By Isaac Ojo and Ifeoma Ejiofor
The industrial town of Nnewi in Nnewi North LGA of Anambra State on Friday, literarily stood still as the senator representing Anambra South district, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah was laid to rest.
The remains of the business mongul was taken to the palace of HRH, Igwe Dr KON Orizu 111 for a lying in state, he was later taken to his palatial home at Umuanuka, Otolo-Nnewi, for his final home coming.
Tension rose to the crescendo at the home of Sen Ubah as many people who couldn’t control their emotions burst into uncontrollable tears.
Sen Ubah was later taken to St Peters Claver, his home church for funeral service.
The service was officiated by Cardinal Peter Okpalaeke of Ekwulobia diocese ably supported by Bishop Jonas Benson Okoye of Nnewi diocese and Bishop Paulinus Ezeokafor of Awka diocese as well as other high ranking priests.
The Bishop of Nnewi Anglican Communion, Bishop Ndubuisi Obi was also in the church service.
In his homily, Cardinal Okpalaeke stressed the need for the mortals to lay more emphasis on life after death.
He paid glowing tribute to Sen Ubah who he described as a mighty hands ready to communicate to the needs of the less privileged people far and near.
Cardinal Okpalaeke who took his readings from Job: 19:1-3, Psalms 23 and Gospel according to Mathew 8:46 stressed the need to pray for the dead.
He said that placing high premium on eternal life by those whose time has not come to die as no lesser way to console the family of Sen Ubah and also prepare for them inevitable journey that all mortal must embark upon.
Cardinal Okpalaeke described Sen feanyi Ubah as a vibrant man who was encountered by many people in different perspective while alive.
The prelate noted that the deceased senator registered some indigent people in Anambra Health insurance scheme because of his firm believe that it was the grace of God upon him that took him from the grass to grace.
Cardinal Okpalaeke pointed out that Sen Ubah always emphasize God in all he did while on earth.
“Lessons from the life and death of Ubah is that his death should remind everyone alive at the moment that they die, day by day and will eventually finally die one day.
“People should always remember that is God. Death of loved one is an indication of inevitability of death as Psalmist said it is imperative to number our days.
“Jesus warned so much about the excessive desire for things of the world. People will give account of how they use the opportunities God graciously give to them while on Earth.
“The affluent ones should also know that there are individuals who need support from them especially those in position of authorities, their actions in office adversely or positively affect the people under their area of influence,” Cardinal Okpalaeke stressed.
The prelate also warned against pride and arrogance noting that every individual has little time to spend on Earth.
Ifeanyi Ubah Junior, the first son of Sen Ubah in his vote of thanks appreciated the bishops, cleegies , traditional rulers and political leaders who took out time to attend the funeral service for his father.
He noted that his father is a friend of many people whether through business, politics and other spheres of life.
Mr Ifeanyi Ubah Junior however solicited the support and prayers of all and sundry as the vacuum left behind by his father is enormous.
In his speech, the Anambra State governor, Prof Charles Soludo welcomed all and sundry to Anambra State, the light of Nation.
He condoled with the immediate family of Ubah, Umuanuka, Otolo, Nnewi, Anambra South Senatorial district and indeed Anambra State over the demise of the senator.
Gov Soludo said that the exit of Sen Ubah is still like a dream to him noting that he warned the person who first sent the message of his demise to his stop spreading the false news.
He recalled that he had a useful discussion with Sen Ubah on 31st of May even as he noted that he has always been a brother since his days in CBN, which was a beginning of greater relationship.
“He came a little bit late during a program we had in Awka and he asked me to arrange a meeting with Sir Emeka Offor and himself over the issue of governorship election. Only for death to snatch him away before we could arrange for the meeting,” Gov Soludo recalled.
The oil mogul was later interred in his Umuanuka Otolo-Nnewi residence while Mr Ifeanyi Ubah Junior received the those who came from far and near to condole with the family.
The outing service for the distinguished senator held yesterday at St Peters Claver Catholic Church, Umuanuka, Otolo-Nnewi with many prominent personalities trooping in from far and near to pay their last respect to Ikemba Ojoto.
On the roll call was Sen Dr Chris Ngige, Sen Uche Ekwunife, Sen Tony Nwoye, Sen Abaribe, Sen Victor Umeh, Sen Orji Uzor Kalu, Mr Peter Obi, Mr Valentine Ozigbo, Chief Osita Chidoka, Obi Cubana, E- Money, Ike Cubana, Chief Akai Egwuonwu, Prince Obi Orizu, Chief Ebuka Onukwo, Prince Chinedu Orizu, Chief Innocent Chukwuma, Chief Cosmas Maduka and others too numerous to mention.
