From Maurice Okafor, Enugu
The outing service held at St. John’s Anglican Church, Agbadala-Achi in Oji-River local government area, Enugu state,on Sunday August 25 marked an end of a 4-day beffiing funeral ceremonies accorded to HRH Igwe Johnson Obioma Ozoadibe, Eze Aham 111 of Aham kingdom, Agbadala Achi,Oji River local government area.
There is a strong belief that he transited unto glory having dedicated his life in service to God and humanity in all ramification.
His demise was another ‘Sunset at Dawn’ but since what matters most is not how long one lived but how well. Testimonies abound that late Igwe Johnson Obioma Ozoadibe lived an accomplished life while on earth.
Born 66 years ago to the family of late Geoffrey Onyeacholam Ozoadibe, a Nigerian military officer at Ojo military cantonment Lagos who died during the ill fated progrom that resulted in the Nigerian civil war, late Igwe Johnson Ozoadibe worked hard, weathered the storm to have lived up to the responsibilities as the first son in a family of five males and brought respice to their widowed mother,Ezinne Mrs Caroline Odika Ozoadibe.
His passion to bring his junior ones to limelight moved him to register his first established company as ‘Integrated Brothers Auto Company Ltd,based at Ibadan,Oyo state.
Through hard work and dint of good luck, late Igwe Johnson Ozoadibe expanded his business coast across many countries in Africa,Asia ,Europe and at the same time improved his carrier in education. He studied business management in Malaysia with expertise on construction industry.
On his return,he established a construction firm in Port Harcourt,Rivers state and executed road construction related contracts.
In his love for Achi community his home town, Late Igwe Johnson Ozoadibe registered his commuter bus transpirt company in Lagos state as ‘Achi Dum Transport Service’.
His humanitarian services and philantropy to all matters relating to socio economic development of Achi town anf human empowernent during his life time is unparralled.
It was purely on merit that he was crowbed ‘Eze Aham 111 by the elders of Aham kingdom as far back as 2016.His coronation approved and certified by the government of Enugu state under the leadership of ex-Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
Late Igwe Ozoadibe during his lifetime was also rooted in the activities of the church. He was an Anglican and generously donated in several projects of both his home church,at Lagos and Abuja.
To that extent,His immediate family and the Ozoadibe Royal family of Agbadala Achi were not alone during his final funeral rites. Business associates from various parts of the country, Achi Town Union branches in different parts of the country, the Anglican Church,Friends of the family and prominent citizens in Nigeria actively participated in the funeral rites of King Johnson Obioma Ozoadibe.
The Bishop of Oji River diocese(Anglican Communion),His Lordship, Rt.Rev.Dr.Joseph Ikechukwu Egwuonu, officiated at both the burial/interment service held at the deceased compound on Friday,August 23 and the Outing service held at St.John’s Anglican Church, Agbadala Achi on Sunday,August 25.
Prior to the burial service on Friday, August 23, His remains was received and accorded last respect by the Oji River Traditional Rulers Council,at Oji River local government headquaters.
The Chairman of Oji River Traditional Rulers Council.HRH Igwe Chima Felix Achiekwelu and Chairman of Enugu West Traditional Rulers Council,HRH Igwe Godwin Madu were on ground and officiated the events at Oji River Councilt headquarters.
The Chairman of Achi Traditional Rulers Council,HRH Igwe Sunday Orah and HRH Igwe Oliver Okefi, the traditional ruler of Oji Urban featured fervently in both the burial service on Friday and Outinp service on Sunday, August 25.
The Enugu state governor, Barr. Peter Mbah, in a tribute signed by his chief of staff, Victor Udeh (Esq) described late Igwe Johnson as a ‘quintessence of royalty,who will be remembered for his outstanding accomplishments as a revered community leader,community builder and a humanitarian’.
Hon. Engr. Anayo Onwuegbu FNSE in his own tribute described late Igwe Ozoadibe as a man of impeccable character.
Hon. Onwuegbu stated, “Igwe Johnson Ozoadibe,Eze Aham 111 was a man of simplicity, honesty,rectitude, impeccable character, integrity and unwavering faith.He dedicated his life to the development of his community, Agbadala Achi and humanity at large. He was a hard worker, a sincere and family oriented individual and an altruistic citizen”.
The Senator representing Enugu West senatorial district, Hon.Osita Ngwu and Hon.Osita Eze representing Oji River Council area in the State House of Assembly, also sent their tributes.
The Enugu State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism,Dame Ugochi Madueke, Ex-Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Hon.Manfred Nzekwe, Prof.Nick Eze, were among prominent citizens from Oji River local government area, who featured at the final funeral rites of late King Johnson Ozoadibe.
The immediate younger brother to the deceased. High Chief Benjamin Ozoadibe, in his vote of thanks on behalf of the entire family, expressed gratitude to friends and well wishers, business associates and those who came from abroad to participate in the funeral ceremonies of their late brother,HRH Igwe Johnson Obioma Ozoadibe.
