by Chesa Chesa
President Bola Tinubu has mourned the passing of Eze Francis Eze Igwe, the Agom Ugabala II of Ndufu Alike Autonomous Community in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, describing his death as a loss of a custodian of culture and a symbol of unity.
The President, in a condolence statement issued on Sunday, said the death of the traditional ruler, politician, educationist and administrator was a painful loss to his immediate family, the Ndufu Alike community, the people of Ikwo and Ebonyi State.
Tinubu said the late monarch’s life and service had left an enduring imprint on his people, noting that traditional rulers remained important in preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage, promoting communal harmony and fostering peace.
According to the President, Eze Igwe occupied a position of honour and responsibility in his community and represented the cherished values of traditional institutions.
“The passing of a revered traditional ruler, politician, educationist, and administrator is not merely the loss of an individual; it is the loss of a custodian of culture, a repository of wisdom, and a symbol of unity whose life and service have left an enduring imprint on his people,” he said.
Tinubu extended his condolences to the monarch’s son, former Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Dr Eric Kelechi Igwe, his immediate and extended family, associates and the State Traditional Council.
He acknowledged the personal pain of losing a father, praying that the family would find comfort in the memories of their patriarch, the values he imparted and the legacy he left behind.
“The loss of a father is deeply personal, and no words can fully ease the pain of such a departure,” the President said.
He also urged the traditional institution and the people of Ndufu Alike Autonomous Community to honour the late monarch’s memory by upholding unity, peace, mutual respect and communal development.
The President said the monarch’s passing served as a reminder that although life was transient, a legacy built on service, family and community would endure.
On behalf of the Federal Government and the Nigerian people, Tinubu extended his condolences to the Igwe family, the traditional institution and the entire Ndufu Alike community.
He prayed that God would grant the deceased eternal rest and give his family and community the strength to bear the loss.
