He immediately turned, smiled at me and continued walking. A moment later, he turned again, smiled and said, “Don’t worry, we will see again.”
There was something extraordinary about his voice. It sounded like the sweetest classical music, while his eyes seemed to glow with an indescribable radiance. The profound intensity of the encounter jolted me awake from what had seemed an ordinary slumber.
Still drowsy, I tried to make sense of what I had just experienced. Was it a sign that he wanted me to reschedule my flight to the United Kingdom so we could finally discuss the spiritual questions he always had? For beneath his reservations about my spiritual orientation, I had always sensed a man with a genuinely curious mind about the mysteries of life, asking questions in line with, what is the purpose of human existence? Is life merely a succession of events, or is there a deeper meaning to our journey on earth?
I had observed that Unuevworo Iffie was particularly troubled by natural disasters and other tragic occurrences. Such events often opened the door to conversations about spiritual matters, especially his desire to understand more about The Grail Message by Abd-ru-shin. He had visited the Grail Centre in Ekpan and expressed wish to visit Grailland in Iju, Lagos, as well as the Mountain of Bliss in Austria.
For these reasons, I regarded him as a sincere seeker of the truth – a man who occasionally paused amid the demands of public life, to contemplate the deeper purpose of human existence. More than once, following troubling events, he would wonder aloud about what he considered the mysteries of life. I would then remind him of what I understood as the spiritual law of sowing and reaping; of how our actions have consequences that we must encounter in the course of life. And how reincarnation plays a role in this.
In an increasingly complex world, where material pursuits and intellectual sophistication often distract humanity from deeper questions of existence, such reflections are not signs of weakness. Rather, they reflect a conscientious mind that seeks to understand life beyond its outward appearances and material realities. Consequently, I often tried to draw his attention to the spiritual dimensions of unexpected events, particularly when painful news or personal tragedies confronted us.
A HEART THAT FELT THE PAIN OF OTHERS
One experience he shared with me remains particularly vivid.
He once recounted the experience of a very close friend who had invested millions of naira in the education of his two sons, both in Nigeria and abroad, in the hope of securing a brighter future for them. But despite his enormous financial sacrifices and unwavering commitment to their education, the outcome had fallen far short of his expectations.
According to him, he once met this friend in a deeply pensive mood, and overwhelmed by his circumstances, the man had tearfully wondered whether the painful experiences he was passing through were meant to teach him some profound lessons about life.
This friend’s story had moved Unuevworo Iffie profoundly, because as he narrated it, I could see how deeply he felt his friend’s pain, probably made worse because he was particularly attached to one of the sons, who had been born in his presence, and with whom he had shared a beautiful father-and-son relationship.
That memory revealed an important dimension of his character. Beneath the stature of a traditional titleholder, the responsibilities of public office and the demands of business, was a man with a compassionate heart, capable of sympathy and empathy.
THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER AND THE HUMAN HEART
Our conversations often returned to the teachings of Jesus Christ, particularly the Parable of the Sower, recorded in the Gospels.
In that parable, a sower scatters seed that falls on four different kinds of ground: the hardened path, rocky soil, thorn-infested ground and fertile soil. While the seed on the path is snatched away, that on rocky ground withers for lack of deep roots. The seed among thorns is eventually choked, while that which falls on good soil flourishes and produces an abundant harvest.
Jesus’ explanation makes the parable a deep reflection on the human heart and its response to truth. Some people remain unreceptive; others embrace truth enthusiastically but abandon it when difficulties arise. Some allow worldly anxieties and material ambitions to overwhelm their convictions, while others receive the truth sincerely, nurture it and translate it into fruitful living.
To me, this parable speaks directly to the purpose of human existence. It challenges us to examine the condition of our hearts, the values that govern our decisions and the extent to which we allow truth to shape our lives.
Indeed, humanity would benefit greatly from a deeper and more sincere reflection on the parables of Jesus Christ. Their significance extends beyond religious observances to the daily choices through which we reveal who we truly are.
A PROMISE THAT REMAINS UNFULFILLED
Unuevworo Iffie and I had planned to meet in the United Kingdom, where we hoped to discuss several issues, including his intention to undertake a period of therapeutic fasting lasting several weeks. He told me it would be difficult to undertake the fast in Nigeria because of the many distractions, and he had hoped to travel to the United Kingdom during the period when His Royal Majesty Emmanuel Ekemejewa Sideso Abe I, JP, OON, was also expected to visit. He had even asked his sister to hand over his chieftaincy regalia to me for onward delivery to him in the United Kingdom.
