10/05/2026
๐๐ฅ๐๐ข๐๐ข๐ซ๐ข ๐๐ญ๐๐ง๐๐ฌ ๐๐ญ๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐๐ฌ ๐๐๐ฒ๐๐ฅ๐ฌ๐ ๐๐ข๐๐ฌ ๐
๐๐ซ๐๐ฐ๐๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐๐จ ๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐ซ๐ข๐๐ซ๐๐ก: ๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ซ ๐๐ค๐๐ซ๐๐๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ญ๐จ๐ฆ ๐๐ฆ๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐ ๐ฎ ๐๐๐ข๐ ๐๐จ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ญ ๐๐ญ ๐๐
Aleibiri, Ekeremor LGA, Bayelsa State โ May 9, 2026
Yesterday, the riverine town of Aleibiri in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State was wrapped in solemn reflection as thousands from across Nigeria and beyond converged to pay final respects to Late Elder Ekerefe Custom Omoungu, who passed at the age of 81. The Ekerefe Family, the Aleibiri Community, and Bayelsans at large turned out in overwhelming numbers to honor a man widely remembered as a quiet custodian of peace, education, and unity.
The dayโs rites opened with a dignified open-air commendation service conducted by the Jehovahโs Witness congregation. Hymns and scriptural readings echoed across the community as ministers reflected on Elder Omounguโs life of faith, humility, and service.
Immediately after the service, the final interment was held at his hometown, followed by a brief reception where guests who had traveled from far and near gathered to commiserate with the family and the people of Aleibiri.
Tributes flowed from family members, community leaders, elders, and associates, each echoing a common theme: Elder Omoungu was a leader of his own kind. Speakers described a man who settled disputes with wisdom rather than force, who welcomed every person who crossed his path, and who lived with a calm dignity that disarmed conflict.
Again and again, mourners emphasized his deep love for education and his lifelong commitment to community service, recalling how he supported local schools, encouraged youth, and mediated communal issues to preserve harmony in Aleibiri.
Speaking to RV News shortly after the interment, the Chief Mourner, Comr. Ebilade Ekerefe, expressed profound gratitude to the leaders, friends, and family who came out in their numbers to stand with the family. He said the massive turnout was a comfort to them as they committed their father to Mother Earth.
Describing his late father, Comr. Ebilade Ekerefe called him a caring, thoughtful, and family-oriented patriarch who raised his children with enduring values that promote education, peace, unity, integrity, and justice. He noted that his fatherโs life remains a charge to the next generation to uphold those same ideals.
The ceremony drew notable figures from across Bayelsaโs political and youth landscape. Among those present to pay their last respect were Prince Doodei Week, PhD, Special Adviser on Procurement at the NDDC; Hon. Alabh George Turner, Chairman of the PDP Bayelsa State; Rt. Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi; Comr. Igali Robert, Director General of the Bayelsa Centre for Youth Development; Mr. Akinika Richard; Comr. Alaye Theophilus; alongside other community leaders, youth representatives, and associates. Their presence underscored the wide influence of Elder Omoungu, who many described as a bridge between generations and a moral compass for Aleibiri.
As the casket was lowered and the final prayers said, the community observed a moment of silence before guests were hosted to a brief reception marked by reflection and shared memories.
For the Ekerefe Family and the people of Aleibiri, May 9, 2026 will be remembered not only as the day a patriarch was laid to rest, but as the day his legacy of peace, learning, and service was renewed in the hearts of those he left behind.
Elder Ekerefe Custom Omoungu: 1944 โ 2025. Rest in peace.
๐๐ ๐๐๐ฌ๐จ โ ๐๐๐ก๐ก๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ฉ๐๐ ๐๐ฉ๐ค๐ง๐๐๐จ ๐๐จ ๐๐ฉ ๐๐ฃ๐๐ค๐ก๐๐จ
