HRM Ihenetu Showers Encomioums on Late Ezeife

As Gov Otti, Okwesileze, Anyim, Okorocha, Ihedioha extol him

His Excellency, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife (Okwadike Ndigbo), a former governor of Anambra State between January 1992- December 1993 during the Third Republic; who passed on at the Federal Medical Centre Abuja on December 14, 2023, at the age of 86 years, (1937 – 2023), was a highly revered Nigerian elder statesman, true patriot, and a leading voice in defence of the Igbo nation.

The one week- long celebration of the life and times of Okwudike Ezeife, which was announced after the inauguration of the Okwesilieze Nwodo led star-studded national burial committee by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Represenatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, on February 8, 2024, had as members State governors, serving senators, former National Assembly members, former Senate Presidents from the South East extraction, elder statesmen, president- generals of town unions, faith- based organizations, political parties, and different socio-cultural groups across the country.

Speaking during the service of songs in Abuja; Ezeigbo Ghana, HRM Eze Dr. Amb. Chukwudi Ihenetu (Ezeohazurume of Ghana, Global Peace Ambassador), showered encomium on the late sage, bridge builder, national patriot, and a strong voice in defense of the Igbo cause and all Nigerians, Ezeife, describing him as a leading light in the crusade for inclusive leadership of all tribes, equal participation, unity and peace in Nigeria, regretting that Nigeria and the Igbo nation have lost a rare gem of human and true national patriot.

During a media parley with Arise News, Eze Ihenetu recounted how the late former Anambra State governor and foremost Igbo leader, Ezeife, played a prominent role in the establishment of the Igbo diasporan throne while inspiring him to lead the Ezeigbo throne in the Republic of Ghana with the support of other Igbo leaders like the late Odumegwu Ojukwu and Eastern State governors at the time, in order to promote Igbo rich cultural heritage and bilateral relationship with their various host countries.

Looking back at the miles covered and milestone recorded thus far after 12 years on the throne, an obviously elated Ihenetu, who flew into Abuja- Nigeria for the service of songs in honour of the late Okwudike Chukwuemeka Ezeife, said he was a mentor and father- figure to the Igbos and Nigerians as he stood for equity, fairness and social justice for all, charging Igbo leaders to immortalize him through a landmark project or memorial leadership lectures to celebrate those sterling qualities he represented during his times.

The epoch-making making event had in attendance, His Excellency, Charles Soludo, Anambra State governor, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, a former governor of Anambra State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, Abia State governor, His Excellency, Owelle Rochas Anayo Okorocha, a former governor of Imo State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, CON, Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim, former Nigerian Senate President, Sen. Uche Ekwunife, among other Igbo leaders.

Ezeife was a philosopher, statesman, Igboist, nationalist, political economist, activist, humanist, and humourist. He was a top social justice fighter and a major voice against the marginalisation of Igbo people in Nigeria.

Born in total obscurity and struggled to attain national prominence. His life story shows the boundless achievement that can be attained, even in the most daunting situations, with perseverance, integrity, and the grace of God.

He was laid to rest at his Igbo Ukwu community after a state burial organized by the Anambra State government under His Excellency, Prof. Charles Soludo, and also attended by the former governor, His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi and Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State.