High Chief of Ngchesar Ngirakebou Roman Bedor passed away on September 8, 2018 peacefully at the Belau National Hospital according to his family.
Ngirakebou Bedor has been ill for some time and was in the Philippines for treatment until recently when he returned home.
Chief Ngirakebou Bedor, in addition to his traditional position as the high chief of Ngchesar, was also a legal counselor for many years with distinguished career in law in Palau. He was known for his fearless representation of Palauan women who challenged the national government and US government during elections to accept the Compact of Free Association with United States. Such representation resulted in the murder of his father, who was mistaken for Roman Bedor himself.
He is also one of the original framers of the Palau national constitution.
Over the years, Chief Ngirakebou represented hundreds of Palauans including State governments and entities as an attorney.
He was still an active member of the Board of Palau Public Utilities Corporation until his untimely passing.
Chief Ngirakebou Roman Bedor is survived by his wife Keiko, his children, grandchildren and numerous family members. (L.N. Reklai)