WARRI — Delta State stood still on Saturday as prominent political leaders, government officials, traditional stakeholders, friends and associates gathered in Warri to bid a final farewell to the late Dr. Joseph Sisanmi Otumara.
Among the dignitaries at the funeral were Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, his wife, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, former Governor of the state, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, and Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor.
The funeral service, held at Yonwuren College, Ugbuwangue, Warri, was conducted by the Itsekiri Pastors Association under the leadership of Bishop Mike Oyemiren.
Otumara, who died at the age of 65, was remembered as a medical doctor, politician, administrator and community leader whose decades of public service left a significant mark on Delta State, particularly in Warri.
Born on December 16, 1960, the deceased served as a three-time Chairman of Warri South Local Government Council and later became Commissioner for Health in Delta State. He also chaired the Warri/Uvwie and Special Area Development Agency from 2019 until his death.
Beyond his political career, Otumara was the Chairman of the Itsekiri Politicians Forum and held the traditional title of Obarisuwa of Warri Kingdom, reflecting his influence in both political and traditional circles.
The funeral attracted several other notable personalities, including former First Lady of Delta State, Mrs. Roli Uduaghan; Delta State APC Chairman, Chief Solomon Arenyeka; former Senator James Manager, as well as political leaders, traditional stakeholders, friends, associates and members of the Otumara family.
The Warri Choral Society added solemnity to the ceremony with renditions of hymns and songs of praise, while Bible readings were taken from Ecclesiastes 8:1-9 and 2 Peter 3:3-14.
In his sermon, titled “The Marketplace and Its Legacy,” Bishop Oyemiren described life as a temporary journey in which every individual must ultimately account for his or her deeds.
He urged Nigerians to live purposeful lives, warning that the true measure of a person is not merely the positions occupied but the positive impact made on society.
Drawing from the realities of human existence, the cleric asked the congregation to reflect on the legacy they would leave behind when their earthly journey comes to an end.
Also speaking, Bishop Mike Laju admonished the people to make wise use of their time, stressing that every individual has a limited tenure on earth.
Paying tribute to the deceased, Delta APC Chairman, Chief Solomon Arenyeka, described Otumara as a man who left “indelible footprints on the sands of time.”
Arenyeka said the late politician was known for his kindness, humility, meekness, courage, leadership and fear of God, adding that the lives he touched and his contributions to society would remain part of his enduring legacy.
As Otumara was committed to mother earth, the gathering became not only a moment of mourning but also a celebration of a life dedicated to medicine, politics, administration, leadership and service to humanity.
The ceremony ended with prayers for the repose of his soul and for God to grant the Otumara family the strength and comfort to bear the loss.