The Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, on Saturday joined the Kuku family and the people of Arogbo Ijaw Kingdom in Ese-Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State to celebrate the life and legacy of the late Mama Keketobou Jane Kuku, who passed away at the age of 90.
The governor attended the funeral ceremony shortly after participating in the All Progressives Congress (APC) local government congress held in Kaiama, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
Mama Keketobou Jane Kuku was remembered as a woman of candour, humility, and unwavering commitment to community service and family welfare. Though she did not have formal classroom education, she ensured her children received quality education and became accomplished professionals.
Her values and deep respect for Ijaw tradition are reflected in her children, including prominent Niger Delta leader, former legislator, and former Presidential Adviser on Niger Delta Affairs and Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr. Kingsley Kemebradigha Kuku.
Speaking at the funeral reception, Governor Diri conveyed condolences on behalf of the government and people of Bayelsa State to the Kuku family and the entire Arogbo community. He described the late matriarch as a symbol of resilience and moral strength whose legacy would continue to inspire generations.
The governor recalled his previous visit to Arogbo in 2013 and noted significant changes in the community over the past decade. In line with his administration’s development philosophy that no Ijaw community should be left behind, he announced the approval of a 1,000-seater modern pavilion for Arogbo Kingdom.
According to him, the facility is expected to enhance social and community activities and is slated for inauguration towards the end of 2026.
During the visit, Governor Diri also paid homage to the Paramount Ruler and Agadagba of Arogbo Ijaw Kingdom, His Royal Majesty King Doubra Zacchaeus Egbunu, Opukutu III, reaffirming the strong cultural and ancestral ties among Ijaw communities across state boundaries.
The event drew dignitaries, political leaders, traditional rulers, and members of the Ijaw nation who gathered to honour the memory of the late matriarch.
