Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, joined family members, political leaders, traditional rulers and other dignitaries at a service of songs held in honour of his late uncle, Chief Jothan Michael Diri, at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, Yenagoa.
The governor was accompanied by his wives, Dr. Gloria Diri and Hon. Justice Patience Diri, as the solemn event marked the formal commencement of the final burial rites of the octogenarian patriarch.
Chief Jothan Diri, who passed on at the age of 83, was remembered as a man of peace, humility and deep compassion, whose life of service and love left a lasting impression on his family and the wider community.
Speaking at the event, Governor Diri expressed gratitude to God for the life of his late uncle and reflected on the transient nature of human existence, urging people to embrace love and peaceful coexistence.
“Today, we have begun the final burial rites of my late uncle with this service of songs, and I want to thank God Almighty,” the governor said. “As the songwriter rightly puts it, this world is not our own. We are all merely passing through; we are strangers on this earth. Therefore, the best we can do while we are here is to love one another.”
He noted that his uncle embodied these values throughout his lifetime, stressing that the emphasis on peace and love within the Diri family was a product of deliberate upbringing.
“I did not start preaching peace and love overnight. It is the way we were brought up. In our family, we were taught to love one another, and my uncle exemplified this virtue. He showed love to us and to everyone who came in contact with him,” Governor Diri stated.
On behalf of the Diri family, the governor thanked leaders, friends, associates and the people of Bayelsa State for identifying with the family at a time of grief.
“I want to sincerely appreciate all the leaders and the good people of our state who have come to join us in this service of songs to honour the memory of this great man. Your presence means a lot to us,” he added.
The service of songs attracted a large gathering of prominent personalities from across the state and beyond. Among those present were Senator Konbowei Friday Benson, representing Bayelsa Central Senatorial District; Hon. Rodney Ambaiowei, member representing Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency; and former deputy governors of Bayelsa State, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha Jonah (rtd) and Rt. Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi.
Others in attendance included the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, alongside other members of the House; the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Hon. Justice Matilda Abrakasa Ayemieye; the President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Bayelsa State, Hon. Justice Daniel Ayah; and the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei.
Also present were members of the State Executive Council; Barr. Dennis Otiotio, Caretaker Committee Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State; local government council chairmen; and top government officials.
Traditional rulers led by His Royal Majesty, King Bubaraye Dakolo, Agada IV, the Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom and Chairman of the Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers, as well as other monarchs, members of the clergy and community leaders, also graced the occasion.
The service of songs was marked by hymns, prayers and tributes celebrating the life, legacy and enduring values of Chief Jothan Michael Diri, as family members and well-wishers prepared for the remaining burial ceremonies.
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