My Elder Brother Played The Role Of Mentor, Coach, Companion, Says Dr. Dudafa As Ayibatari Was Lowered To Mother Earth

….Ogbuku, Goli,Golden, others empathise with the Dudafa’s family

Ayibabiri Community in Kolokuma-Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, was thrown into grief and shock over the demise of Mr Ayibatari Johnny Dudafa, at the late hours of Saturday 6th December 2025.

Late Ayibatari Johnny Dudafa, who passed on at the age of 55, was until his demise a devoted Christian and seasoned Administrator who meritoriously served in the Bayelsa State Civil Service and later retired as a Director.

As painful as his untimely departure had caused to family and friends, his remains were honoured to a brief laying-in state at his father’s compound in Ayibabiri Town, in accordance with the Izon tradition of burial rites.

Expressing his grief and pain during the funeral service, Dr. Waripamo-owei Dudafa, a former Senior Special Assistant on Domestic Matters and Social Events to President Goodluck Jonathan between 2012-2015, noted that Late Ayibatari his elder brother played the role of a mentor, coach and confidant at one point to the other in his life.

His words” I have allot to say about my elder brother and that is if I would have the whole day, because we practically shared every memory as siblings with love, unity and vision growing up, and up till this moment that he is lying lifeless.

“My elder brother, now lifeless in there was the greatest inspiration towards my becoming an Accountant, despite the difficulties of studying mathematics and not to talk of choosing accounting as a profession, he inspired and coached me into becoming the Accountant that I am today, and fortunate for us, we are both Accountants by profession”.

Sharing old time memories as part of his remarks, Dr Dudafa maintained that the untimely passing on of his elder brother has created a great vacuum and rested on his shoulders the burden of taking lonely decisions as the only son left of his aged mother.

” My elder brother popularly known in our days in Portharcourt as “Master T” due to his kick-boxing skills, did not only coached me to becoming a skilled boxer in our younger days, but the very one who truly understands the soft and hard sides of me no matter the state of sadness or happiness that I may be.

“He contributed to my career in life and supported myself and the rest of his siblings at every point and on every issues and the bond we shared went stronger above just been one bloodline until this ugly call to eternity, and even though this is beyond human control, his memories will remain irreplaceable and I pray his soul to find rest in the bosom of God”. Dudafa stated.

Apostle Dr. Amaebi Tonny Odogu, the guest preacher, in his sermon admonished everyone to live a blameless life before God, for death is an inevitable end of every man.

The clergyman described the deceased as a very calm and good spirited fellow who was ready to render help at anyone whether close or not, a man who devoted himself to the service of God.

Apostle Odogu later offered prayers to members of the Dudafa’s family and as well the Ayibabiri Community not to experience such premature deaths, but rather live healthy to old age in fulfillment of God’s purpose.

The body of Late Ayibatari Johnny Dudafa was later lowered to six fifths amidst tears that dropped from family members, friends and visitors.

Some dignitaries who despite the short notice, came to empathise with Hon. Waripamo-owei Dudafa(PhD), and his siblings included; Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, MD/CEO of the NDDC, Hon. Collins Cocodia, Special Adviser to Gov Diri on Political Matters, Hon. Wisdom Fafi, the Member Representing Kolokuma-Opokuma Constituency II, in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly.

Others were, Hon. Golden Jeremiah, the Executive Chairman of Ogbia Local Government Area, High Chief Lucky Alex Youbogha, Director of Transport to Bayelsa State Government House, HRH Hon. Israel Sunni Goli, Barr. George Turnah, Hon Ayabogha James, Mr Ebiegberi Diri, Pastor Yallah, among others.

Ebisuobo Okpeke, DG
Dudafa Media Team