The Etche monarch, Onyeishi Etche, E.M.B Opurum, passed away on September 16, 2026. He was a first-class traditional ruler in Etche nation and one of the founding fathers of Rivers State. His son, Prince Anufo Opurum, announced that his father's burial is imminent, with plans for the ceremony to take place before the end of the year. The announcement was made during a condolence visit by the Mba Clan Council of Chiefs at the late King's palace in Ndashi, Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Prince Anufo Opurum urged the people of Etche, particularly the traditional institution, to protect and preserve his father's legacies. He described his father as a great king who made significant contributions to Etche and Rivers State. According to Prince Opurum, his father made Etche what it is today through his vision and sacrifices, which earned him recognition from the Federal Government and Rivers State Government. The late monarch was awarded the MFR and GSSRS, honors usually reserved for governors.
The Ada Etche of Etche Ethnic Nationality, Professor Love Akaja Akonye, praised the late monarch's legacies, highlighting his role in establishing a stable traditional institution in Etche land. She noted that he ensured the culture of their land was streamlined to maintain a government structure, creating stability among the people. Professor Akonye emphasized that the late monarch was one of the founding fathers of Rivers State, and his contributions should be remembered.
The Acting Onyeishi Agwuru of Mba Clan, Eze Charles O. Nweke, described late Opurum as a great monarch whose legacies will be difficult to erase. He stated that the Mba clan aligns itself with the decision by the entire Etche Ethnic nationality to suspend all festivals and chieftaincy coronations in Etche until the burial of the monarch. Eze Nweke added that all markets in Mba will be shut down during the burial activities, and the constitution of Etche Ethnic nationality will guide the process.
The late monarch's achievements have been acknowledged by various individuals and groups. As a founding father of Rivers State, he played a significant role in shaping the state's history and development. His contributions to the traditional institution in Etche land have also been recognized, with many calling for his legacies to be preserved.
The burial plans are underway, with the Etche Ethnic nationality and the Mba Clan Council of Chiefs working together to ensure a successful ceremony. The suspension of festivals and chieftaincy coronations in Etche until the burial is a testament to the respect and admiration for the late monarch. The shutdown of markets in Mba during the burial activities also demonstrates the community's commitment to honoring his memory.
The Etche monarch's passing has brought the community together, with many paying their respects and sharing their memories of him. His legacy will continue to be celebrated, and his contributions to Etche and Rivers State will not be forgotten. The burial ceremony will serve as a tribute to his life and achievements, and it is expected to be attended by many dignitaries and members of the community.
Key points
- The body of late Onyeishi Etche, E.M.B Opurum, will be laid to rest before the end of 2026.
- The late monarch was a founding father of Rivers State and a first-class traditional ruler in Etche nation.
- The Etche Ethnic nationality has suspended all festivals and chieftaincy coronations in Etche until the burial of the monarch.
