It was a celebration of life as the Uneme-Akiosu Community of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria, recently went agog with the burial of Princess Elizabeth Rebekah Adeji (Nee Iyogun) who died at age 96.

Princess Adeji, mother in-law of Barrister Valentino Buoro, Publisher of Akoko Edo Community Newspaper was until her death a Philanthropist, and devout Christian of the Roman Catholic faith.

Princess Elizabeth Rebekah Adeji was born into the Royal family of His Highness Eshameh Uduakpegheme, Iyogun II of Uneme-Akiosu community and first Clan Head of Central Uneme.

The Osonamhe Cultural Dance Troupe of Ososo Community in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, at the burial ceremony.

The fourth of six children born to the king by Queen Eladi, who was the King’s youngest wife, Princess Elizabeth as a child had a phenomenal love for her mother. So attached was she that when her late maternal Uncle, Musa, bought her a school uniform, she declined to wear it nor to commence her primary school education as she preferred to always be by her mother’s side.

When in later years she became conscious of the value of education, she saw how wrong her childhood choice had been and vowed to correct the mistake through her children.

This new vision underlined the strong collaboration she forged with her late husband to see all her children through school – a vow she remained committed to even after the demise of her husband.

A commodity trader, Princess Rebekah lived her adult to portray the African meaning of the word mother, a lifestyle that earned her the description, “mother of mothers”.

Because she hated to see anyone hungry, she would always prepare her meals, not only for the number of persons in her household, but for strangers who she often insisted, may come visiting and may be hungry.

After she lost her husband 37-years ago, she held strongly to her God and remained focused in her trade.

Fondly addressed as “Iye’’ which translates to mother, by all and sundry, Princess Rebekah was deeply prayerful, patient and peace loving. She was a philanthropist, counsellor, an encourager, and a devout and committed member of the Roman Catholic Church; a faith she held unto until she breathed her last.

The entire management and staff of Akoko Edo Community Newspaper wish mama’s soul eternal rest and pray that God grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss.