The agelong relationship between the ancient Kingdoms of Grand Bonny in Rivers State and Avu in Imo State was bolstered with the funeral obsequies for Avu Kingdom’s deceased Queen Mother, Her Majesty, late Lady Regina Chiaka Okere, as Woman Leader of Bonny Kingdom, Amaopu-Orubo Helen Jack-Wilson Pepple, alongside an eclectic entourage comprising Bonny Kingdom’s sons and daughters, joined her son-in-law, His Royal Majesty, Eze Michael Okere V, JP, Duruihekaibeya VIII of Avu, and her daughter and Queen of Avu, Her Royal Majesty, Ugoeze Chinonso Gloria Michael Okere to bid the deceased farewell.  

The ancient Avu Kingdom, which is in Owerri West Local Government of Imo State, on Saturday, November 16, 2022 played host to traditional rulers, chiefs, titled citizens and other notable personalities from the South-East, South-South and beyond who came to pay their respects to the demised Queen Mother.

Her Majesty, late Ugoeze Lady Reginah Okere, who transitioned to the abode of her ancestors at the ripe age of 86 years, was married to late King of Avu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Eze Dr. Bennett N. Okere IV, KSC, Duruihekaibeya VII of Awu, and was a Lady of the Knight of Saint Christopher (KSC).

For the ancient Kingdom of Grand Bonny, it was an invaluable opportunity for a traditional handshake across thousands of kilometers and nautical miles on land and sea consolidated by marriage between the Ojuigbe family (Jack-Wilson Pepple Chieftaincy House) of Grand Bonny Kingdom and the Okere Royal family of Avu Kingdom.    

At a special reception accorded the Bonny Kingdom entourage at the Eze Bennett Okere Royal Court, leader of the delegation, Amaopusenibo Biekpo Chapp-Jumbo, who is also the Chairman, Board of Directors of Bie-Usha West Africa Limited, accompanied by Amasenibo Dagogo Tobin, condoled with His Majesty, Eze Michael Okere on the demise of his late mother, noting that the wholesome upbringing of her offspring, social impact on her community and beautiful life she lived were worthy legacies she has left behind for generations beyond her, adding that celebrating her in death was a fitting farewell for the Queen Mother.

Amaopusenibo Chapp-Jumbo thanked the royal father for taking good care of their daughter and according her the glory befitting her as Queen of Avu, stressing that the relationship engendered by the marriage between Avu Kingdom and Bonny Kingdom would continue to grow stronger and sweeter as wine.

Responding, His Royal Majesty, Eze Michael Okere V, JP, Duruihekaibeya VIII of Avu, thanked his guests and in-laws from Bonny Kingdom for the honour done him and his late mother, stating that he remains grateful for the privilege of marrying their daughter, saying that Avu and Bonny Kingdom agelong relationship would remain stronger as the years go by.

Okoloma Eresibidabo (Woman Leader) of Grand Bonny Kingdom, Amaopuorubo Helen Jack-Wilson Pepple, in her remarks thanked the revered King for taking good care of her daughter, condoled with him on the loss of his mother, saying she was a woman of many parts who positively impacted the lives of her family members and her community, saying she will forever be missed.   

The Bonny Kingdom delegation had earlier joined a motley crowd of sympathizers comprising traditional rulers, politicians and captains of industry, at the Emmanuel Anglican Church, Avu for the funeral service in honour of the departed Queen Mother, Her Majesty, late Lady Regina Chiaka Okere.

Highpoint of the funeral ceremony, was the presentation of assorted gifts in keeping with tradition by the Bonny Kingdom delegation to the Onye-Eze (King) of Avu Kingdom, His Royal Highness, Eze Michael Okere, as symbol of the thriving relationship between Bonny Kingdom and Avu Kingdom.

The famous Abara Cultural Dance Group led by its Leader, Amaopusenibo Wilson Jumbo gave dazzling live performances at the reception held at the Eze Bennett Okere Royal Court, accompanied by members of the Bonny Women Forum and Ojuigbe-Ere (Women of jack-Wilson Pepple Chieftaincy House) led by the wife of the Chief and Head of the House, Alabota Cecilia Jack-Wilson Pepple.