Tinubu, Oborevwori, Dafinone, Ogboru Among Dignitaries at Kokori’s Funeral
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Senator Ede Dafinone, and Chief Great Ogboru were among the notable figures who attended the burial ceremony of elder statesman and democracy hero, Chief Frank Kokori in Oviorie-Ovu, Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State.
The community of Agbon clan gathered to pay their final respects to Kokori, who passed away on December 7, 2023.
During the funeral held at St James’ Anglican Church in Oviorie-Ovu, President Tinubu, represented by Minister of State for Petroleum, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, praised Kokori as one of Nigeria’s foremost nationalists. He described Kokori as a man of uncommon courage, selflessness, and integrity, who fought tirelessly for the restoration of democracy in Nigeria.
Tinubu highlighted Kokori’s unwavering commitment to the voiceless and less privileged, both locally and internationally. He emphasized the importance of the legacies Kokori left behind, urging his children to carry on his outstanding work for humanity.
In his sermon on ‘Hope’, Bishop Christian Ide of the Warri Diocese, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, spoke about finding hope in God, even in the face of life’s challenges. He praised Kokori as a devoted Christian who worshipped until his last day. Governor Oborevwori was also commended for his gesture of honoring Kokori despite political differences.
Other dignitaries at the funeral included Senator Ede Dafinone, Minister of State for Youth Development Mr. Ayodele Olawande, Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, President of Nigerian Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) Comrade Williams Akporeha, Chief Great Ogboru, Comrade Joseph Akinlaja, and many more.
Chief Frank Kokori, former Secretary-General of NUPENG, played a significant role in the June 12 struggle for the recognition of Chief MKO Abiola as the winner of the June 12, 1993, Presidential election. His legacy of courage and commitment to democracy was celebrated by all in attendance.
