From Maurice Okafor, Enugu
The late Lady Ezinne Eunice Nwabugwu Ibe, popularly known as “Black Indigo,” has been described as a woman whose life of service and generosity left an indelible mark on humanity.
She passed on peacefully at the age of 90, leaving behind legacies that many have described as rare and worthy of emulation.
Emperor Chris Baywood Ibe, an international Nigerian business mogul and philanthropist, likened his late mother to Mother Theresa of blessed memories, renowned for her selfless service to the poor and the most vulnerable in society.
According to Emperor Baywood, Lady Ezinne Eunice Nwabugwu Ibe lived a life wholly dedicated to God and humanity throughout her years on earth.
He said her legacy of giving, compassion and service is one he is determined to uphold and replicate in his lifetime, describing her as “very unique and unparalleled” in her commitment to helping the poor, even when she herself had little. He added that she worked tirelessly in the house of God.
During her funeral rites held from Thursday, December 17, to Sunday, December 21, 2025, testimonies highlighted her early service as a chorister in the Anglican Church and her progression to becoming a lay reader through steadfast commitment.
In adulthood, she and her husband, late Sir Chief Benson Maduabuchukwu Ibe, were crowned Knight and Lady of the Anglican Church.
She also fulfilled her lifelong Christian aspiration by visiting the Holy Land in Israel, attaining the status of a Jerusalem Pilgrim (JP).
Born in 1935 into the polygamous family of Chimengwu Egbo of Umueneoha Obinagu in Isu-Awaa community, Lady Eunice was not born into wealth. She lost her mother early in life but overcame numerous challenges through faith and hard work.
She married late Chief Benson Ibe of Umunevo n’ Umuevee, Enugu Isu-Awaa, in 1955 at the age of 20. Together, they broke the cycle of poverty through love, peace and understanding, excelling in various human endeavours.
The union was blessed with eight children, 32 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, establishing what is today known globally as the “IBE ROYAL FAMILY,” which traces its roots to Isu-Awaa community in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
It was also revealed that God answered her prayers that none of her children would die before her, as she passed on at the age of 90 with all her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren alive.
Emperor Chris Baywood Ibe testified that members of the family frequently travel by air, sea and road without experiencing accidents or misfortune, attributing their safety to the fervent prayers of their late mother.
He made these remarks during the church funeral service held on Friday, December 18, at the Cathedral of St. Mark’s Anglican Church, Isu-Awaa.
At the service, Emperor Baywood pledged to continue serving in God’s vineyard in honour of his late mother’s legacy. On behalf of the Ibe family, he requested information on the church’s most pressing need and was informed that a Cathedral Hall was required.
He thereafter assured the church that the Ibe family would build a Cathedral Hall for St. Mark’s Anglican Church, Isu-Awaa, as part of their commitment to sustaining their mother’s legacy of giving.
Tributes during the funeral described her resilience, business acumen and determination to provide quality education for her children, noting that her life transformed remarkably through God’s grace.
She was also widely described as the Dorcas of her time, praised for her generosity without discrimination and her unwavering advocacy for peace, love and kindness.
In his tribute, Emperor Chris Baywood Ibe said, “Mama’m as I fondly called you, your life was exemplary, selfless, empathetic, humble, God fearing, loving beyond bothers, MOTHER THERESA THAT I KNOW.”
He further vowed to uphold her legacy of giving, adding, “Your legacy of giving ALL you own to the downtrodden, the poor, the deprived and orphan LIVES on.”
As part of activities marking her five-day funeral ceremony, the Ibe family commenced the rites on Thursday, December 17, 2025, with an empowerment programme for the poor, during which 1,050 bags of rice, vegetable oil and other condiments were distributed to the poorest 50 families in each of the 21 communities in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
