From Maurice Okafor, Enugu
Thei transition to eternal glory of Sir Dr Michael Sunday Ajala Ezenyirioha, one of the best Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist in Nigeria, at the ripe age of 86, ordinarily should call for celebration since death is an
inevitable end for every human on earth. But his death is one lose,too many as the vacuum it created in the medical sector in Enugu state, will be very hard to fill.
The Achi clan in Oji River local government area of Enugu state and beyond will miss his generosity and commitment to community development, in all ramification.
Like a warlord, he came, he saw and he conquered the airspace in medical profession, having exhibited excellence and expertise in both public and private services in several health institutions, from the days of old Anambra state, until he matured as a consultant surgeon to government Health establishments. At the same time, he shouldered the responsibility as Chief Medical Director of Julius Ezenyirioha Memorial Hospital, a private health and Martenity hospital,stationed at Abakpa Nike, a densely populated surbub of Enugu metropolis.
The uniqueness of Julius Ezenyirioha Memorial Hospital and Maternity,,under the watch of Sir Dr. Michael Sunday Ezenyirioha,stems on the fact that it also runs a training school of nursing and midwifery. By so doing, has churned out qualified nurses and midwives who are replacing the gap created in most Enugu state public health institutions by the JAPPA syndrome.
Enugu state is mourning the demise of the late medical Icon,Dr Michael Ezenyirioha because his services in the medical sector is unparralled and the gap created by his departure will be very hard to fill. But at the same time,the state particularly the people of Achi clan in Oji River local government area are happy that he lived a life of fulfilment, in his service to God and humanity. That to a large extent informed his decision to accept a traditional title of ‘EzeAfojulu’literally meaning a fulfilled king.
In reality, late Dr Michael Ezenyirioha in his life time was extraordinarily an epitome of humanitarian services.His passion and compassion for the vulnerable and less privileged in the society is unparralled. There are seamless records of his free medical services to the rural poor in his Private hospital and clinics.
In Community Service, He attained laudable heights as a peace maker whose generosity extends most especially to the vulnerable and less privileged people in the society. These attributes and more gained him one of the most revered traditional title of ‘Nze’ in Achi clan.
He was an ardent Christian of the Anglican faith,. coronated into the knighthood of Church of Nigeria. The details of his contribution to the growth of Enugu Diocese,(Anglican Communion), subsequently Diocese of Nike and his home church, St Emmanuel Anglican Church, Enugu,-Agu Achi is worth a book.
From the cradles, Late Dr Michael Sunday Ajala Ezenyirioha,through dint of hard work broke barriers and rose to stardom.His poor parental background never weighed him down. He overcame several challenges,tough time and hitches on his way to success,being very mindful of the roles his poor parents played in his upbringing,,He named his medical establiment,’Julius Ezenyirioha Memorial Hospital’ after his father, Late Julius Ezenyirioha.
Late Dr Michael Ezenyirioha was legend. He was one man,too many. He was worth so many things to many people. He left legacies that are already imprinted in sands of times.
In addition to his immediate family of five children and lovely wife,Mrs Emelda Ezenyirioha, Late Dr.Michael Ezenyirioha was a father to all who came across him.
Nze Dr Eric Oluedo and many other reputable medical surgeons across the globe,who passed through him as Student Doctors and Student Nurses,attests to this. Late Dr Ezenyirioha was a rare gem in the medical profession.
In a chat with Sir (Arch) Alexander Obiechina, A governorship candidate in Enugu state in 2003, He described Late Dr Ezenyirioha as very ‘Exceptional, more than a man of stature and a divine gift to humanity, a vessel of love, humility, compassion and a life poured out in service to others’.
Architect Obiechina recounted some of the contribution of the late medical Icon in his community, stating “in Umumba Achi, his influence runs like a living stream through generations. There is scarcely anyone between the ages of 45 and 72 whose life or calling was not touched by his wisdom, encouragement, or generous hand.
“To me, he was both guide and guardian. He inspired my calling as an architect, entrusted me with the design of his home while I was still a second year student, and later guided my steps to Abuja. Even in later years, he called me to remodel his Achi residence, not because he needed to, but because he believed in me. Such was his way: lifting others higher, even when he could easily walk alone.
“His life was a rare symphony of relationships, bridging rich and poor, young and old, great and small. His faith was steady, practical, and without deceit, giving me unshakable confidence that he now rests in the radiant presence of the Lord, clothed in eternal peace”,Obiechina prayed
A programme of events to accord the remains of late Sir Dr Michael Ezenyirioha, a befitting burial will begin with a ‘Service of Songs’at St Cyprain’s Anglican Church, Abakpa Nike,Enugu,on Monday, October 27, by 4pm.
On Tuesday, there will be a commendation service in his honour at same church as from one hours in the afternoon.
His final funeral rites will continue same Tuesday with a Wake keep in his village,Abor Umuori, Enuguagu Achi,Oji River LGA, by 6pm.
His final funeral rites will continue on Wednesday, October 29th,with a church service at St.Emnanuel Anglican Church,Eziori,Enuguagu Achi by ten O’clock in the morning and thereafter,his interment.
The final funeral rites of the remains of late Sir Dr.Michael Sunday Ajala Ezenyirioha will be rounded up with an outing service at St Emmanuel Anglican Church,Eziori, Enuguagu Achi,Oji River local government area,on Sunday, November 2nd,2025.
The chairman of the funeral committee, Nze Dr Eric Omire Oluedo, is optimistic it will be a success.
