Anyikang community in Bekwarra Local Government Area stood still earlier today as the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Chief) Elvert Ayambem, led a high-powered delegation of government officials and lawmakers to pay their last respects to the late Elder Mathias Odama Egbung (KSJI), father of Hon. Egbung Odama, the Acting Chairman of Bekwarra Local Government Council.
The solemn ceremony drew notable dignitaries including the Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu, who was ably represented by his Deputy, Dr. Peter Odey. Also in attendance were the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, alongside several commissioners, local government chairmen, and political leaders from across the state.
The Deputy Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Sylvester Agabi, joined fellow legislators from the Northern Senatorial District, including Hon. Martin Achado (Yala II), Hon. Thomas Aruku (Ogoja), and Hon. Charles Omang (Bekwarra), to stand in solidarity with Hon Egbung during the wake-keep ceremony.
Speaker Ayambem, while condoling with Hon. Egbung Odama and his family, described the late Elder Mathias Odama as a devoted Christian, community leader, and father whose life was marked by service, humility, and faith. He urged the family to take solace in the legacy of uprightness and goodwill he left behind.
The wake-night was attended by friends, relatives, and well-wishers who gathered to honour the memory of Elder Odama, who was born on October 20, 1950, and passed away on September 21, 2025.
