Former Anambra Governor Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife, who was on Saturday buried in his Igboukwu country home of Anambra State, has been declared ‘hero of Igboland’ by the apex Igbo socii cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
This was announced weekend at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Awka by the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
It was during the commendation service of the late Octogenarian led by Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
Ezeife, who retired as a Federal permanent Secretary because he ruled Anambra state in 1992, was honoured Friday by the current and past Governors.
Though he died an old man, the commendation service evoked emotions from Soludo, former Enugu Governor Okwesilieze Nwodo, Ezeife’s daughter, Mrs Ogechukwu Ugorji and presidential candidate of the Labour Party LP Mr Peter Obi
Addressing the mammoth crowd at the ICC, Iwuanyanwu, who described Ezeife as a great Nigerian, said that Ohanaeze had resolved to award him the “hero of Igbo”
He said anyone that served Igbo land very well would automatically, be the property of Igboland, while commending Soludo for always supporting Ohanaeze.
“Today, Ohanaeze proclaim Ezeife,” hero of Igboland’, ” Iwuanyanwu said
Nwodo, who was the chairman of the burial committee, said: “We decided to give him extraordinary burial because of what he stood for and to encourage other leaders in Igboland to do like him.”
Ezeife’s daughter, Mrs Ogechukwu Ugorji, in an emotion laden voice, said: “Our father was the voice of Igbo.”
Governor Chukwuma Soludo failed to hold back tears, describing the late elder statesman as his mentor.
He further insisted that Ezeife would be buried according to the Anambra burial law ,adding that after the commendation Friday, the burial would terminate on Saturday, saying that he left a legacy that would be difficult to match.
“It is very emotional after almost two years, ” we’ve buried two former Governors. Ezeife was indeed, a true Nigerian.
“He lived for many causes that will help us build a better society,” Soludo said
Obi said Ezeife lived for justice and was a fair Nigerian that lived for all.
In her eulogy, first female Governor in Nigeria, Same Virgy Etiaba, who first, thanked Soludo for bringing out money for such state burial for Ezeife, added some other persons would not have provided such support.
The crowd was in frenzy because they knew the reference point.
However, she said Ezeife loved everyone, an activist that had listening ear, adding that Okwadike signified a lot of things, noting that he fought for Igboland and made friends through out the country.
Meanwhile, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has paid tributes to a former Anambra Governor Chief Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, who passed away recently.
In a statement by Comrade Emma Powerful, Media and Publicity Secretary, the group remembered Ezeife as a great leader and father figure who contributed immensely to the welfare and well-being of the Igbo people.
Ezeife, who was laid to rest on April 20, 2024, in his hometown of Igboukwu, Aguata LGA, Anambra State, was described as a gallant fighter for the rights of the Igbo people and a supporter of the Biafra restoration agitation.
His legacy, according to IPOB, will be remembered and cherished by the Igbo people, and his contributions to the fight against marginalization will not be forgotten.
In a final tribute, IPOB prayed that God Almighty Chukwu Okike Abiama will take Dr. Ezeife’s soul to a better place and grant his family and the Igbo people the fortitude to bear the loss of such a great man.