15/06/2026
CONDOLENCE MESSAGE.
It is with profound sadness and a deep sense of loss that I received the news of the passing of Prof. Johnson Osetejovwore Oyibode Adjan (1942–2026), fondly known as “The Ogburine – Song-Warrior.”
On behalf of NIFFER Touch Life Foundation, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, loved ones, friends, and the entire Urhobo nation during this difficult time of grief.
His wife had earlier reached out to me in May while he was receiving treatment at the Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara. Following his discharge, unforeseen circumstances prevented me from reconnecting with the family for some time. Sadly, before I could re-establish contact, the heartbreaking news of his passing emerged.
Prof. Adjan was not just a cultural icon, but a living archive of Urhobo history, wisdom, and indigenous philosophy expressed through music. His voice carried generations, his lyrics preserved identity, and his artistry became a bridge between tradition and posterity. Truly, his transition marks the end of an era.
I recall with deep emotion that I first met him during the burial ceremony of my late mother in 2012. From that moment, a bond was formed that transcended formal acquaintance, we became family.
Since then, from 2012, through the NIFFER Touch Life Foundation, we have had the privilege of supporting him and his family with cash and kind, especially through the period of his ailments. Through the years, we stood by him in moments of joy and adversity, sharing in his struggles and celebrating his enduring spirit.
That relationship remains one of the most meaningful humanitarian engagements we have had, and his memory will forever remain close to our hearts.
While his passing leaves an irreplaceable void, we take solace in a life that was richly lived in service to culture, truth, and humanity.
His songs, his philosophy, and his signature call, “Isi wadooo… iyaaa…” will continue to echo across generations as a reminder of his enduring legacy.
We pray that God grants his family the strength to bear this painful loss, and that they find comfort in the impact he made while on earth. May they also find peace in knowing that his legacy is immortal and deeply cherished.
At NIFFER Foundation, we reaffirm that those we serve are not just beneficiaries but family. We stand in solidarity with his loved ones in this moment of sorrow and will continue to honor his memory in all we do.
May the gentle soul of Prof. Johnson Osetejovwore Oyibode Adjan rest in perfect peace.
A life well lived. A voice unforgettable. A legacy eternal.
Isi wadooo… iyaaa…
Hon. Mine Jennifer Aragbata-Etuk
Senior Special Assistant to the Executive Governor of Delta State on Diaspora Affairs
Founder/Ceo, NIFFER (NIFER Touch Life) Foundation
