Irri Kingdom Set to Bid Farewell to Chief Samuel Onomeruoja Oniko as Funeral Holds October 30–November 1

All is set for the final farewell to the late Osogba of Irri Kingdom in Delta State, Chief Samuel Onomeruoja Oreziferuo Oniko (PARO), as family members, traditional rulers, friends, associates and well-wishers prepare to gather in Irri Town to celebrate his remarkable life of service, wisdom and legacy.

The revered patriarch of the Oniko Dynasty, who passed away on May 2, 2026, at the African Medical Centre of Excellence, Abuja, after a brief illness, will be laid to rest on Saturday, October 31, 2026. He was aged 84.

According to the burial arrangements announced by the Oniko Dynasty, the three-day funeral ceremony will commence on Friday, October 30, with a service of songs and night of tributes at his residence, Paro Farms Estate, KM 1, Idheze Road, Irri Town, beginning at 5:00 p.m.

The main funeral service will take place on Saturday, October 31, at 11:00 a.m. at the Omo-Ode Primary School Field Ground, Irri Town, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State.

This will be followed by interment at noon at his compound, Paro Farms Estate, Idheze Road, while a reception for guests and sympathisers will hold immediately afterwards at the Omo-Ode Primary School Field Ground.

The funeral activities will conclude on Sunday, November 1, with an outing and thanksgiving service at St. Gabriel Anglican Church, Irri, beginning at 8:00 a.m.

Until his death, Chief Oniko was a respected patriarch of the Oniko Dynasty, an architect of the Modern Irri Kingdom Development Plan, and a distinguished financial expert and banker whose contributions to his community earned him widespread respect.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, he was regarded as a pillar of wisdom, leadership and guidance within Irri Kingdom, where his commitment to community development and the preservation of family values left an enduring legacy.

He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Announcing the funeral arrangements on behalf of the Oniko Dynasty, Chief (Sir) Daniel O. Oniko, Ogba of Irri Kingdom, described the late patriarch as a beloved brother, uncle, father, grandfather and great-grandfather whose leadership, wisdom and contributions to Irri Kingdom were of the highest order.

The family said the funeral would provide an opportunity for loved ones, associates and the wider Irri community to honour a man whose life was defined by service, wisdom and dedication to humanity.