Exit of a Political Icon: Family Announces Burial of Late Sunday Kpikpi Kotor For June 26 , State Govt Fixed Monday June 22nd For Tribute at Govt House Asaba

 

The family of late Mr. Sunday Kpikpi Kotor, popularly known as "Ilewheri," has announced the burial arrangements for the respected political figure, community leader, and grassroots mobilizer, with the final funeral rites scheduled for Friday, June 26, 2026.

According to a statement jointly issued by the Kotor family of Idjogun Quarters, Okwagbe Waterside in Ughelli South Local Government Area, the Oruku family of Ubogo in Udu Local Government Area, and the Akpotor family of Oviri Ogor in Ughelli North Local Government Area, the late Sunday Kpikpi Kotor passed away at the age of 63 after a life marked by dedication to community service and grassroots political engagement.

Widely known by his alias "Ilewheri," the deceased was regarded by many as one of the notable grassroots political mobilizers of his generation. Throughout his lifetime, he remained actively involved in community affairs, youth development initiatives, and efforts aimed at promoting peace, unity, and progress within his immediate environment and beyond.

Family members described him as a loving husband, devoted father, caring grandfather, dependable brother, and trusted friend whose doors remained open to all who sought his counsel, support, and encouragement.

Political associates who reflected on his life noted that his ability to connect with people at the grassroots level earned him immense respect across political, social, and community circles. They described him as a bridge-builder whose influence transcended political affiliations and whose commitment to justice and fairness endeared him to many.

The family expressed gratitude to God for what they described as a life well spent, noting that although his passing has left an irreplaceable void, they remain comforted by the remarkable legacy of service, friendship, and mentorship he leaves behind.

As part of activities lined up to honour his memory, a Day of Tributes has been scheduled for Monday, June 22, 2026, at Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, beginning at 10:00 a.m. The event is expected to attract political leaders, government officials, traditional rulers, community stakeholders, friends, and well-wishers from across the state and beyond.

A Service of Songs will be held on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at Faith Baptist Church, DSC Township, beginning at 4:00 p.m., where family members, church faithful, friends, and associates will gather to celebrate his life through prayers, worship, and testimonies.

The main funeral ceremony will take place on Friday, June 26, 2026. The body of the deceased will depart the Nigerian Navy Hospital, Effurun, at 8:30 a.m. for Okwagbe Waterside in Ughelli South Local Government Area.

A funeral service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. at Okwagbe Secondary School Field, after which interment rites will follow. Guests will thereafter be entertained at the same venue beginning from 1:00 p.m.

The funeral is expected to draw a large gathering of political associates, community leaders, youth organizations, religious groups, family members, and friends from various parts of Nigeria who wish to pay their final respects to the departed elder statesman.

The final activity in the funeral programme will be a Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at Central Baptist Church, Okwagbe Waterside, where the family and sympathizers will offer thanks to God for the impactful life and enduring legacy of the late political icon.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Mr. Conference Kotor and Mr. Emuesiri Kotor called on friends, associates, political allies, and members of the public to join them in celebrating the memory of a man whose life touched countless people and whose contributions to community development will not be forgotten.

As news of his passing continues to spread, tributes have continued to pour in from different quarters. Many have described Sunday Kpikpi Kotor as a selfless leader, grassroots politician, peacemaker, mentor, and advocate for the welfare of ordinary people.

For many who knew him, his legacy is not merely in the positions he held or the influence he wielded, but in the lives he transformed, the friendships he nurtured, and the hope he inspired in others.

Though he has taken his final bow, admirers say the ideals he stood for—service, humility, compassion, unity, and community advancement—will continue to inspire generations to come.