Legacy,” Bishop Oyemiren likened life to a market visit, stating, “Nobody visits the market and does not return home.” He described the late Otumara as a man who completed his earthly race and left a legacy of service and positive impact, urging the congregation to fear God and live with eternity in view.
Fellow officiating minister, Bishop Mike Laju, echoed the sentiment, stressing the limited tenure of human life and the importance of using time wisely.
Speaking during the tribute, Delta State APC Chairman, Chief Solomon Arenyeka, praised the deceased for leaving “indelible footprints on the sands of time.” Describing him as kind, meek, humble, and God-fearing, Arenyeka noted that Otumara’s contributions to society and the lives he touched would not be forgotten.
The Warri Choral Society provided musical renditions, while Bible readings from Ecclesiastes 8 and 2 Peter 3 set a reflective tone for the service. The funeral drew a large crowd of political leaders, friends, associates, and family members, all celebrating the life of a man born on December 16, 1960, who dedicated his life to the service of Delta State and the Itsekiri nation.
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