Eze Ndigbo Ghana, Ihenetu pours encomiums on Ezeife during service of songs

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

The former Governor of Anambra State, during the Third Republic, Chief Chukwuemeka Pius Ezeife (Okwadike Ndigbo), who passed on at the Federal Medical Centre Abuja on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at 86 years, was a highly revered Nigerian elder statesman, patriot, and a leading voice in defense of the Igbo nation.

The week-long celebration of the life and times of 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 Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, on February 8, 2024, had as members state governors, serving senators, former National Assembly members, former senate presidents from the South East, elder statesmen, president-generals of town unions, faith- based organisations, political parties, and different socio-cultural groups across the country.

Speaking during the service of songs at the Eagle Square Abuja, Ezeigbo Ghana, HRM Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu, (Ezeohazurume of Ghana, Global Peace Ambassador), poured heartwarming encomium on the late sage, bridge builder, national patriot, and a strong voice in defense of the Igbo cause and all Nigerians.

The monarch described the Igbo leader as a leading light in the crusade for inclusive leadership of all tribes, equal participation, unity and peace in the country, regretting that Nigeria and the Igbo nation have lost a rare gem of human and true national patriot.

During a media parley, Eze Ihenetu recounted how the late former Anambra State governor and foremost Igbo leader, Dr. Chukwuemeka 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 Chukwuemeka Ojukwu and Eastern governors at the time, 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 Ezeigbo Ghana, who flew into Abuja for the service of songs in honour of the late Ezeife, said he was a mentor and father- figure to the Igbos and entire Nigerians as he stood for equity, fairness and social justice for all.

He charged Igbo leaders to immortalise him through a landmark project or memorial leadership lectures to celebrate those sterling qualities he represented during his times.

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

Ezeife was a philosopher, statesman, Igboist, nationalist, political economist, activist, humanist, and humorist. 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 shows the boundless achievements 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 organised by the Anambra State government and also attended by the former governor, Mr. Peter Obi and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma.