03/10/2025
BIOGRAPHY
EVANGELIST ESAGINI JOSEPH ORONUKPO
(OSU, THE ODIO OF ORUGHE FAMILY)
EARLY LIFE
Evangelist L/R Esagini Joseph Oronukpo (Osu, Odio of Orughe Family) was born about 1910 into the Orughe Family through Mr. Oronukpo Okumu from Iyerughe Street in Uruto Community, and Mrs. Ovuorobonye Oronukpo from Ebadhezor family in Ofa, street Erovie, Community both in Ozoro kingdom, Isoko North L.G.A, Delta State, Nigeria. Mr. Okumu Oronukpo union was blessed with 6 children and Evangelist L/R S.J. Oronukpo was the 2nd son from this dynasty.
MARRIAGE LIFE
Evangelist L/R S.J. Oronukpo (Osu, Odio of Orughe Family) first got married to Christiana and the marriage was blessed with three (3) children but two died and left with a daughter. After many years and due to circumstances of life the marriage was formally dissolved and Papa got married to Evangelist (Mrs.) Esther Ighokpozi Oronukpo (a.k.a Mama G) from Eye family in Etevie community, Ozoro Kingdom. In addition, the union was blessed with 7 children, 19 grandchildren, 4 Great grandchildren, 2 sons-in-law and 3 daughter in-laws. But Miss Joan later passed on due to a string illness in her tender aged.
EDUCATION
Evangelist L/R Esagini Joseph Oronukpo was not privilege to gained formal education in his early days due to his parent’s perspective toward education, due to his inquisitiveness about formal knowledge, he decided first to joined his mother tongue class in the church on the Niger where he performed excellently and obtained Isoko language certificate, and he can read and write in Isoko language fluently. His quest further pushed him to attend adult literacy education in Isoko Local Government Area from 1st April 1975 to 29th June, 1979. During his five (5) years literacy education, he was appointed as the Class Leader upon his character and truthfulness. The adult literacy education zonal permanent instructor described him as “DELIGENT AND USEFUL”. Evangelist L/r S.J. Oronukpo been hunger for more advanced knowledge decided to attend Institute of Continuous Education (ICE) in mission road, Ozoro from 1987 to 1990. Papa wasn’t pleased with his level of formal education and vow to work hard with his lovely wife Evangelist (Mrs.) Esther Ighokpozi Oronukpo to make sure they produced graduates through their lineage and to the glory of God, before Papa, Passionate father passed on, he has produced three (3) industrial technicians with (OND), three (3) Graduates with B.Sc. in different discipline (Public Administration, Business administration and Mass Communication) and one (1) Master degree holder with a Ph.D. in view.
OCCUPATION
Evangelist L/r S.J. Oronukpo (Osu, Odio of Orughe Family) was a great entrepreneur and a conservative independent man, he was into botanical garden for so many years. Later, he ventures into aquaculture, rubber tapping and rubber dealer, African Palm Oil production/marketing in which his harvest was enough to take care of the family and extended once as well. He was a merchandise as well and his footprint cut across almost all parts of the country. He was amongst the early traders in Isoko to gained opportunity as a business man that sells humorous in large quantities as a distributor. He purchased beverages in bulk from manufacturers and then sell them to retailers, retailers from all neighboring villages and towns tripped down to Ozoro in the 70’s to purchased humorous from him for their ceremonies. Evangelist L/r S.J. Oronukpo fastidiously with his lovely wife practiced diversify economic ventures.
Their loving cooperation as husband and wife made fruitful profits to themselves financially to take care of their children, handling other activities alongside, and extending helping hands to brothers, sisters, and others in the community and even beyond for many years. (Even those he gave helping hand to with finance are still yet to return his voluntary assistance up till now).
For this reason, Evangelist L/r S.J. Oronukpo joined Nigeria Cassava Growers Association in 1991 with agenda of former President Olusegun Obasanjo (GFR) to export his produced to other parts of the country.
Through this merchandize, he was successful and this made life much more meaningfully to his family, and others around him. Papa departed this sinful world to rest after all worked has been accomplished here on earth.
CHRISTIAN LIFE
Evangelist L/r Esagini Joseph Oronukpo (Osu, Odio of Orughe Family) considered life more essential after death to be very important, upon this; he made up his mind to embrace Jesus Christ from his youth age and joined the Anglican Church in the Diocese on the Niger through the coming of the European missionary. Evangelist L/r S.J. Oronukpo was baptized in 1956 & confirmed as a communicate on 3rd December 1959, by Bishop Ceci John Patterson (Bishop on the Niger).
His loved for Christ made him joined the “Ukoko Adamu” meaning “Anglican Adam’s Preaching Society” in Isoko land that was formed in 1946 by Chief Evangelist Cornelius Adam Igbudu, a prominent figure in the Anglican Church. His objective and sincere contributions to the work of God rewarded him again a leadership position “as the Osu” meaning “leader”. He was one time the Assistant leader of the Isoko Zone A.A.P.S, one time leader of the Old Ivrogbo group and Ozoro Group. Papa for so many years traveled to different interior villages in Isoko and its environs to propagate the good news of Jesus Christ and so many souls were won to Christ alongside side with the founder. Anytime Papa returned home from these evangelism duties, he will call his children and began to narrate how God power prevail over satanic forces and idols worshippers. He told us (his children) how a certain traditionalist displays his diabolical powers in lgbide community during one of their crusades in that community, suddenly, it started raining heavily in the whole community but no single rain dropped was witness in the venue of the crusade while they were singing and praising God, later the traditionalist came to the venue to submit to superior power of God and all his idols were later burnt by them. Papa went with him on a crusade in one of the riverine areas while sailing on the sea, a large-scale fish hit their both on the attempt to sink the boat but God power prevail and they both landed without any injuring from the incident. Three days later the trumpet sound of Saint Cornelius Adam Igbudu was heard. (1914-1981) Evangelist Cornelius Adam Igbudu always love coming to Ozoro due to his close relationship and commitment with Evangelist L/r S.J. Oronukpo. He loves residing in Papa’s house anytime he visits Ozoro, finally, Great Evangelist L/r S.J. Oronukpo has joined his friend and brother in the faith Chief Evangelist Cornelius Adam Igbudu to rest after many years here on earth without his friend.
Evang. S. J. Oronukpo played significant roles in St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Ozoro in his life time, he was elected the People’s Warden and Treasurer of the church and he held this position for fourteen (14) years. During his wardenship time this church building we all are seated, worshipping and praising God was purchased and built. Papa love to give accurate account of different church contributions that was paid to him as a treasurer. Papa played a major role of counseling as an elder in the creation of the Proposed Ozoro Diocese. Evangelist L/r S.J Oronukpo was also a member of the father’s union in St. Paul Anglican Church, Ozoro till his death.
SOCIAL LIFE
Odio took over the divine leadership of the oldest man in Orughe family Uruto community, Ozoro Kingdom on 3rd July, 2015. A position he held for Ten (10) years and from findings, he is the only man that has enjoyed such longevity holding the eldest man position in Orughe family. He served diligently as the elderly person in the family until 27th June, 2025. He was a peaceful leader who does not tolerate partiality and favoritism, his numerous contributions to the whole family can’t be forgotten in a hurry.
Evangelist L/r S.J. Oronukpo also joined the Edio of Uruto community on Thursday, 17th November 2022 and upon his arrival, he was nominated to lead the whole Edio Uteh of Ozoro kingdom as the chairman. A position he held until 27th June, 2025.
Evangelist L/r S.J. Oronukpo was a very hard-working person who never get tired as he worked dedicatedly to serve his community perfectly with all respect and high dignity. An upright man, who kept, maintained, and sustained the principles of leadership according to (Prov: 11:14, prov.21:1), and extended this good attitude to the church. He indeed demonstrated the bible contents in James 3:2, which discusses controlling one's speech, and Psalm 37:37, which emphasizes the peaceful end of a perfect man.
His compassion, hospitality, generosity, dignity, and easy-going mind gave him the opportunity to be highly loved, favored, and respected by member of Iyerughe, Egwokpokpor, Inaghogho, Uruto and Ozoro Kingdom at large.
Our dearly beloved father, Evangelist L/r S.J. Oronukpo will always be remembered for his kindness, love, dedication, coordination, counseling acts, respect, peacemaking, and many more been displayed till death. He lived a fulfilled life and his legacies will be remembered forever.
Good night Oseme (Papa)! Farewell, until we meet again to part no more.
APPRECIATION
We members of Oronukpo family and Ebadhezor family both home and abroad express our profound gratitude to the officiating ministers, Choir, the entire Church, associates too numerous to mention, friends and well-wishers for their immense contributions to the funeral ceremony of our father.
May the Almighty God shower His abundant blessings on you all and grant you journey mercies back to your various destinations.
