Agbarha-Otor union eulogies Michael Ibru

The Agbarha Otor Improvement Union, Lagos, has described the passage of Olorogun Michael Christopher Onajirevwe Ibru, the Otota of Agbarha Otor Kingdom, who passed on at age 86; as a great loss to the country and the black race.

The union said the life and works of Chief Ibru was worth celebrating for his industrious contributions to the development of the country.

Speaking during a visit to the deceased’s family homes in Apapa and Ikoyi yesterday, the Patron of the union, Prof. Bruce Onabrakpeya, said there was nothing to mourn about the death of Chief Ibru, “Because he lived his life as God designed it and he also contributed immensely to lives around him.”

While Ibru’s children, Emmanuel, Gloria, Elvina, Okiore and Jonathan, hosted the union in Apapa, his wife and former Managing Director, Oceanic Bank, Mrs. Cecilia, received them at Ikoyi.

Prof. Onabrakpeya said: “We are rejoicing at his transition, for what the Lord made him to do for his people and Nigeria.”

He urged the deceased’s children to prepare their minds to carry forward the role their father played during his lifetime, saying: “Chief Ibru was a beginning of a dynasty. He would be remembered not only as a very successful businessman, but a unifying factor, who gave leadership and lived as a role model.”

“He was a creator of a dynasty. He was part of those who built the nation and also contributed tremendously to the growth and development of Agbarha-Otor

“Despite that he made his wealth in Lagos, he was still able to identify with his root to develop it. I encourage our people to emulate him,” he said.

Onabrakpeya noted that during his lifetime, Ibru never puffed, pointing out that though he, however, wore a very big shoe the shoe will never be too big for the children to wear.

“If Nigerians could emulate the livestyle of Ibru, the nation would not be in recession. He was an industrialist, philanthropist and humble man.”

In his address, the President of the union, Mr. Currency Okparadeta, said the delayed visit to the family was deliberate, saying: “When the news broke, we heard it, but the organisation could not have just rushed to say it wanted to pay condolence visit, because he is like second in command to the king of our kingdom, therefore, we had to wait until his death was officially announced by the king.”

Okparadeta said the condolence visit was not on a sad note, because Michael Ibru was a strong tree in Agbarha Kingdom.

“He was blessed with long life, wealth, children. He lived for 86 years despite all his hard work. We didn’t come to mourn but celebrate a successful life.

“We will miss him for his fatherly love. What we would miss most is his vision for our kingdom. The beauty we see in the kingdom today was because of him. He facilitated the coming of many of the children of Agbarha-Otor to Lagos.

Similarly, in another condolence message, President of Okugbe Social Club, Mr. Jacob Etabuko, described Ibru as a very humble person, who was fondly referred to as “a humble fisherman.”

Responding, Emmanuel Ibru thanked the association for their visit and promised that the children would live up to expectations in following the footsteps and legacies of their parent.