Diri Eulogises Late Chief Mitin as Pillar of Ijaw Heritage at Solemn Yenagoa Tribute

Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, has paid glowing tribute to the late Chief Mitin Tamaraumieyefa, describing him as a man of rare wisdom and an unwavering promoter of Ijaw culture whose contributions to the Ijaw Nation were wholehearted and enduring.

The governor spoke on Tuesday evening during a solemn service of songs held in honour of the deceased at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

Chief Mitin Tamaraumieyefa, who passed on at the age of 76, served as Regent of Oporomor Kingdom and was widely respected for his leadership, cultural advocacy, and deep commitment to community development. He was also the father of Hon. Living Mitin, member representing Ekeremor Constituency 2 in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly.

In his tribute, Governor Diri noted that the late chief exemplified service, humility and dedication throughout his lifetime. He emphasized that Chief Mitin’s love for his family, community, local government and the broader Ijaw Nation was evident in his actions and legacy.

“Chief Mitin was one who loved his family, community, local government and served the Ijaw Nation. He touched many lives, and his legacy will continue to live on,” the governor stated.

Speaking on behalf of the “Government of Assured Prosperity” and the people of Bayelsa State, Diri extended heartfelt condolences to the Mitin family and the Toru-Ndoro community, praying for divine strength and fortitude for them to bear what he described as an irreplaceable loss.

The well-attended service drew a large number of political leaders and top government officials. Among the dignitaries present were former Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Rt. Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi; Deputy Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Hon. Michael Ogbere, alongside other lawmakers; the Head of Service, Dr. Wisdom Ebiye Sawyer; the Chief of Staff, Government House, Dr. Peter Akpe; Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Irorodamie Komonibo; Deputy Chief of Staff, Deputy Governor’s Office, Comrade Gowon Toruyouyei; members of the State Executive Council; local government chairmen; and other senior government officials.

The atmosphere at the banquet hall was solemn yet reflective, as tributes poured in celebrating Chief Mitin’s steadfast commitment to preserving Ijaw traditions and promoting unity within his kingdom and beyond. Many attendees described him as a bridge-builder, a custodian of culture, and a leader whose counsel was widely sought.

As Bayelsa continues to mourn, speakers at the event agreed that Chief Mitin’s life was defined not merely by the offices he held, but by the values he embodied — wisdom, service, and cultural pride — which will remain etched in the collective memory of the Ijaw people.