AMEN.
TRIBUTES
Odio!! Odio!! Odio!!! Your memory will continue to be with me because am still in shock of your departure from the earth, it is like a dream that I don’t want to wake up from in a short while the compassionate effect you have in my life during when you were still alive cannot be replace by anyone. You tutor me on how I can live an honest, humble and truthful life that is been emulated by those around me today, I will always remain grateful to you my father because you sacrifice a lot for me to succeed in life and you impacted a lot of wisdom and words of encouragement that serve as my life philosophy. I don't have enough words to describe how you are to me, your death is the hardest tragedy I have experience in my life even though nobody is meant to leave forever, it's a duty called of nature that we must depart from the earth one day that is best known to our maker, in your spiritual myth always guide and protect us from the evil one's, Adieu my lovely and caring father. Live on until we meet to part no more...
MR. JOSHUA ORONUKPO (SON)
OSEME! OSEME!! OSEME!!!
I’m proud to call you OSEME!!! A man full of wisdom and compassionate towards others: wife, children, brothers, sisters, cousins, nephew, Oronukpo Dynasty and everyone that has come in contact with you on earth. You practically demonstrate the footprint of Solomon in 1st Kings 3 and 2nd Chronicles 1, according to the holy book. You are my centenarian and with your demise, others in this world will seek to know you more.
You attained a professorship degree here on earth in various ways, including, leadership, accountancy, religiously and counselling. I promised to fulfill one of your unachieved desire dreams which was “gaining formal education”. Thank God you have witnessed my degree convocation. I pray you should stand for us all your biological children here on earth to uphold your legacy now that you have finished your earthly service to all humanity. You are a man that will be greatly missed by all, most especially me.
MR. WISDOM JOSEPH ORONUKPO.
I received the rude shock of your demise, Late Pa. L/r. Joseph Oronukpo. Well, death is inevitable as it remains a necessary end for all believers to reunite with God their maker since we cannot live on this earth forever. However, may the Almighty and merciful God give the family the great grace and fortitude to bear the irretrievable, irreparable and irrecoverable loss of our departed daddy.
Continue to remain and to live under the perpetual light of God forever, Amen.
REV. G. AGBEDEME
Daddy, you lived a good life, our prayers is that even as you have gone to be with the Lord, the Almighty God will grant us your children fulfilment, mercies and long life that at the end Christ Jesus will receive us into His glorious blossom, Amen. We miss you daddy.
PASTOR LIGHT OMOGHENE (IN-LAW)
I was not happy when Papa left the world but God knows the best and the rest. May your soul rest in perfect peace, Amen.
AVRO EMMA
A great hero who served dedicatedly to God Almighty and humanity, we miss you dearly. However, God knows the best for you and we whom you left behind therefore, we cannot question Him. Rest in perfect peace, Amen.
PRINCE DR. AREGBOR PHILIP.
I was shocked when I heard Odio Joseph Oronukpo had passed on. He was a peaceful man. Daddy, we love you but God loves you most, rest in the bossom of God Almighty.
EVANG. PAUL ADHOBOTAME
Odio, Odio, Odio, you lived an exemplary life that need to be emulated. Having gone all the long way in life journey, you conformed to the good years, God has proposed for man. We are not sorrowful, but sees your death as transited to eternal life. You served God and mankind in all ramifications. You are traditionally updated, historically accomplished, and humanly advisory and Godly inclined. You were so well in propagating Christian religion. I say, farewell till we meet on resurrection day. May Almighty God grant your soul perfect rest, Amen!
RAYMOND MUKORO
Odio, you are cherished by God and you lived a life worthy of emulation. You are worthy of the Lord, we all your children and well-wishers know you are resting in the bosom of the Lord for your life was dedicated to the services of the Almighty God and humanity. We indeed missed a hero. Papa, rest in peace, Amen.
REV. CANON S. OKPOHWO
There is a time for everything, a time to come and a time to go.
God has a purpose for you, since Almighty God decided to take you home. We love you but God loves you best. I pray that your soul may be in the bosom of the Almighty God in Jesus name I pray, Amen.
IDISI FELIX
Odio, Odio, Odio, you were a father, a father who loved children, you guided me to follow Christ, you advised me to be a good Christian and I followed your footsteps which helped me till date. Rest in peace in Jesus name, Amen.
MRS. ECHEWA HOPE .A
Short period of time I got to know you. You stood as a father to my wife and I. Sad enough you are gone. All glory to God, rest with the Lord.
