Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, his wife, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, and other dignitaries on Saturday paid their final respects to the late Dr. Joseph Sisanmi Otumara, who was laid to rest in Warri.

Otumara, a renowned medical doctor, politician and administrator, died after a distinguished career in public service, during which he occupied several key positions in Delta State.

The funeral service, held at Yonwuren College, Ugbuwangue, Warri, was conducted by the Itsekiri Pastors Association, led by Bishop Mike Oyemiren.

Among the dignitaries at the funeral were former First Lady of Delta State, Mrs. Roli Uduaghan; Delta State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Solomon Arenyeka; former Senator James Manager; political leaders, friends, associates and members of the Otumara family.

The Warri Choral Society rendered songs and praises during the service, while Bible readings were taken from Ecclesiastes 8:1-9 and 2 Peter 3:3-14.

Otumara’s Public Service Legacy

Born on December 16, 1960, Otumara was, until his death, the Chairman of the Itsekiri Politicians Forum and held the traditional title of Obarisuwa of Warri Kingdom.

He served as Chairman of Warri South Local Government Council on three occasions and was a former Commissioner for Health in Delta State.

Otumara also served as Chairman of the Warri/Uvwie and Special Area Development Agency from 2019 until his death.

His years in public service were marked by political leadership, community engagement and administrative responsibilities, earning him recognition across Delta State.

Clerics Urge Nigerians to Live Purposeful Lives

The officiating minister, Bishop Mike Oyemiren, urged Nigerians to live purposeful lives and leave behind legacies worthy of remembrance.

Preaching on the theme, “The Marketplace and Its Legacy,” Oyemiren likened human existence to a marketplace where everyone must eventually return home.

“Nobody visits the market and does not return home,” he said, describing the late Otumara as a man who completed his earthly race and left behind a legacy of service, leadership and positive impact.

He urged the congregation to fear God and live with eternity in view, asking: “When we die today, what will men say about us?”

Another officiating minister, Bishop Mike Laju, urged the people to use their time wisely, stressing that everyone has a limited tenure on earth.

Arenyeka Pays Tribute to Otumara

Paying tribute to the deceased, Delta State APC Chairman, Chief Solomon Arenyeka, described Otumara as a man who left “indelible footprints on the sands of time.”

Arenyeka described him as kind, meek, humble, a pathfinder and God-fearing, adding that his contributions to society and the lives he touched would continue to be remembered.

He prayed God to console the Otumara family and grant the deceased eternal rest.

The funeral brought together political leaders across party lines, traditional stakeholders, family members, friends and associates to honour a man whose decades of service left a significant mark on Delta State’s political and administrative landscape.