Chief Paulicap Okpara, a top member of the Eku Traditional Council in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State is dead.
Paulicap is 1st cousin to the late Olorogun Kenneth Okpara, a one-time Commissioner for Economic Planning and later Commissioner for Finance in the administration of former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan.
Oasis Magazine gathered that he slumped today Sunday during his mother’s 93rd birthday thanksgiving in St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Eku, went home to take some medication, had his condition deteriorate and was rushed to the hospital where he was declared dead.
Paulicap, a strong member of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP and a notable leader in Eku Ward 9 before his demise was also a strong loyalist to Tony Kess, a PDP Chieftain.
As the only son of the celebrant, he is said to have made solid arrangements and invited guests for the birthday ceremony of his mother, Chief Cathryn Okpara, a prominent member of the women’s wing of Eku Traditional Council.
A close family source said the reception after the church service was scheduled to hold at his residence in the community.
Adding that Chief Kess donated a cow to the well-planned occasion.
Indigenes of the community, still in shock have taken to Facebook to express their pain over his demise.
Speaking to Oasis Magazine, a leader in the community, Edevbie Emmanuel, said: “Paulicarp is a political leader and upright person who stands for the truth at Eku Traditional Council. He rather walks away rather than intimidate anyone. From the time I was close to him, he was always with a positive vibe.and always believed that God exists.
*Sometimes ago, when one of his sons travelled to Ghana when youths were travelling there to make money in the wrong way, he ensured that his son returned back in order not to mess up his reputation. He is a bigwig in Ward 9 PDP and one-time Supervisory Councilor in Ethiope East.
“The community is cold now and the said birthday can’t hold. This is so painful. He noticed the sign, he rushed home to take drugs before they rushed him to the hospital. Before he was taken to the hospital, he had given up.”
Paulicarp who died at 61, left behind two wives and children.
-Oasis Magazine
