Annie Okonkwo: When Death Broke My Heart

Seventh June 2023 is a day I will never forget in my life. It was a day that broke me, leaving me feeling fatherless even when my biological father is alive.

Though I have lost people close to me in the past (uncles, friends, cousins, grandparents and others), none has gotten to me like the loss of my lifetime chairman, boss, mentor and role model, Senator Annie Clement Okonkwo “Agunaechemba”.

Agunaechemba was not just a title; Okonkwo was a lion who guarded the land till the cold hands of death snatched him.

His demise undoubtedly left so much pain in the world. Sen Annie Okonkwo was not God, but his role in the last 63 years made me see him as a living God.

Working with him for almost 15 years changed my life’s trajectory. Just 10 years before his death, he talked me into marrying at an early age —27.

As his brother, Tony Okonkwo, said at his service of songs, he didn’t need your opinion when advising you; he advised and concluded. He believed everything was possible.

He said, “Anayo Okolie, you will never regret the decision to get married early, and your fear is how to sustain. I will always support you and your family.” He never reneged on those promises.

Indeed, the Senator gave me the opportunity no one ever gave me. I flew to different states with him in private jets, toured other communities with him and met a lot of prominent figures through him.

Meeting and working with Sen Okonkwo was indeed a blessing. He shaped my life and extended his benevolence to my family and others.

He impacted and empowered a lot of lives, including me. His death hits me like a volcano, and the healing is not near.

Leaving the earth a day before my 10th marriage anniversary, 7th June, left a big scar on my heart.

I subscribed to Sen Ekwunife’s assertion on the floor of the Senate: “If death could take the life of Sen Annie Clement Okonkwo, it means that death is real.”

Death indeed is real, Sen Uche Ekwunife; idoesn’t have respect for anyone, irrespective of one’s class or social status.

Sen Annie Okonkwo has all it takes to get a luxury treatment anywhere in the world.” Death is real.

Despite months of your death, I still find it difficult to adjust to the reality that you are no more. You are gone, but your legacies will never depart, Chairman.

Senator Okonkwo was a reliable man. He was a bold and God-fearing man. The greatness of his life was built on godly principles and is worthy of emulation.

He spent most of his life on earth, impacting and investing in other people’s lives. We are all witnesses to just how much fruit this noble investment yielded.

Agunaechemba, will be greatly missed. History will never forget Sen Annie Okonkwo’s critical role in transforming the world in his time.

Farewell, Senator, you are a legend.

Prince Anayo Royce Okolie