Arogbo Ijaw Kingdom in Ese-Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State, is preparing for the final rites of her illustrious patriarch, Late High Chief (Hon.) Sunday Erepaghamini Yayu, the Ere of Arogbo Ijaw Kingdom, who passed on to glory on April 15, 2025, at the age of 82.
According to the family, a series of funeral activities have been lined up to honour the life and legacy of the late elder statesman, which are billed to commence from Thursday, November 27, 2025, and concluding with a family thanksgiving on Sunday, November 30, 2025.
The programme will commence with the lying-in-state at the Ondo State House of Assembly, Akure from 9:00AM to 11:00AM, followed by another at the Ese-Odo Local Government Council Headquarters, Igbekebo, from 2:00PM to 4:00PM. His body will then be taken to his hometown, Arogbo, where an all-night party featuring music by King Karinto Fokitei will be held.
On Friday, November 28, 2025, a valedictory service will take place at Ijaw National High School at 9:00AM, followed by a reception at his residence hosted by the school’s Old Students Association, with music by Iralatei Toikumoh. A Christian Wake Keep will be held later at 7:00PM at his residence, organised by St. Peter’s First African Church Mission (FACM) Cathedral, Arogbo.
The highlight of the funeral events comes up on Saturday, November 29, 2025, with the funeral service at St. Peter’s FACM Cathedral, Arogbo, at 9:00AM. Interment will follow immediately after, with a grand reception featuring music by Chief Barrister S. Smooth, “The Paddle of the Niger Delta.”
The ceremonies will conclude on Sunday, November 30, 2025, with a family thanksgiving service at St. Peter’s FACM Cathedral, Arogbo, at 10:00AM, and a reception later hosted by members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ondo State.
Late High Chief Yayu is fondly remembered as a respected leader, community pillar, and a man who dedicated his life to the service of God, his family, and his people. He is survived by wives, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a host of relatives.
The family has extended an open invitation to friends, well-wishers, and the general public to join in celebrating the glorious life and legacy of the Ere of Arogbo Ijaw Kingdom.
