By Ebenezer Adurokiya, Reporting
IN a city where tradition meets elegance and the old ways still whisper proudly through the rustling palms, Benin City played host to a regal farewell – one steeped in culture, grace, and the enduring warmth of family. The patriarch of the Idemudia Akenbor family, Pa Joseph Omorodion Idemudia, affectionately known as “Akpale, King of Boys,” was laid to rest in a spectacular celebration of life that was as grand as the legend he leaves behind.
Pa Joseph Omorodion Idemudia
Passing away peacefully on Friday, 12 July 2024 at the age of 90, Pa Joseph’s transition was marked not by mourning alone, but by a jubilant reflection on a life richly lived — one that echoed with laughter, resilience, and an indomitable spirit. He departed surrounded by his children and grandchildren in the embrace of home, at 40 Ogida Avenue, Benin City — the very grounds that would later cradle his final rest.
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Guests of Betty Idialu at the event
A Procession of Love and Legacy
The funeral rites commenced on Wednesday, 9 April 2025. At precisely 10:00 a.m., the late patriarch’s body was conveyed from God’s Care Mortuary through the familiar lanes of Ekewan Road to his residence. There, a poignant lying-in-state brought together friends, family, and neighbours who came to pay last respects to the man whose presence had long commanded reverence and affection.
Children and grandchildren of Akpale King of Boys
By 9:00 p.m., a traditional wake-keep bathed the atmosphere in solemnity and reflection, mingling prayers with memories as the night deepened into a quiet communion of hearts. The following day, Thursday, 10 April, witnessed the private interment of Pa Joseph within the compound he had called home — a place that had witnessed his laughter, counsel, and quiet strength.
Guests of Betty Idialu at the event
Celebration in True Royal Fashion
But as is customary in African culture — particularly in Benin, where ancestors are not mourned but celebrated — Saturday, 12 April transformed into a jubilant crescendo of music, dance, and shared joy. The palatial Stevik Event Centre on Adesuwa Road came alive with colours and rhythms, hosting the “Social Dance” — a befitting tribute to the man who once bore the title “King of Boys.”
Children, daughters and daughters in law
Taking centre stage were the Inneh Cultural Troupe and Talents of Benin, whose electrifying performance had guests rising from their seats in awe. Drums echoed like heartbeat, dancers swayed with ancestral grace, and the spirit of Akpale seemed to dance among them — alive in the jubilant steps and resounding chants.
Inneh Cultural Troupe
Despite Nigeria’s prevailing economic hardship, generosity flowed like palm wine — from the buffet tables laden with delicacies to the wide smiles of guests who had travelled from far and near. The atmosphere brimmed with joy, unity, and deep respect — a community united in honour of a noble life.
Akpale King of Boys
Final Curtain Call
On Sunday, 13 April, the final act of the funeral rites unfolded back at his Ogida Avenue residence. A midday gathering drew guests once more for a final celebration featuring a special performance by the Inneh Theatre Troupe. With drums, drama, and song, they brought closure to the momentous farewell — offering the community one last chance to say goodbye with hearts full, not heavy.
Among those present were members of the fourth estate from the Warri Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), led by Okies Okpomor. The presence of media dignitaries added a professional touch to the family’s tribute, no doubt in honour of the deceased’s daughter, Betty Idialu — a respected journalist with The Observer, Edo State’s official newspaper.
Betty Idialu and members of the Fourth estate of the realm
Legacy of a Legend
Born on 16 October 1934 in Obobaifo Village, Ovia South West Local Government Area, Pa Joseph was the son of Pa Idemudia Akenbor — a revered farmer, hunter, and traditional healer — and Madam Ayana Idemudia, a formidable businesswoman and farmer in her own right. From such rich stock, it is no wonder that “Akpale, King of Boys” became a figure etched into the fabric of Benin’s social memory.
Betty Idialu with NUJ Warri Correspondents Chapel
He was more than a father and grandfather. He was a cultural icon, a storyteller, a friend, and, above all, a king — not by title but by how he touched lives.
Guests of Betty Idialu
As the sun sets on a life well lived, the echo of celebration still lingers in Benin’s warm air. Pa Joseph Omorodion Idemudia may have gone to join the ancestors, but his name — “Akpale, King of Boys” — will dance forever in the hearts of those he loved and those who loved him.
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