CHARLES IWUAGWU
In what could be termed as a final farewell, on Saturday, October 7, 2023; all roads led to Umuezearoli village of Onicha Ado n’Idu, Onitsha North Local Government Area of Anambra State, as one of the illustrious sons of the town was committed to Mother Earth.
Prince Chuma Osemeka, popularly known as ‘Okolobia Oyibo’, was only 53 years old when he passed on. But his achievements border on the legendary and was worthy of remembrance. A consummate banker and businessman, he was reputed for his generosity and legacy for always ensuring fairness and optimum result in all endeavours. Philanthropy was second nature to him. He touched all and sundry with his resources. No wonder the entire town, as well as people from far and near, turned out to bid him farewell.
Speaking at the sidelines of the obsequies, Hon. Bright Osemeka, Nwachinemelu, APC 2023 Candidate for Onitsha North/South Federal Constituency election, and one of the brothers of Okolobia Oyibo, said that his brother’s transition has left a huge vacuum.
“Prince was a man of many superlatives, great generosity, uncommon kindness and compassion, an incredible sense of humour, an intuitive bridge builder, and a man so full of life and joy. With him, there’s no dull moment. Our family finds it very difficult to come to terms with his death. We can only pray that Okolobia Oyibo rests in the bossom of the Lord”, Hon. Bright Osemeka said.
Her Grace, Archbishop Prof. Cynthia Adaoma Josephson, the prelate of National Holy Ghost Church Of Christ Int’l. Inc. (N.H.G.C.C), officiated the burial rites to commit the soul of late Prince Chuma to God, and commiserate with Bishop Oskar David Osemeka, also a prelate of the church and eldest brother of the deceased, on the loss of his brother.
Friends and well wishers from far and near were in their numbers to pay their last respect to the deceased and console Hon. Bright Osemeka, her amiable wife, Angel Osemeka (Ugodibeze) and the entire family.
Among the dignitaries that attended the burial ceremony were; Rt. Hon. Chukwuma Umeoji (Oba Aguata), High Chief JohnBosco Onunkwo (Onwa Umuchu) who were ably represented; Chief Ezenwa Joseph Ekwuaju (APC Anambra North Senatorial District Vice Chairman) as well as Hon. Nwakibie Odigbo Okagbue (APC Anambra North Senatorial District Youth Leader).
Others were: Hon Chugbo Enwezor (Odezuluigbo), Hon. Ejiofor Egwuatu (Mgbilimgba), among other political czars and business magnates.
Ward Chairmen and Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Onitsha North chapter led by their Local Government chairman, Hon. Bobo Chukwura were in the ceremony to console Hon. Bright Osemeka and family.
The burial was huge a success, though of a perfect pictures of sorrow, blended with equanimity, as the wife and family members of Okolobia Oyibo received all those who had joined them to do the ‘last dance’ with their bossom brother, husband and father.
The family apparently got some succour from seeing his friends at the event, as tributes came from all walks of life for the departed.