Late Etche Monarch To Be Buried Before Year-End

The remains of the late Onyeishi Etche, His Eminence E.M.B. Opurum, are expected to be laid to rest before the end of 2026, barring unforeseen circumstances.
The late monarch reportedly joined his ancestors on September 16, 2026.
Opurum was the first first-class and classified traditional ruler in Etche Nation and one of the founding fathers of Rivers State.
His first son, Eze Prince Anufo Opurum, Eze Agu Eligwe of Etche Ethnic Nationality, disclosed the burial plan during a condolence visit by the Mba Clan Council of Chiefs to the late monarch’s palace at Ndashi, in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Eze Prince Anufo Opurum used the occasion to call on the people of Etche, particularly members of the traditional institution, to jealously guard the achievements and enduring legacy of his late father.
Addressing members of the Mba Clan Council of Chiefs, he stressed that the sacrifices and accomplishments of the late monarch must not be allowed to go in vain.
Describing his father as a great king who came, saw and conquered, he urged the people to uphold the standards the late monarch established, particularly in the traditional institution.
“They should not allow it to go sour. They should not allow it to be a waste. Let the importance of his struggle be embedded in us, especially in our lifestyle when it comes to the chieftaincy institution in Etche.
“Onyeishi Etche has set a standard. Onyeishi Etche has lifted the institution to a level that other people envy,” he said.
The prince further noted that his father’s vision, sacrifices and commitment contributed significantly to the development and recognition of Etche Nation.
According to him, the late monarch’s contributions earned him national and state recognition, including the award of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) by the Federal Government and Grand Service Star of Rivers State (GSSRS) by the Rivers State Government.
He described the honours as recognition of his father’s outstanding contributions to the state and the traditional institution.
Also speaking during the condolence visit, the Ada Etche of Etche Ethnic Nationality, Professor Love Akaja Akonye, said the late monarch left behind numerous legacies that must be preserved by present and future generations.
She reiterated his place among the founding fathers of Rivers State, noting that his contributions extended beyond traditional leadership to the preservation of Etche’s cultural identity and the strengthening of its traditional institution.
“One of the legacies is that he made sure that the traditional institution stood firm in Etche land,” she said.
Professor Akonye added that the late monarch worked to streamline the cultural practices of the area in a manner that strengthened governance structures, promoted stability among the people and enhanced their understanding of their identity within the wider community of ethnic nationalities.
Earlier, at Okudu Mba, the traditional headquarters of Mba Clan, the Acting Onyeishi Agwuru of Mba Clan, Eze Charles O. Nweke, described the late E.M.B. Opurum as an exceptional monarch whose legacies would be difficult to erase.
Eze Nweke disclosed that Mba Clan aligned itself with the decision of the entire Etche Ethnic Nationality to suspend all festivals and chieftaincy coronations in honour of the late monarch.
He also announced that all markets in Mba Clan would be shut during the burial activities as part of measures to honour the departed traditional ruler.
On the issue of succession, Eze Nweke stated that the constitution of Etche Ethnic Nationality would guide the process, underscoring the need for an orderly and constitutionally guided transition.
The expected burial of the late Onyeishi Etche will provide an opportunity for the people of Etche to honour a traditional ruler whose reign, according to speakers at the condolence visit, left a lasting imprint on the traditional institution, cultural identity and development of the area.

John Bibor