By Suoyo Ekubo
The remains of the paramount head of of Eketa clan (Oroagbolu Land) Eketa VII of Rumueme Kingdom, HRH NYERISI MBAM Adele Ayodele Sam Wobo, has been committed to mother earth on Saturday 7th October 2023 in Rivers State.
Family, friends and Chiefs from Rumueme Kingdom and beyond were present at the funeral to pay their last respects to the monarch, they lent their support to the family of the deceased.
Aged 58, HRH Rev. Adele Ayodele Sam Wobo was born in Ibadan to his parents Dr Michael Agbarakaibea Sam Wobo and Mrs Alice Folayemi Sam Wobo. He pursued his secondary education at the Baptist High School, Moore House, and his tertiary studies at the then Rivers State College of Education, Rumuolumeni, and the University of Port Harcourt.
Adele stood out from a young age for his vivacious social demeanour and natural ability to Forge enduring friendships. His musical prowess extended to several instruments including the trumpet, lead, rhythm, and bass guitars, drumming and keyboard proficiency. Adele affectionately known as Ade Gbam, was a charismatic musician and a fervent advocate for the welfare of his fellow citizens through political engagement. Encouraged by his unwavering parental support ventured into politics at an early age. He became a prominent and influential figure serving in various capacities including the role of chief security officer to the late chief Nnamdi Wokekoro, a former mayor of Port Harcourt. During the administration of Rotimi Amaechi, he was duly elected as the deputy chairman of the Obio/Akpor Local Government Council. Latterly, he was a member Rumueme Council of Chiefs as Nyerisi Mbam of Eketa. He was coronation as Nyerisi Mbam of Eketa Clan in October 2021.
In addition to his political endeavours Adele was an ordained evangelist in the second covenant Church of Christ, formerly the spiritual healing church of the Lord. His commitment and approachability earned him a wide-ranging network of Friends transcending generational boundaries. Adele embraced greater responsibilities Within his Family, Church, and social circles as he matured.
Adele passed away on July 1st 2023 after an illness. He survived by his wife, children and siblings.
At the funeral ceremony HRH NYERISI MBAM Adele Ayodele Sam Wobo, was eulogised by some his friends and school mates who described him as a disciplinarian, a man who is committed to friendship, and was a father that accommodated all that came to him, many described.
One of his school mates who is also a traditional ruler in Buguma HRH Opu-Alabo Inye Peters Erekosima, recounted how he met late Monarch at the Baptist High School in 1977. “Adele was a gentleman to the core but when it comes to roughness which we both share, we show it. He was such a person,” he said.
Another close friend of the family, High Chief Grace Dixon, also threw glowing lights on the man, Nyerishi Mbam, Adele Sam Wobo.
The rites of passage of Nyerishi Mbam,HRH, Adele Ayodele Sam Wobo was graced by people from all walks of life, a testament to the man he was. he will be sorely missed.
