The ancient Kingdom of Grand Bonny stood still on Saturday, September 26, 2026, as a mammoth crowd, drawn from across Rivers State and beyond, gathered to pay their last respects to an iconic Amazon of the Christian faith, late Mrs. Priscilla Seledi Ezekiel-Hart.
The late matriarch, of the Rogers Dappa Ezekiel-Hart family, passed away on June 13, 2026, at the age of 73.
The funeral ceremonies commenced earlier in the week with a Service of Songs on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Region Headquarters, off Hospital Road, Bonny Island.
On Saturday morning, the remains of the deceased departed the Bonny Mortuary for a brief stop at the Imini family House, followed by a lying-in-state at No. 92 King William Dappa People Road, Bonny Island.
The final rites culminated in a solemn, open-air service at the Queen Kambasa Event Centre, after which her body was committed to mother earth at the Commonwealth Cemetery, Bonny Island.
Throughout her 73 years on earth, late Mrs. Priscilla Seledi Ezekiel-Hart exemplified the profound virtues of a true Christian.
She was widely revered as a “Mother of Faith,” whose life reflected unwavering integrity, humility, and unconditional love.
Her home served as a sanctuary for many, radiating the peace and grace of a woman who walked closely with God.
Her life was defined by an unyielding commitment to evangelism and the propagation of the Gospel.
Unmoved by societal trends or personal hardship, she dedicated her time, resources, and energy to winning souls for Christ.
Recalling her early days in the faith, the Region Overseer for Gokana Region, Pastor Loveday Idaminabo, noted that during his tenure as Pastor-in-charge of Deeper Life Bible Church in Bonny, the deceased faced severe persecution.
Yet, despite fierce opposition, her resolve never wavered; she stood steadfast, proving that her faith was anchored on a rock.
To the Christian community—and particularly to women—Mrs. Ezekiel-Hart served as an enduring role model.
She modeled godliness in marriage, motherhood, and community leadership, demonstrating how a Christian woman can remain fervent in spirit while fulfilling her earthly responsibilities.
Her devout lifestyle, prayerfulness, and passion for holy living inspired countless women to embrace kingdom service and stand firm in their convictions.
The grand funeral service brought together an unprecedented gathering of leaders and members of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry.
The chief host of the event was the State Overseer of Rivers East, Pastor Moses Nsanam, PhD.
Delivering a stirring homily, the State Overseer of Deeper Life Bible Church, Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Emmanuel Amaeze—who was accompanied by the Bayelsa State Overseer, Pastor Friday Abraham—drew a clear nexus between upright living on earth and eternal life with God in heaven.
Pastor Amaeze urged the vast congregation to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour in order to live a purposeful earthly life and secure a home with God in eternity.
Other senior church leaders present included Pastor Okubuihe Onwuka, Region Overseer of Bonny Region; Pastor Loveday Idaminabo, Region Overseer of Gokana Region; Pastor Emmanuel Aguelechi, Region Overseer of Etche Region; Pastor Lucky Nnadi, Region Overseer, Afam Region; Pastor Charles Okon, Region Overseer of Abua/Odual Region; and State Coordinator of the International Friendship League (IFL), Dr Israel Mkpaoro.
A touching moment of the service came when her son, Boma Hart, read her biography, sparking tributes from various speakers who eulogized her unflinching faith, studied tenacity, and warm, motherly disposition.
The solemn occasion was heavily attended by prominent dignitaries and community leaders.
Among those present were the Deputy Leader of the Bonny Legislative Council, Hon. Lawrence Idasoalabo; former Leader of the Bonny Legislative Council, Rt. Hon. Miriam Alawari Hart; and former Rivers State Commissioner for Finance, Amaopusenibo Israel Williams.
The Ezekiel-Hart family and local business community were well represented by Wariopusenibo Hartley Ezekiel-Hart of the Ezekiel-Hart House cabinet, Warisenibo Ogbulu Ezekiel-Hart, CEO of Delight Hotels, and Godswill Jumbo, CEO of Kristina Reports.
Also joining the assembly were Pastor Blessing Hart, Pastor-in-charge of Christ Embassy, Bonny, along with former Councillors Hon. Alali Irimagha, Hon. Govern Hart, and Hon. Kingston Hart.
They were joined by titled citizens of Bonny Kingdom, elders of various chieftaincy houses, captains of industry, and numerous representatives from local women and youth groups.
Late Mrs. Priscilla Seledi Ezekiel-Hart leaves behind an enduring legacy of righteousness, sacrifice, and devotion to God that will continue to inspire generations in Bonny Kingdom and beyond.
