Anthony Anyalewechi,
Owerri
The remains of late Elder Ndudi Cyril Ohanweh has been laid to rest at his home town, Isiama, Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.
Ohanweh is the senior brother to the paramount ruler of Isiama autonomous community, His Royal Highness (HRH) Eze Oliver Ohanweh.
The elder who passed away on January 6, 2024 at the age of 85 after a brief illness was described by friends, relatives and church members that attended the funeral as a devoted Christian who lived an uncompromised life.
The event had in attendance eminent personalities from across the state including government representatives, royal fathers, top-notch politicians and the business community.
In their separate tributes, the former governor of Imo State, Mr. Ikedi Ohakim and the senator representing Imo North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Patrick Ndubuez, expressed sadness over the demise of Ohanweh.
They described him as a committed and practical Christian who served God with all his might and strength till death.
They expressed regret that nothing could replace the vacuum created by his death even as they enjoined the royal family to draw strength from God to bear the lost.
Ndubuez said the deceased in his lifetime was a community leader with sterling and unmatchable character.
According to the legislator, Ohanweh made honesty his watchword, stressing that the good virtues the octogenarian left behind will impact on the younger generations.
On his part, Ohakim admonished the family to accept Ohanweh’s departure with equanimity, knowing that he offered his best in the service of humanity.
Also speaking, the bereaved king, His Royal Highness (HRH), Eze Oliver Ohanweh, (Obi Gburugburu 1) of Isiama autonomous community, said his late elder brother showed him love and always shared ideas that supported his rule over the community.
According to the monarch, the deceased used his preaching to persuade every member of the community to embrace God by doing what is right and just.
Continuing, he said: “Even though his preaching was so aggressive that he wanted tomorrow to be today, inside me, I enjoyed it because he was better than those who are diabolic by going to native doctors.
“He will tell me, ‘I am the prophet and you are the king’ and I will say yes and it’s balanced. Today, I am a voice in Imo State. If he didn’t support me, I would not have succeeded”.
The traditional ruler promised to stand by the family the deceased left behind.
On his part, the Secretary to Imo Royal Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Highness (HRH) Eze Jude Chidi Nwaogu expressed dismay over the painful lost in the Ohanweh’s royal family.
He pointed out that the entire Imo Royal Council were present at the funeral to console one of their own.
While he prayed God to give the royal family grace to overcome painful vacuum created by death of the deceased, Nwaogu described the deceased as a devout Christian who did not only showcase love to humanity through community and society services but also supported his younger brother, King Oliver Ohanweh to achieving several feats in his community.
Prior to his demise, the deceased was a committed member of Faith Tabernacle Church, a professional photographer and an accomplished business man.
