Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, and other political leaders on Saturday gathered in Warri to honour the late Dr Joseph Sisanmi Otumara, a former Commissioner for Health and three-time chairman of Warri South Local Government Council.
Otumara, who died after decades of public service, was buried following a funeral service held at Yonwuren College, Ugbuwangue, Warri.
The service was conducted by the Itsekiri Pastors Association, led by Bishop Mike Oyemiren, with members of the Otumara family, friends, associates and political leaders in attendance.
Also present were the governor’s wife, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori; Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; former Delta First Lady, Mrs Roli Uduaghan; former Senator James Manager and other dignitaries.
The Warri Choral Society provided musical renditions during the service, while Bible readings were taken from Ecclesiastes 8:1-9 and 2 Peter 3:3-14.
In his sermon, Oyemiren urged Nigerians to live meaningful lives and consider the legacy they would leave behind.
Preaching on the theme, “The Marketplace and Its Legacy,” the cleric compared life to a marketplace where everyone would eventually return home.
“Nobody visits the market and does not return home,” he said, describing Otumara as a man who had completed his earthly journey after making contributions to his community and the state.
Oyemiren urged the congregation to fear God and live with eternity in mind.
He asked, “When we die today, what will men say about us?”
Another officiating minister, Bishop Mike Laju, also urged the congregation to make good use of their time, noting that everyone had a limited period on earth.
He said people should use their time and opportunities to make positive contributions to society.
Otumara, who was born on December 16, 1960, was remembered as a medical doctor who combined his profession with politics, administration and community leadership.
Before his death, he served as Chairman of the Itsekiri Politicians Forum and held the traditional title of Obarisuwa of Warri Kingdom.
He served as chairman of Warri South Local Government Council on three occasions and later became Delta State Commissioner for Health.
Otumara also chaired the Warri/Uvwie and Special Area Development Agency from 2019 until his death.
Paying tribute to the deceased, the Delta State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Solomon Arenyeka, described Otumara as a man who left “indelible footprints on the sands of time.”
Arenyeka described him as kind, humble, meek and God-fearing, adding that he was a pathfinder whose contributions had touched many lives.
He said Otumara’s impact on society would continue to be remembered even after his death.
The APC chairman prayed for God to comfort the Otumara family and grant the deceased eternal rest.
The gathering brought together political associates across different periods of Otumara’s public life, reflecting his involvement in governance, politics, traditional affairs and community development.
For those who paid their final respects, the funeral was not only a farewell to a former public office holder, but also a reminder of the responsibility of leaders to leave behind a positive legacy.
