Benin, Edo State – May 17, 2025
Former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 presidential candidate of Labour Party Peter Obi attended funeral services in Benin, Edo State, on Friday, May 16, 2025, to honour the lives of two distinguished figures: Dr. Henry Omorogieva Akpata and Mrs. Regina Omorose Igbe. The ceremonies, deeply rooted in Benin Kingdom’s cultural traditions, brought together family, friends, and dignitaries to commemorate the legacies of these respected individuals, Njenje Media reports. 

Dr. Henry Akpata, a revered medical professional and the father of Olumide Akpata, who passed away on January 10, 2025, at 84, was celebrated for his unwavering commitment to his community. “Dr. Akpata was a committed medical professional who invested in his community. His legacy of compassion and excellence will continue to inspire us all,” the former governor and 2023 presidential candidate wrote in a moving post on X. The funeral, where Obi joined Dr. Akpata’s son, Olumide Akpata, and other mourners, reflected the rich cultural heritage of the Benin people. Attendees wore traditional attire adorned with red coral beads, known as Ivie, a symbol of royalty and spirituality with origins tracing back to the 1400s, as noted in historical accounts of Benin traditions.
On the same day, the former governor and 2023 presidential candidate also extended his condolences to the family of Hon. Uyi Igbe, a former Speaker of the Edo
State House of Assembly, during the funeral of his mother, Mrs. Regina Omorose Igbe. Describing her as a woman whose life exemplified “grace and dedication to family,” Obi prayed for divine comfort for the Igbe family and eternal rest for the deceased. The occurrence of multiple funerals in Benin aligns with local customs, often marked by significant communal gatherings to honour the departed, as documented in studies of Benin burial practices.
Images from the events captured the solemn atmosphere, with the former governor and 2023 presidential candidate standing alongside mourners near a white casket, symbolising the final rites. The setting, framed by white drapery and greenery, provided a serene backdrop, while the coral beads worn by attendees underscored their cultural significance. According to the Guardian Nigeria, these beads are believed to carry spiritual properties, often symbolising protection and social status within the Benin community.

commended his empathy, stating, “You’ve done well, sir,” while critics, such as
@HardboyJb questioned his frequent attendance at funerals, labelling him the “President of bad news.” Despite the varied responses, the actions of the former governor and the 2023 presidential candidate demonstrate a profound respect for cultural traditions and communal unity.
The former governor and 2023 presidential candidate’s prayers for eternal rest for Dr. Akpata and Mrs. Igbe, and for strength for their families, resonate with the collective sentiment of those who gathered to bid farewell to two remarkable individuals whose contributions will be remembered in Edo State and beyond.