Tribute to a dearly beloved elder and brother

BY UWAIFOH JAMES OSEZEMIDE

Many members of the Ikekogbe Front Association (IFA) may not have physically met our dear late brother Elder Christopher Okhide Iria. However, he was popularly known for his enthusiastic contributions and regular prayers at IF meetings and for the success of the young association.

Our dear Christopher Okhide Iria joined his ancestors on 4th of July, 2025 at the age of 83 years in Warri Delta State.

Elder Christopher Okhide Iria had a blossom youth life at Ikekogbe, Ugbegun. He attended both Primary and Modern Schools at Ugbegun. He was a Senior Perfect at the Modern School due to his brilliance, decency and sportsmanship. Record showed that he later travelled out of Ugbegun, visited many cities and eventually joined the Nigeria Police Force. As a Police Officer he worked in several departments of the Police in towns and cities in Southern Nigeria. He later exited the Police Force and ventured into the Motor Sales business at Warri in Delta State.

Elder Christopher Okhide Iria was a very brilliant, skilful and successful businessman. He did not ply his trade in the then Bendel, Eastern and Western States of Nigeria only but successfully established businesses around the world in USA, UK, France, Germany, Japan, Italy, Spain, etc

Elder Christopher Okhide Iria had profound love for his dear hometown Ugbegun and made immense contributions to the peace, harmony and development of the place. He served as Chairman, Ugbegun Development Committee and his tenure was remarkable. He played a vital role in the formation and sustainability of the Warri Branch, Ugbegun Son’s and Daughters Association.

Perhaps Elder Christopher Okhide Iria’s most outstanding contribution was the Court victories won in the Court Cases that trailed the Ugbegun Kingship dispute. Elder Iria stood out and used his position to secure the services of an erudite Lawyer, Chief T. J. O. Okpoko, (SAN) Senior Advocate of Nigeria, based at Warri Delta State. According to the account of our dear Elder Iria, he used his magnanimity and influence in business to negotiate and secured affordable Legal fees in Chief T.J.O Okpoko’s Chambers at Warri. The Learned Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) eventually won all the Cases at the High Court, Ekpoma and the Court of Appeal in Benin City. These landmark victories at the Courts restored peace and harmony at Ugbegun kingdom which eventually paved the way for the successful Coronation of our revered King.

Very recently, in April this year 2025, when he was contacted about the IFA, his response was overwhelming with joy and outright support. He expressed his admiration for the IF Initiative, offered prayers profusely glorifying Almighty God for the privilege to witness the IF Initiative and the legendary Borehole Water Project for Ikekogbe Community and Ugbegun kingdom.

As we are all gathered here today, November 7, 2025, to witness the burial ceremony of our great Father, Brother, Friend, Patriot and Peace Loving Community Leader, let’s remind ourselves that the good work he mentored and stood for must continue. We call on the surviving children to join the IFA and Ikekogbe Community to immortalize this Iconic personality in Ugbegun kingdom and Esanland.

Finally, as we expressed condolences to the immediate and larger family of our Late Brother, be reminded that, ‘To live in the loving memories of those left behind is not to die’.
May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace on the bosom of the Lord.

May his memories continue to be a blessing.

Osezemide is the Osoror of Ugbegun Kingdom in Esan Central LGA, Edo state.