Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, has paid tribute to Late Mrs. Mary Ubi Obono (Née Onen Lekam Usani), mother of the Senior State Security Adviser, Major General Okoi Ubi Obono (Rtd), describing her life as a testament to love, service and exemplary motherhood.
The Governor, represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, spoke on Saturday during the funeral service held at All Saints’ Presbyterian Church, Ugep, in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State.
Governor Otu said the deceased had fulfilled her responsibilities on earth, particularly through raising children who had distinguished themselves in their respective endeavours.
“Everything Mama needed to do on earth, she has done, including raising children like Maj. Gen. Obono,” the Governor said.
He noted that the funeral provided an opportunity to celebrate the late matriarch’s contributions to her family, community and church, adding that the values she instilled in her children and her service to humanity would preserve her legacy for generations to come.
In his sermon, the officiating minister, Rt. Rev. Ofem Okoi, drew lessons from 2 Kings 22:2, emphasising the importance of living righteously before God. He described the late Mma Onen Lekam as a compassionate woman who contributed significantly to the growth of the church, noting that her faith, kindness and service remained worthy of emulation.
Earlier, her son, Major General Okoi Ubi Obono (Rtd), described his late mother as a disciplinarian who instilled strong moral values in her children. He urged his siblings to sustain the bond of love and unity she nurtured in the family, while expressing gratitude to all who stood by the family and joined them in mourning their beloved mother.
The funeral service was attended by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Emmanuel Ironbar, member representing Yakurr I State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. Cyril Omini, members of the State Executive Council; serving and retired senior military officers, Homeland Security Directors for the Northern, Central and Southern Senatorial Districts; top government officials; and representatives of various women’s groups, among others.
A highlight of the funeral service was the special prayers offered for the bereaved family and the Cross River State Government.
Deputy Governor’s Press Unit,
Government House, Calabar
October 10, 2026
