As Eze Igbo Ghana, Emir of Bauchi, Eze Imo, Akume, Barinda, others bid farewell
It was a rain of encomiums on Friday, May 10, 2024, as all road led to Eleme Kingdom where HRH Queen Njideka Appolous- Chu, the wife of HRH King Appolus Chu, was laid to rest.
The Queen Mother, Emereowa Njideka Eugenia Apolous Chu, 52, was an exceptional woman of substance, unassuming, as she radiated elegance, humility, charisma and beauty. She was a devoted Christian, a caring mother, a lover of Christ and role model to many.
Until her death, she touched many lives very positively and contributed towards the development of her community and expansion of the gospel of Christ.
During the burial homily, the Presiding Bishop of Just Jesus Assembly, Port Harcourt, Dr. Norman Jonah, described the late Appolus – Chu, as a devout christian, role model, and prayer warrior, who lived all her life serving God in truth, in words, and in action; while moulding the lives of her numerous mentees that have become source of pride and inspiration to the society.
The cleric added that during her life time, the late queen didn’t depart from the religious tenets she held so tenaciously even unto death.
Speaking after the funeral ceremony, His Royal Majesty, Eze Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu, Ezeigbo Ghana, who led the retinue of his colourful entourage to Eleme kingdom for the burial, expressed deep condolences over the demise of the queen mother at the age of 52, praying God to give his friend,the king and entire family, the fortitude to bear the loss.
For the mutual love and respect he shared with his brother and friend, King Appolus Chu, Ezeigbo Ghana, Chukwudi Ihenetu, who flew into Nigeria from Ghana on Thursday morning, was accompanied by his Director on Media Strategy and Communications, Njoku Macdonald Obinna, alongside Engr. Chidimma Ihenetu for the Christian wake-keep/service of songs as he signed in the condolence register while sympathizing with the family.
In commiserating with the monarch, the immediate past Emir of Kano, His Highness, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero (Sarkin Kano, Emir of Kano ), expressed shock over the news of the demise of the queen, describing it as one painful death that affected him given his close relationship with the deceased’s husband and his entire family.
Leaving his condolences in print while addressing the teeming mourners who converged at the pavilion of the royal palace, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, conveyed his message on behalf of Kano Emirate Council to the bereaved family and government of Rivers State, praying God to grant the queen mother an eternal and peaceful repose in His Kingdom.
In his heartwarming tribute, HRH King Appolus Chu, penned down a rather emotional eulogy to his deceased wife.
His words: “It is with a heavy heart that I honour the life of my cherished wife Njideka, a woman who exemplified the true meaning of compassion and grace, a devoted wife. Your unconditional devotion and selflessness were the cornerstones of your role as a loving partner. You exemplified the essence of together in a partner, showering her family and friends with warmth and affection.
“Njideka, you demonstrated your commitment to this marriage by your unwavering devotion. I hoped we would have remained together till our grey years, but I cannot question God’s will.
May your legacy of kindness and devotion serve as a guiding light, inspiring us to cherish each moment and emulate your virtues of kindness, compassion, and unshaken faith in God.
“Queen Njideka, you will be deeply missed, especially the short memories we shared together on April 6, 2024 as we celebrated your 52nd birthday.”
The creme da la crémé spotted at the burial ceremony include: Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. Abdullahi Abubakar Gumel, Sen. Mpigi Barinada, Sen. Lee Maeba, Ahmed Idris, Deputy Speaker ninth National Assembly, Sen. Olaka Nwogu, Amb. Oji Nyimenuate Ngofa, former Nigerian Ambassador to The Netherlands, Igwe Obey Aforji, member representing Eleme Constituency at the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The royal fathers and traditional stools at the event include: His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Yahaya Abubakar, Estu Nupe, Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Imo N’Ob N’Edo , Uku Akpolokpolo Ewuare ll, Oba of Benin, HRM Eze Dr. Amb. Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu (Ezeigbo Ghana, Global Peace Ambassador), HRM. Eze Dr. E. C Okeke, (Eze Imo), Chairman of Imo State Council of Traditional Institution and Community Policing, Alhaji Muhammadu, Emir of Jama’a, among others.
