The people of Ayama Ekede in Andoni LGA of Rivers State held a befitting burial ceremony last Saturday, 16th May 2026, for their late monarch, HRH King Bibama Julius Ekprikpo VII, who died at the age of 90.
The funeral service was conducted by Glorious Believers Praise Living Church under Rev (Dr) God’swill Alafah, in conjunction with the Ekprikpo Royal Family, Okwaan-Aja Divisional Council, and Andoni Traditional Rulers Council as well as the Chiefs Council.
Immediately after the interment, the Ekprikpo Royal Family installed a successor, Chief Nsenyen Ekprikpo V111 as the new Okaan Ama of Ayama Ekede.
In his coronation address, HRH King Obonsah O .Nsenyen Ekprikpo VIII thanked the Royal Family for the trust placed in him. He pledged to uphold the late king’s legacy of peace, unity, and development, and urged the youth to maintain peace for the progress of the community.
Also speaking, the National Chairman of the Ekprikpo Royal Family, Elder (Hon) Adasi O. Ekprikpo, described the late king as hospitable to everyone in the community and the Royal family.
He said that the king’s wise counsel has fostered peaceful coexistence and unity in the community throughout his reign. Hon.Adasi Ekprikpo urged the youth to emulate the late king’s lifestyle of humility, respect, and sacrifice to drive community development.
He added that the newly crowned king, HRH King O.O Nsenyen Ekprikpo VIII, has the capacity to lead the community.
According to him, the family presented him for installation because of his credibility, transparency, and truthfulness. He called on all community members to support the new king to succeed.
Also, the President of Ayama Ekede Community Youth Association, Comrade Okwuisi David Ibaninta, said the people of Ayama Ekede, including the youth, were celebrating a man of honour, despite the circumstances surrounding the late king’s death. He noted that despite being king, the monarch mingled freely with everyone he met.
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Comrade Ibaninta advised the people and the youth of Ayama Ekede to emulate the late king’s good characters to move the community forward. He congratulated HRH King Ekprikpo VIII on his successful coronation and said the youth will continue to stand behind him.
By Ben Owen
