Triumphs and Grace of Former Imo Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere at 59

Depending on perspective, life can be one episode of celebration after another. For Prince Eze Madumere, the former Deputy Governor of Imo State, this perspective holds. Recently celebrating his 59th birthday, Madumere received goodwill from a long list of individuals and organisations, big and small.

When considering the life he has lived so far, one can only conclude that Madumere is one of the luckier individuals born into this world. However, one must also take into account that although Madumere’s origin enabled him to start life at a reasonably high position, it was his diligence and personal accomplishments that helped him arrive just a level lower than the summit of leadership in Nigeria.

Madumere served as Imo State Deputy Governor from 2013 to 2019. Before that period, he served the Imo people as Chief of Staff. Despite serving under the limelight-dominating Rochas Okorocha, Madumere managed to carve out a good name for himself.

In 2018, just before preparing to leave office, Madumere was targeted for impeachment. Despite the schemes of his detractors, a number of reputable individuals emerged to defend him, helping to throw out the charge of incompetence levelled against him on account of his neighbourly uncle personality.

But his humble character is surprising in and of itself. After all, Madumere was born into a prestigious royal family, that of Eze Henry Anoruo Madumere of Ezi Autonomous Community, Mbieri, in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State. Thus, his gentleness is at odds with his gentility, even at 59.

Ultimately, the grace of Madumere is not something that his peers can compare to, whether those in political power or those outside it. Even at 59, he remains unsoiled with the vestiges of false narratives padded against him, trusting that his still-enduring commitment to the people of Imo is enough for him.