I noticed that, during his final days, he had seemed increasingly receptive to conversations about spiritual matters. I also observed a renewed appreciation for nature as revealed in his instruction while renovating his residence, that beautiful flowers be planted at strategic points.
Unuevworo Iffie and I had made plans, believing there would be time to fulfil them. But, as the familiar saying reminds us, man proposes, God disposes.
Today, those conversations remain unfinished, those plans unfulfilled and those anticipated moments together a source of poignant reflection.
I cannot claim to know the full meaning of the extraordinary encounter that startled me awake. Yet, in retrospect, the words I heard—“Don’t worry, we will see again”—have acquired a significance that is difficult to dismiss. I receive the memory with humility, as a deeply personal experience that has remained with me since his passing.
HIS LIFE OF SERVICE AND ACHIEVEMENT
High Chief Peters Udubrekpe Iffie, the 13th Unuevworo of Ekpan, was a descendant of the Edjekuvwie and Eyaye ruling houses of Ekpan. His great grandfather was also at a time the Unuevworo of Ekpan.
He began his formal education at Okugbe Primary School, Ekpan, in 1974, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate. He subsequently attended St. Peter Claver’s College, Aghalokpe, where he obtained his West African School Certificate in 1988.
In pursuit of higher education, he gained admission to the Delta State University, Abraka, and graduated in 1997 with a Bachelor of Science degree with Honours in Political Science. In 1998, he completed the mandatory National Youth Service Corps programme in Kebbi State.
His public service career began in 1999, when he was elected councillor representing Ward 9 in Uvwie Local Government Council, Delta State. Between 1999 and 2002, he served as Chief Whip and Supervisor for Works. In June 2003, he was appointed Vice-Chairman of Uvwie Local Government Council by the Delta State Government. In May 2008, he was again elected Vice-Chairman of the council.
He also served as a national delegate of the defunct Social Democratic Party in Okpe Local Government Area before the creation of Uvwie Local Government Area.
Beyond politics and traditional leadership, he distinguished himself in business as Chairman and Managing Director of several companies, including Petlaff International Limited, an oil-services company; Voltron Construction and Development Company Limited; and VCDC Gas Limited.
His contributions to public administration also included service as Senior Special Assistant on Community Development to the Delta State Government under the administration of former Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa. Until his death, he served as Executive Assistant to the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.
He was married and blessed with a daughter.
His life, therefore, encompassed traditional leadership, political participation, entrepreneurship and public service. But beyond these positions and accomplishments, those who knew him will remember the personal relationships he nurtured, the compassion he demonstrated and the questions about life that sometimes occupied his thoughts.
“WHY DIDN’T YOU TAKE YOUR MEDICATION?”
Perhaps the most touching closing reflection comes not from a political associate, a business partner or a traditional institution, but from a five-year-old child.
Unuevworo, your little boy and namesake, Udubrekpe, when he was told of your passing, asked why you did not take your medication.
What a profound question from such a young child! In its simplicity lies the bewilderment of a child trying to understand the departure of someone he loved. It is also a painful reminder that irrespective of our titles, accomplishments, influence or aspirations, our lives remain fragile, yet precious.
This child’s question captures the feelings of many whose hearts are still searching for answers in the wake of this great loss.
JOURNEY HOME
High Chief Peters Udubrekpe Iffie has begun his journey home to his Creator. For those of us who knew him, his departure is not merely the loss of a traditional ruler, businessman, politician or public servant. It is the loss of a friend, a brother, with whom conversations were shared, questions were debated, plans were made and memories were created.
I pray that our sincere prayers and helpful thoughts will guide him on his final journey to the Eternal Kingdom of God.
May his soul find peace in the presence of his Creator. May his family find strength and consolation, and may his daughter, relatives, friends, associates and the people of Ekpan be comforted in their grief.
Unuevworo Iffie, the conversations we planned may never take place as we imagined. Yet the questions we discussed, the memories we created and the compassion you showed will remain.
And perhaps, for me, the words of that extraordinary encounter will endure longest of all:
“Don’t worry, we will see again.”
Wishing you joyful activities in the Eternal Kingdom of God.
Amen.
