For years to come the family of Dekeri of Ogute – Oke, Okpella in Etsako East Local Govt Area of Edo State, will have etched in their memory the colourful programme marking the lying in state of their patriarch, Chief James Sunday Dekeri on Thursday, November 16th.
The programme was turned to a carnival of sorts as the body of the departed was moved from Notre Dame Mortuary, Afowa Uzairue down to his home town, Ogute – Oke for the lying in state.
More colours and music were added to the programme as different groups of youths, cultural essembles, entertainment groups etc even from across the country joined the teeming sympathisers and well wishers as the body was being conveyed to Ogute – Oke.
Along the route to Ogute – Oke residents came out in large numbers to offer their prayers and condolences even as they willingly join the procession as the body of the departed Chief James Dekeri was being moved.
On the previous day, Wednesday, November 15th, the Service of Songs at his residence in Okugbe, Okpella was as colourful as the lying in state programme where different entertainment, musical and cultural groups performed all night long.
Chief Dekeri’s son, Anamero Dekeri, a business magnate and member of the House of Representatives representing Etsako Federal Constituency, who is also eyeing the Edo State Government House in 2024 on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led the procession.
