Lulu-Briggs’ widow absent at burial, 2 years after billionaire’s death

The deceased was founder and chairman of Moni Pulo Limited, an oil exploration and production company. Forbes Magazine named him among Africa’s 40 Richest in 2012, with a networth of $500 million.

Widow of the billionaire business mogul Chief OB Lulu-Briggs, Dr Seinye Lulu-Briggs was absent as her husband was laid to rest in Abonnema, Akuku-toru Local Government Area of Rivers State on Saturday.

Her family and some notable Kalabari chiefs had last week raised concern over her exclusion from the funeral activities of the octogenarian.

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A prominent Kalabari Elder Statesman and renowned business mogul, Ferdinand Alabraba had in a three-page letter addressed to Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs, the deceased’s son, called on him to work towards a very peaceful and successful burial in which all stakeholders will fully participate.

In the letter he personally signed and addressed to Chief Dumo, Alabraba queried among others that “it is alleged that as a result of the anger over your father’s Will, you decided to exclude your dad’s widow and daughter from the burial plans, thus denying them the right to perform their customary roles to honour him in death. That time-honoured Kalabari culture cannot be ignored and must be respected, otherwise the burial of our most respected High Chief will be incomplete.”

He advised the deceased son to ensure that his dad’s widow and his first daughter are duly restored in the burial plans so that they can carry out their customary roles in line with Kalabari tradition.

Chief OB Lulu-Briggs died two years ago in Ghana but was not buried because of disagreement in his family over the circumstances surrounding his death.

The deceased was founder and chairman of Moni Pulo Limited, an oil exploration and production company.

Forbes Magazine named him among Africa’s 40 Richest in 2012, with a networth of $500 million.

The funeral was attended by prominent politicians, captains of industries and other dignitaries who converged in Abonnema community in Akuku Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State to pay their last respect to the billionaire business mogul and philanthropist.

Speaking at the funeral attended by former President Goodluck Jonathan, his wife Patience,  Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, his deputy, Dr Ipalibo Harry, Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva and his wife.

Wife of the President,  Aisha Buhari extolled the virtues of the late oil mogul saying that she was very confident that the deceased son, Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs will continue to fly the family flag high.

The First Lady, represented by Mrs. Alange Timipre Salva, wife of the Minister of Petroleum, Chief Timipre Salva noted that the octogenarian was well known and dear to the First family and will be remembered for his proficiency in business, reassuring that the first family will continue to work with the Lulu-Briggs family to continue with the legacies of the oil magnate.