| UMUAHIA – The First Lady, Mrs Patience Jonathan, on Friday, joined other prominent Nigerians to pay respect to the late traditional ruler of Ozulobu community in Abia, Eze Bob Ogbonna.The Speaker, House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, and Gov. Theodore Orji, also attended the burial of the 73-year-old monarch in Umunneochi Local Government Area of the state.
In her speech, Jonathan condoled with the daughter of the monarch, Rep. Nkiru Onyejiocha, representing Isuikwuato/Ummunneochi Federal Constituency and other members of the family.
She noted that the late traditional ruler ‘’lived a humble life and also offered selfless service to the community.’’
She described him as an accomplished businessman, a devoted Christian, a disciplinarian, a bridge builder and a good ambassador of the traditional institution.
The wife of the president further described him as a role model, saying that his death is a huge loss to his family, the state and Nigeria in general.
Tambuwal, who also paid glowing tributes to the deceased, tasked Nigerians to support the Federal Government’s efforts to stamp out insurgency.
He specifically charged religious leaders to pray for Nigeria to overcome the current security challenges.
Also in his speech, the governor described the deceased as ‘’a foremost traditional ruler and an illustrious son of Abia.’’
Orji noted that the monarch lived a good life and wished the family the fortitude to bear his death.
In his sermon during the funeral service at the Methodist Church Nigeria, Umueze, Amuda-Isuochi, the Archbishop of Umuahia Methodist Archdiocese, Archbishop Sunday Agwu, described death as inevitable.
Agwu noted that one of the mysteries of life was the fact that no one could say when and how he would die.
He therefore admonished ‘’the living to keep watch at all times because the son of man will come like a thief.
‘’Therefore, all should prepare for death and be ready every moment,’’ he said.
In her tribute, Rep. Onyejiocha, who was the chief mourner, remarked that her father lived a fulfilled life and showered his children with love.
The ceremony was also attended by the Deputy Speaker, Chief Emeka Ihedioha, and members of the National Assembly. (NAN) |
