The Burial Media and Publicity Committee for the late Distinguished Senator and renowned legal practitioner, Senator Barrister Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwaoboshi, has formally released the detailed programme of events for his final funeral rites. This announcement comes after an important meeting of the committee held on Monday, February 2, 2026, at the conference room of the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency (DSCTDA) in Asaba, the state capital.
Senator Nwaoboshi, a prominent political figure from Delta North Senatorial District, passed away on December 19, 2025, at the age of 67 (born June 29, 1958). His sudden death, reportedly following a collapse in Abuja and after a period of illness, sent shockwaves across Nigeria's political landscape. He was widely remembered as a fearless advocate for his people, a two-time Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, and a key player in national politics who later joined the All Progressives Congress (APC). His tenure in the Senate from 2015 to 2023 was marked by active participation in legislative duties, including chairing important committees and championing issues related to Delta State's development, infrastructure, and the welfare of the Anioma people.
The burial activities, spanning over two weeks, are designed to honour his multifaceted legacy as a senator, lawyer, community leader, and family man. They begin with national and institutional tributes before shifting to his home community in Ibusa, Oshimili North Local Government Area, where he will be laid to rest in line with both Christian and traditional customs.
The programme kicks off on Thursday, February 12, 2026, in Abuja with a Valedictory Session at the Senate Red Chambers of the National Assembly. Serving and former senators will gather to deliver heartfelt tributes, reflecting on his contributions to lawmaking, party politics, and national discourse. Later that same day, a Virgin Mass will be celebrated at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja, providing a solemn spiritual start to the farewell proceedings.
A major highlight in Delta State is scheduled for Tuesday, February 24, 2026, when a Night of Tribute will take place at the Dome Event Centre in GRA, Asaba. This event is expected to attract a wide array of dignitaries, including political leaders from various parties, traditional rulers, business moguls, former colleagues from the National Assembly, family members, friends, and countless well-wishers. It promises to be an evening of reflection, music, speeches, and shared memories celebrating the life, service, resilience, and enduring impact of the late senator.
On Thursday, February 26, 2026, attention turns to his legal heritage with a Court Valedictory Session honouring his distinguished career in the legal profession. As a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court, Senator Nwaoboshi made significant contributions to jurisprudence and advocacy. This session will allow judges, lawyers, and judicial officers to pay their respects. In the evening, starting at 6:00 pm, a Service of Songs and Vigil Mass will be held at St. Augustine Catholic Church, Ibusa, setting a deeply spiritual tone ahead of the main funeral rites.
The climax arrives on Friday, February 27, 2026, with the Funeral Mass at St. Augustine Catholic Church, Ibusa, commencing at 12:00 noon. Officiated under the Catholic tradition that guided much of his life, the Mass will offer prayers for the repose of his soul and comfort to the bereaved family. Immediately following the service, the body will be committed to mother earth in a private interment. A grand reception will then take place from 2:00 pm at the Anioboshi Primary School Field, near the Federal Girls’ College, Ibusa, providing an opportunity for guests to fellowship, share condolences, and celebrate his achievements in a more relaxed atmosphere.
The programme concludes with traditional burial rites on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at his family home in Isieke, Ibusa. These customary ceremonies will feature the iconic Okanga and Ogbu dances—vibrant cultural performances that are integral to Ibusa and Anioma heritage—along with other age-old rituals to accord him a befitting send-off in accordance with community traditions.
The Burial Media and Publicity Committee, through its Chairman, Patrick Ukah, and Secretary, Kweike Phil Eleume, has urged all well-wishers, political associates, colleagues from the bar and legislature, friends, and members of the public to note the schedule and actively participate where possible. Their involvement would serve as a final gesture of respect and solidarity with the grieving family.
The committee also took the opportunity to express profound gratitude to everyone who has extended messages of condolence, financial support, prayers, and moral encouragement since the senator's passing. They prayed for God's continued blessings, protection, and provision upon all who have shown kindness during this difficult period.
Senator Nwaoboshi's death elicited widespread mourning, with tributes pouring in from Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State—who described him as a dear friend and a dependable voice for Anioma—former governors like Ifeanyi Okowa, National Assembly leaders, party chieftains, and ordinary citizens alike. Many highlighted his role in grassroots politics, his advocacy for equity in Delta North, and his personal philosophy on life, often encapsulated in reflections about the vanity of material accumulation despite his own successes.
As preparations intensify for what promises to be a state-backed, dignified burial, the events underscore the profound loss felt across Delta State and Nigeria. Senator Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwaoboshi leaves behind a legacy of service, political astuteness, legal expertise, and community devotion that will continue to inspire future generations.
The committee reiterated its call for peaceful, united participation, ensuring the rites reflect the honour and esteem in which the late senator was held.
