Alur Kingdom Eulogizes Fallen Arikpa Royal Council Leader, Calls for Unity
By Mike Rwothomio
The Alur Kingdom has paid tribute to the late Mzee Opar Serafino Jalawure, former Chairman of the Arikpa Jupa Avur Royal Council, praising his contribution to leadership and reconciliation in the chiefdom.
The Kingdom also called on the people of Arikpa Jupa Avur Chiefdom in Athuma Sub-county, Zombo District, to unite behind the newly installed Chief, Albert Ngabipara Jalugwaru II, to promote peace, unity and development.
The message from His Royal Majesty, the Ubimu of Alur Kingdom, was delivered by the Chief of Avari Chiefdom, Rwoth Kerunega Everisto Rini I, who represented Prime Minister Prince Lawrence Opar Angala at the burial of the late Jalawure on Monday, November 9, 2026. He led a delegation of Ker Alur chiefs.
The Ubimu commended the people of Arikpa for donating land towards the establishment of Athuma Seed Secondary School and a proposed private health facility to improve access to education and healthcare in the area.
He also encouraged members of the Jupa Avur royal family to embrace unity and support Chief Ngabipara Jalugwaru II, recognised by Ker Alur as the legitimate leader of the chiefdom, to strengthen cultural preservation and community mobilisation for socio-economic transformation programmes.
The late Jalawure, who died on November 5, 2026, aged 86, was remembered for his leadership as Royal Council chairman during a prolonged leadership dispute in Arikpa, which was eventually resolved through mediation involving Ker Alur and government support in 2023.
During the funeral Mass, the main celebrant, Rev. Fr. Okweda Benedict, described the deceased as an exemplary Christian whose values contributed to his ability to provide good leadership in the chiefdom.
He commended the Ubimu for promoting unity and development in Arikpa and urged residents to embrace the King's message and maintain peaceful coexistence.
The late Mzee Opar Serafino Jalawure was born on January 1, 1943, and was laid to rest at Arikpa Jupa Avur in Athuma Sub-county, Zombo District.
Late Mzee Opar Serafino Jalawure, former Chairman of the Arikpa Jupa Avur Royal Council
By Mike Rwothomio.
