That the demised Secretary of the Bonny Chiefs Council (BCC) and Chief and Head of Willie-Pepple Chieftaincy House of Bonny Kingdom, Se-Alabo Arthur Lawrence Sodienye Willie-Pepple, PhD, Inyoku IV, lived a good life that served humanity well has been affirmed by no less a person than the Amanyanabo and Natural Ruler of Bonny Kingdom.

His Majesty, King Dr Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III, CON, DSSRS, JP, Edward I, Perekule XI rendered this eulogy on Friday, November 10, 2023 during a Valedictory Session in honour of the late sage by the BCC at the King Perekule Palace, Bonny.

He spoke at the event, which had in attendance the Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area, Dame Anengi Claude-Wilcox, a former Minister of Housing, Amaopuorubo Amal Pepple, government functionaries, titled citizens of Bonny Kingdom, captains of industry, as well as Chairman of the Willie-Pepple House, Amaopusenibo Opuada Willie-Pepple, amongst others.

He described him as “a friend and confidant”, noting that the sterling qualities he brought to bear in various roles he was charged with would be missed by the Kingdom, praying God Almighty to grant the bereaved family, especially, the Willie-Pepple and Perekule Royal family the fortitude to bear the loss.

“He was a friend and confidant; and I can say that he is one of the very few when it comes to the call for service. I am not to speak too much about him because I believe every one of you would have had an experience with him. I just want to wish him a safe passing. I pray God Almighty to accept his soul.”

“As per the Perekule Royal House, I know what his passing means to us. God will give us the fortitude to bear the loss.”

Earlier, the Chairman of the Bonny Chiefs Council, Se-Alabo Lt. Col. Dagogo Suola Claude-Wilcox (rtd.), MON, had praised his departed colleague for the value addition he brought into the Council during his lifetime, noting that in him, brother is lost, highlighting the seamless approach to administration of the Council and his House that was the intrinsic trademark of the demised Country Chief of Bonny Kingdom.

Also adding their voice, the Chiefs and Heads of Captain Hart, Finecountry and Longjohn Chieftaincy Houses, Se-Alabo Reginald Hart, Se-Alabo Leslie Finecountry and Se-Alabo Osobonye Longjohn extolled the unique qualities, affable nature and humble disposition of the late Se-Alabo Willie-Pepple during his lifetime.

High-point of the Valedictory Session was scintillating rendition of different hymns by the St. Stephen’s Choir, and performances by the Otobo Masquerade, and Adango Ere, amongst several other groups.