By Jane Okeke
An Igbo women group, under the auspices of Igbo Women Ambassadors International, has mourned following the deaths of notable Igbo sons and daughter.
The group expressed their sadness in a condolence message jointly signed by Amb. Lady Marlene Onyeocha, founder/ Coordinator of Igbo Women Ambassadors International and Amb. Barr. Njideka Nnadiri, the IWAC UK President, on behalf of the global members.
Recall that Nigeria witnessed the tragic deaths of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah, Chief Ken Emeka Ezeife and Onyeka Onwenu, whose deaths all happened in months.
The group described the late Igbos as personalities of great repute, adding that they were a pride to Igboland.
The statement read in part, “Amidst the gloomy economic situation and insecurity that pervades Nigeria, Alaigbo was further hit by the loss of its precious human resource and elite Igbo stuck of great repute.
“Three great personalities who indeed were the pride of Igbo people; gone with the wind. How are the mighty fallen!!!
Yes, death indeed is a certain end for every mortal.
“But the sudden trilogy of deaths in quick succession of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah and Onyeka Onwenu sent a gloomy cloud over the southeast of Nigeria.”
The group lamented that Indeed, in the olden days, such rarity would require that the Oracle be consulted to ascertain why such calamity had befallen Ndi Igbo and the necessary sacrifice to appease the gods
They said the demise created a vacuum in Igboland and Nigeria at large, as they prayed for eternal rest.
The statement added, “The gaping wound in the heart of Alaigbo will take a very long time to heal, and we can only hope and pray that the impact these great people made while alive will inspire a new breed of Igbo Youths to step into their shoes albeit in their own way.
“Chief Iwuanyanwu was a philanthropist, a businessman, the Ohaneze President General, and most of all, a proud Igbo man; gone in a flash.
“Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah was an accomplished young businessman, a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and a great philanthropist taken in his prime.
“Chief Ken Emaka Ezeife an iroko tree in the Igbo land and the first Governor of Anambra State
“And, Onyeka Onwuenu, an accomplished musician, a movie actress, and a bold Igbo woman, suddenly slumping at an event just after performing on stage, really made us mortals realise how fragile life is.”
