Delta State – NIGERIA: In a region where funerals are often as much about the living as the dead, the burial of Mrs Inedi Samuel Eyakidogho Akpoveta in southern Nigeria became a powerful reflection on longevity, faith and the enduring place of family in public life.
Held March 4th to 6th 2026 in Ofuoma, Ughelli North, in Delta State, the final rites for the 118-year-old matriarch drew large crowds, senior figures and cultural performers in what many described as a “carnival-like” farewell. At the centre of the ceremonies was her son, H.E. Amb. Olorogun Dr Isaac O. Akpoveta, Director General of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, whose standing in public life brought added prominence to the occasion.
Yet beyond the scale and colour, the funeral told a more intimate story — that of a woman whose life spanned more than a century, and a son determined to honour that legacy with both dignity and gratitude.
Mrs Akpoveta, born in 1908, lived through sweeping historical change, from colonial rule to independence and into modern Nigeria. Her early life reflected the realities of her time, when formal education for women was limited and expectations centred largely on marriage and family. Despite this, she built a life defined by enterprise, resilience and care for others.
Her funeral rites followed a blend of Catholic tradition and local custom. A vigil mass took place at St. Benedict Catholic Church, Ofuoma, followed days later by a funeral service that filled the church beyond capacity, with many mourners gathered outside. Clergy including Rev. Fr. Samuel O. Emerho, Rev. Fr. Ben Ignatius, Rev. Fr. Paul Orovwigho and Rev. Fr. Gregory Arianegu led prayers that focused on faith, humility and service.
Her interment at the family compound along Cool City Road marked the final stage of the rites, while a thanksgiving mass brought the ceremonies to a close.
The atmosphere surrounding the burial was striking. Cultural dance troupes performed, traditional rulers paid their respects, and community members gathered in large numbers. Such ceremonies, particularly for those who reach advanced age, are often seen as celebrations of a life fulfilled — an expression of honour rather than sorrow alone.
Mrs Akpoveta’s biography reveals why she commanded such respect. She was first married to Chief Oderhohwo Esowhode, with whom she had three children. After his death in 1952, she returned to her family home before later marrying Chief Samuel Eyakidoghor Akpoveta. Across both families, she played a central role in raising children and grandchildren, extending care beyond immediate ties.
She was widely known as a trader and farmer, but also as a philanthropist in her community. Her habit of feeding others earned her affectionate nicknames, reflecting a generosity that left a lasting impression on those around her.
Her religious journey was equally significant. Though baptised later in life, she became a devoted Catholic, receiving regular communion into old age. In 2023, she was installed as “Okpako Emete” of Ofuoma — a recognition of her leadership among women in the community — a role she held until her passing.
For her son, however, these public honours were only part of the story. In a deeply personal tribute, Dr Akpoveta spoke not just as a public figure, but as a son reflecting on a lifetime of guidance, sacrifice and love.
“With gratitude to God, we honour the life of our precious mother, who journeyed through 117 years of grace,” he said, framing her life as one defined not simply by age, but by spiritual depth and quiet endurance.
He described her as “a virtuous woman, strong in faith and rich in love”, words that echoed the values highlighted throughout the funeral rites. But his tribute went further, offering insight into the private strength that sustained their family across generations.
According to him, his mother’s life was marked by patience and resilience — qualities forged through personal loss, including the deaths of close family members, yet never allowed to harden her compassion. Instead, she remained a source of stability, providing care not only for her own children but for extended family and community members.
“She saw generations rise and was a blessing to all who knew her,” he said, capturing the breadth of her influence. In many ways, her life became a bridge between eras, connecting past traditions with present realities.
Dr Akpoveta also emphasised the sense of continuity his mother represented. Her legacy, he said, would endure through her children and “generations yet unborn”, suggesting that her influence extended far beyond her immediate lifetime.
Those close to the family noted the deep bond between mother and son. In her later years, he ensured she received consistent care and attention, a gesture widely seen as reflecting the values she had instilled. That relationship, built over decades, became one of the defining elements of the funeral narrative.
In his closing words, his tribute carried both sorrow and acceptance: “Though we mourn her passing, we rejoice in a life well lived… Sleep peacefully, Mama, until we meet again.”
It was a message that resonated with many in attendance — a reminder that grief and gratitude can exist side by side.
Mrs Akpoveta’s passing, and the manner in which it was marked, ultimately spoke to more than one family’s loss. It reflected the enduring importance of elders, the weight of memory and the quiet power of a life lived in service to others.
As was final laid to rest and the crowds dispersed, what remained was not only the image of remarkable longevity, but the story of a woman whose presence shaped lives across generations — and of a son who sought, in both word and action, to ensure that legacy would not be forgotten.
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