Some prominent traditional rulers across Nigeria have pledged to attend the burial of the late Amanyanabo of Kalabari Kingdom, Prof. TJT Princewill Amachree XI.
A statement from the burial Committee disclosed that the Ooni of Ife, His Majesty, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi and the Obi of Onitsha, Majesty Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe have promised to honour King Princewill’s funeral as a mark of solidarity and respect for their departed royal brother.
“They both described the King as a perfect gentleman whose legacies both as a lecturer and on the throne shall remain pleasantly evergreen.”
According to the statement, the Obi of Onitsha likened the demise of the late
Amanyanabo of Kalabari Kingdom to
a lethal weapon that hit him in his mid-riff.
“He was both my friend and brother”.
The two Royal Majesties prayed God to grant King Princewill’s family, the Kalabari kingdom and the good people of Rivers the fortitude to bear the loss.
Also addressing the only biological child of the late Monarch and Chairman, Central Working Committee of the burial,
Tonye Princewill who paid him a courtesy visit, the Dan-Amanar of Dutse, Alhaji Nasir Danu, said the transiting king was not just a father to the Kalabari kingdom, but to all those who came in contact with him.
Alhaji Danu who promised that he would grace the funeral with the Emir of Dutse and his cabinet, promised to support in any way he can to ensure the King gets a befitting farewell recalling the King’s own visit to Dutse in 2017 and his many interactions.
“Your father left legacies in the North of Nigeria before he did in the South. We know him, we know his nature and we will be there to celebrate him and his life”.
In similar vein, Amanyanabo of Twon Brass and first governor of old Rivers State, King A.P Diete-Spiff in his condolence message said the late Monarch will be greatly missed
the Ijaw King who also promised to honour the funeral with his full cabinet said King Princewill’s legacies shall forever speak for him insisting that he would personally visit the Kingdom to condole with the family beforehand.
Former Information Commissioner and Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark, said the demise of the late Prof. T.J.T Princewill, was a great loss to the academic community, the Ijaw nation and to Nigeria. He prayed God to grant the family of the deceased monarch and the Ijaw Nation the fortitude to bear the loss. The Ijaw leader gave his tribute when he received the son of the King, Prince Tonye Princewill at his Abuja residence on Saturday night.
The PANDEF leader who promised to attend the funeral in person, expressed the hope that the burial of the late King would foster even greater unity amongst the Ijaws.
In his remarks, Chairman, Central Working Committee of the burial, Prince Tonye Princewill said that the visit was meant to formally brief the elder statesman on the funeral rites of the King.
He noted that given the status of Chief Clark, it is only proper for the delegation to brief him in person rather than via a letter and implored him to attend should circumstances permit.
and then