Kinsmen of the former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, have continued to intensify prayers for his release. Ibori is currently serving a 13-year jail term in a London prison over money laundering.

A special prayer session was, over the weekend, held for Ibori’s release at the First Baptist Church, Ovade-Oghara in Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State. It was at the behest of one of the ‘anointed disciples’ of the former governor and immediate past Commissioner for Transport in the state, Hon. Benson Igbakpa.

News Express reports that the prayer session was one of the high points of a three-hour special thanksgiving service in honour of Hon. Igbakpa, who was at the church to thank God for a successful four-year sojourn as commissioner in the oil-rich state.

Among those who participated in the special prayer session for Ibori were prominent clergy men in the area; Ibori’s immediate family members, including her daughter and member representing Ethiope West in the State House of Assembly, Miss Erhiatake Ibori, Elder Sister, Christie Omatie Ibori-Ibie’ the traditional ruler of Oghara Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Noble Oyibo Eshemitan, Orefe III; the Senator Representing Delta Central, Chief Ighoyota Amori; as well as some immediate past commissioners in the state.

Describing Chief Ibori as their worthy and illustrious son who used his position to transform the economic lives of many Deltans and Nigerians alike, the kinsmen of the former governor asked God to intervene in his case, just as they prayed that God should sustain his health.

The traditional ruler of Oghara Kingdom, full of praise for the former governor, called on all sons and daughters of the kingdom as well as Deltans both at home and in the Diaspora not to relent in their prayers for his release.

Speaking with journalists shortly after the prayer session, Hon. Igbakpa said it became necessary as the entire Oghara Kingdom and indeed all Deltans are eagerly awaiting the release of “their illustrious son.”

“Today, Chief Jame Onanefe Ibori, our worthy son and brother, may not be here with physically, but we are convinced that he is very much with us in spirit. We are indeed praying fervently for his release because. Even if he may have erred, he is still human and we know that God can still forgive him,” Igbakpa said.

News Express reports that Chief Ibori was sentenced in April 2012 after he pleaded guilty to money laundering charges preferred against him.