Ibeno Paramount Ruler, Archianga Loses Father, Funeral Slated For Saturday, November 26
The National Life Patron of the Association of Traditional Rulers of Oil Mineral Producing Communities of Nigeria (TROMPCON) and Paramount Ruler of Ibeno Local Government Area, HRM (Prof.) Owong Bassey Effiong Archianga has lost his father, Obong (Papa) James Bassey Archianga UkotIbeno.
A press statement issued by the royal family and signed by the Paramount Ruler of Ibeno, Owong Archianga says the Late Obong (Papa) James Bassey Archianga UkotIbeno, alias, MMM- Ntak Ayaba and Adibo-Atid, joined his creator on January 15, 2022 at the age of 130.
According to Prof Archianga, obsequies for his late father will commence on Monday, November 21, 2022 with a visitation by the Catholic Church to the Mourning House for prayers, while visitation to the family by MDAs, groups and individuals will hold from Tuesday to Wednesday, November 22-23, 2022.
He added that the opening of the mourning house will be performed on Thursday, November 24, 2022 while the Vigil Mass to be conducted by the SS Peter & Paul Parish, Mkpanak, Ibeno will hold on Friday, November 25, 2022 by 7pm.
The royal father further stated that the Late Obong (Papa) James Bassey Archianga UkotIbeno will be laid to rest on Saturday, November 26, 2022 after a funeral mass to be conducted by the SS Peter & Paul Parish, Mkpanak, Ibeno by 10am.
An astute fisherman, business tycoon and community leader, Pa Archianga was a devout Christian, who worshipped with the Qua Iboe Church of Nigeria, then Qua Iboe Mission, supervised personally by the Late Rev. S. A. Bill but subsequently embraced the Roman Catholic Church where he got baptized and remained a dedicated faithful until his glorious exit.
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He said, “Papa was a peaceful, self effacing and highly dignified man, who conducted his affairs in accordance with the tenets of the Christian Faith. No doubt, Papa’s Christian lifestyle, his ability to summon equanimity in the face of all challenges all contributed greatly to his long sojourn on earth.
“Papa was a consummate community man, grounded in the customs and tradition of his people. He was an upright and forthright person and therefore he was regarded as a dependable, go to person among friends and compatriots alike. Papa has always put himself at the service of his community, friends and even associates.
“His rock solid nature, his genial and personable disposition attracted a lot of people to him. He was a natural leader! His great qualities stood him out easily as a leader of Nyok Cultural Play: a cultural group which was characterized by men of fortitude, strength forthrightness.
“He was also a pillar of Nka Unwanna, which was his Age Grade. Papa socialized easily and identified with several cultural groups in Mkpanak and Ibeno as a whole. Papa was a renowned traditional wrestler. At the time when the entire community was rallied together, intricately connected and waxed knitted by traditional activities, Papa was seen everywhere, and wherever he was, his name was revered,” he added.
According to him, the Late Obong (Papa) Bassey Archianga UkotIbeno was the root of kingship in Okposo 1 which he founded when he migrated from Essien Owong-Ule in Mkpanak and also championed the sea route to Okposo1.
The royal father said despite his departure at the age of 130, the late father will be greatly missed because of his towering life as a great benefactor to many in Ibeno and beyond as well as his concerns and constant prayers for him and the entire family.
