Former Delta State Governor, Chief James Ibori, has mourned the death of His Royal Majesty, King Alfred Papapreye Diete-Spiff, describing his passing as a monumental loss to the Niger Delta and Nigeria.
Diete-Spiff, who served as the first military governor of the old Rivers State from 1967 to 1975, was also a prominent traditional ruler, statesman and advocate of resource control.
His death was announced by Prof. Prosper Ayawei, Chief of Staff to the late monarch.
In a statement, Ayawei said the royal household received the news of the monarch’s passing with profound sadness, describing him as “a distinguished traditional ruler, statesman, and respected elder whose life and service made a lasting impact on his people and community.”
He extended heartfelt condolences to the royal family, relatives, subjects and all those mourning the late monarch, praying that Almighty God would grant them the strength and fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Reacting to the death, Ibori expressed his sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family of the late King Diete-Spiff, describing his passage as a monumental loss to the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.
Ibori described the former military governor as “a man of impeccable character and an outstanding gentleman,” adding that he was “a committed and passionate Nigerian and federalist and a true resource control advocate.”
According to the former governor, Diete-Spiff made significant contributions to the development of the Niger Delta, particularly during his years in public service.
“As young governors, we struggled to match their infrastructure goals. He left indelible footprints in the sands of time which will forever be remembered,” Ibori said.
While praying for the repose of his soul, Ibori also prayed that God would grant the bereaved family and the entire community the strength to cope with the loss.