GODSPOWER .S. AKOSUBO
The icon has gone to rest with Almighty God. We are indeed very grateful to God. REV. DR. ASAKPOLAI CLETUS
A hero has gone home to rest with the lord. Papa truly, you were a living legend. You were really ancient and modern. We miss you papa.
VEN. ISAAC U.F EGBA (JP)
I have witnessed and experienced the love and harmony inherited from your devoted and effortless teachings among your children, grandchildren which also abide with the whole family. You were a role model and a devoted father to all, from the very day your son brought me home, you welcomed me and said “YOU ARE MY DAUGHTER” and you hold on to this word, you accepted me as a daughter to the family. You make up in all capacity to make me enjoyed been a married woman and in the life of your children and the whole family at large. We are immensely grateful for your sacrifices and contributions. Rest in the bosom of our maker until we meet to part no more.
MRS. PRECIOUS WISDOM ORONUKPO (1ST DAUGHTER IN-LAW)
Odio!! Odio!! Odio!!!Your memory will continue to be with me, I cannot forget the love and care you showed me during the birth of my children, you are more than a father to me I missed you so much I missed your advisory words of wisdom and encouragement I will always remain grateful to you dad. Rest in the bosom of the Lord until we meet to part no more.
MRS CAROLINE JOSHUA ORONUKPO (2ND DAUGHTER-IN-LAW)
Grand pa!!! We love you, thank you for all you have done for us all, and your grandchildren through our daddy, I wish to have you here more with us but God in heaven has decided to call you home. Please rest well now in the bosom of your maker Christ Jesus.
MASTER BRILLIANT WISDOM ORONUKPO (2ND GRAND-SON)
I used to call you my Ozoro grand pa, you always give us money during our January visit with our daddy every year. Now you have decided to rest with your maker, who is going to give us money next year January? I missed you grandpa
MISS. OREVAOGHENE WISDOM (GRAND DAUGHTER)
A TRIBUTE TO MY BELOVED FATHER
Odio! Odio!! Odio!!!
You are a definition of a true father; you never flogged me any day rather you called me to advise me when I am wrong and caution me not to commit that particular offence again. My hero always called to check on me and my family, he never allowed me to lack anything from my childhood till his death, always defending me even when others are against me. Your prayers for me few days before your departure will remain a great encouragement to me. If it would have been possible for me to keep you here on earth, I would have done it because I never wanted you to be far from me, but I’m not worthy to question what God has done. I love you so much Ose me as I always call you. Good night my great counselor and adviser till we meet to part no more.
MRS. RHODA A. OGAGA-OJU (2ND DAUGHTER)
A TRIBUTE TO MY FATHER INLAW
People like you are very scarce here on planet earth. You never called me your in-law but a son. You almost gave your daughter to me for marriage free of charge because you don’t glory in exorbitant charges but the respect and honour that is accompanied with it, that is what informed you to take a thousand naira only and a bottle of wine from me while other people were collecting huge amount of money from their in-laws. This act of favour you displayed to me cannot be forgotten in a hurry. You made my marriage easy for me and made me to conquer my fears. Your love and prayers for me cannot be forgotten. You fathered my biological mother as her leader in A.A.P.S. in those days and you also father me till your departure. My greatest joy is that I was able to lead you to Christ at the last moment of your life. Papa, go forth in your journey till we meet in the resurrection morning.
VEN. OGAGAOGHENE OJU (IN-LAW)
TRIBUTE TO MY GRAND PA
Your death was a shock to me. Your voice echoes in my mind every day and when I think about you, I always said how I which it is within my powers to keep you here on earth I would have done so. You also gave me a name called Amos which only you fondly call me. I don’t know if anyone will still call me that name again, anytime we visit, you always call and counsel me the way to go in life. The last time I met you was when you hold my hands and prayed for me and my mother and then we never meet again till your departure, I love you grand pa, but God love you most.
REST IN THE BOSOM OF THE LORD.
MASTER OGHENETANO AMOS OGAGA-OJU (1ST GRAND SON)
My father was a complete gentleman who had and gave love to all his children. An inspiring soul that takes care of us all. A problem solver and a solution provider. A man who keeps to time at all times. God bless your journey home. Your lovely son.
MR. EMMANUEL ORONUKPO (FIRST SON)
Papa, you were a nondiscriminatory and caring father. You were never a promise and fail person. Rest in Peace.
MR. ABEL E. ORONUKPO (SON)s
