Chief Mrs. Chinwe Ojukwu, Wife Of Lord Sir Franklin Ojukwu & Siblings Bury Their Father In Grand Style

NJOKU MACDONALD OBINNA

The remains of Ezinna Samuel Emeka Ibeji, the loving father of Chief Mrs. Chinwe Ojukwu (Ugo ka Ibeya) and father in-law to Lord Sir. Frank Ojukwu (Ugwu Igbo); Nkwerre born business mogul and Group Chairman of Agoshen Oil & Marine Services, were laid to rest at his Umuokoro Ikenga village,  Eziudo Community in Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, amid tears.

Ezinna Samuel Ibeji, 84, died on 20th January, 2021, after a brief illness.

A man of peace, filled with divine wisdom as his words represented honesty and resonated truth and knowledge.A fervent Christian from the Anglican Church, the late sage had earlier poured out his life to the service of God, his immediate family and humanity as practically exemplified in his life and times. 

As the first son and first child in a family of 8, the then young Samuel Emeka Ibeji devoted time, resources and deep love to taking care of his aging parents while also working so tirelessly to fend for his younger siblings.

Until his death, he was the  Treasurer of Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Eziudo, and contributed immensely towards the building and modeling of the home Church. 

Little wonder, during his burial service, well over 15 officiating Ministers mounted the podium to administer to the corpse of one God’s chosen, who placed devotion to God and family above the mundane things of this passing life.

A disciplinarian, Bible teacher , scholar and Guidance counselor, late Ezinna Samuel Ibeji raised up his children in the way of the Lord  ensuring they were given proper education to meet up with life’s many challenges.

Therefore, it was not surprising to see harvest of tributes from his children, grandchildren, in-laws, family members and relations pouring from different corners to eulogize and celebrate such a rare gem and gift to humanity even in death.

Speaking during an interview session with Njoku MacDonald, soft speaking Lord Sir Frank Ojukwu, in a rather reminiscent vein, spoke so highly about a father in-law, who meant a whole lot to him;  an in-law who accepted his proposal to his lovely daughter and even went  further to take him as a biological son. 

Regarded as an embodiment of conscience and honesty, the late Ezinna Samuel Emeka Ibeji left a lasting  legacy as a man of truth, who was there to guide his children and many who came to him to draw from his wells of wisdom and fatherly counsel.

The tireless efforts, sacrifices and unwavering contributions of the deceased children Chief Mrs. Chinwe Ibeji -Ojukwu, Engr. Udochukwu Ibeji, Mr. Ihechukwu Ibeji, Mrs. Chioma Ibeji -Oni and Mr. Charles Ibeji, were highly commendable as they displayed high sense of thoroughbreds as children trained by a disciplinarian father and teacher.

In the spirit of solidarity and unity of purpose, the good people of Igbo Ukwu Community in Aguata LGA, Anambra State, came all the way from the `Home for All` to identify with their in-law, Engr. Udochukwu Ibeji, during the mourning period of his family.

Highly impressive to note also, was that the entire Eziala Durumba Umukor, Amananno Autonomous Community in Nkwerre LGA, led by head of Emume Amananno, Nze Herbert Okey Anuebunwa. The Community was almost shut down as men and women  suspended their various schedules for the day to accompany their proud and illustrious son, Lord Sir Frank Ojukwu, alongside his siblings to far away Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA, Imo State, to lay to rest the body of their in-law, late Ezinna Samuel Emeka Ibeji.

Engr. Udochukwu Ibeji, a chip of the old block, used the opportunity the burial service created, to raise Two Million Naira in support of the ongoing Church project as their late dad until his death was a committed pioneer member of  Holy Trinity Church , Eziudo and its Treasurer for over a decade as he was known as ‘Nwoke Eziokwu’

Meanwhile, the maternal relations of Sir Frank Ojukwu (Ugwuchinyere Igboland) were also not left out as the Ochiagha Dynasty of Umueze Amike brought the Ebuebu masquerade led by Nze Andy Ken Ochiagha to add colour to the scene of the burial ceremony.

However, the event witnessed in  attendance many illustrious sons of Mbaise nation including a veteran Nollywood A -list actor, Kanayo  O. Kanayo, Esq. 

Meanwhile, powerful friends of Lord Sir Frank Ojukwu and the Nkwerre in-laws of the late Ezinna Samuel Emeka Ibeji were also not left out, as their rich presence gave colour to the burial which proved the weight of Sir Frank Ojukwu (Ugwuchinyere Igboland); the  head of Ojukwu Dynasty in Eziala Durumba village, Amananno Autonomous Community in Nkwerre LGA.

The crème of leadership, business associates and allies of Lord Sir Frank Ojukwu, who were spotted by the media lens of the reporter included but not limited to: 

HRH Eze Ngozi Anyaehie; Eze Imenyi 1 ofNnananno Nkwerre Autonomous Community, HRH Eze Felix G. Ogbonna ; Eze Opiegbe 1 of Amananno Nkwerre Autonomous Community, High Chief Michael Onuoha (Eririego of Igboland, Ikoro Isu, Ide Nwangele, Lord Earl); Chairman of Fradril Oil Services Ltd, Hon. Sir Casmir Ojukwu Casmir;  Imo State House of Assembly PDP Candidate for Nkwerre Constituency and Chairman, St. Cyril Resources Oil & Gas Ltd, Sir Obinna Anyanwu; Managing Director Block Captals Ltd, Sir Alex Ohiri; Managing Director,  Zidycons Ltd,  Eze Ochiwar Ugochukwu; Special Adviser to the Imo State Governor on Public Enlightenment, Sir Barr. Ted Ojukwu ; Chairman of Cribs & Castle Ltd, Hon. Ndubueze Chijioke Stanely (Pahpah Na Nkwerre),  Nze Franklin E. Iwunze (Ogbuagu Nkwerre), among other socialites.

Meanwhile, one of the kinsmen, who simply identified himself as Nze Okechukwu Uwazuruonye, during a brief interview session, maintained that the late Ezinna Samuel Emeka Ibeji lived a fulfilled and good life during his time.

In his own words, the Eziudo Community leader stated, “We do not know when it is best to die but we thank God He  took our brother at a ripe old age”.

– Njoku Macdonald Obinna

Media Consultant| PR-Expert, Publisher, 4thestatereporters.com