Speaking yesterday at the funeral of late Professor Abednego Ekoko at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Uzere, in Isoko South Local Council, Okowa stated that no land was worth the life of any individual and charged Isoko people to embrace peace in honour of Ekoko, who was an accomplished boundary scholar.
He said Isoko people could be united if they hold on to God and extend love and friendship to one another, recalling that Ekoko contributed immensely to the peaceful resolution of crises in many communities; hence he advised his people to end strife and tread the path of peace in his memory.
The governor recalled Ekoko’s vital role in the resolution of Aladja-Ogbe-Ijoh crisis and other boundary issues in the state and across the country when he served as National Commissioner of the National Boundaries Commission.
He counseled the people to eschew bitterness, especially over land matters, saying: “When you fight because of land and for the sake of the land, you destroy lives. Those lives you destroyed, you cannot recreate them when you settle.
“No land is worth the life of anyone and as leaders and elders, we ought to hand over things that will connote peace and development and not a crisis.
Earlier in his sermon, Bishop of Oleh Diocese (Anglican Communion), Rt. Rev. John Aruakpor, said Ekoko was a man who worked for peace across the country.
He described the deceased as a man who was an addicted singer and worshipper of God, even through pains and sickness.
He urged Christians to live in peace and shun bitterness and acrimony.
The service was attended by dignitaries from the academia, as well as Senator James Manager; Senator Stella Omu; former minister of Works, Chief Mike Onolememen and Mr. Victor Nwokolo of the House of Representatives, among others.
