Obudi Agwa Leaders Mourn Bishop Nwaeze, Pledge Support for October 9 Burial
ISSN: 2354-4481
By Rita Onuoha
OWERRI, IMO STATE — Leaders and indigenes of Obudi Agwa Ancient Kingdom have paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Bishop (Dr.) Gideon Uchechukwu Nwaeze, describing his death as a major loss to Obudi, Agwa, Oguta Local Government Area and Imo State.
The delegation, which visited the Nwaeze family at the late bishop’s residence in Owerri, was led by the Regent of Obudi Agwa, Prince Malachy Asor, while Hon. Mellitus Onukaogu Nlemedim, Esq., former Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of Imo State was the spokesperson.
Other members of the delegation included Prince Malachy Asor, Regent of Obudi Agwa Ancient Kingdom; Hon. Casmir Ohamara (Cassidy), ISOPADEC Commissioner; Sir Sylvester Chukwuemeka Nlemedim (KSJI), a retired senior civil servant and former Chief Protocol Officer of Imo State Government, among other community leaders.
The delegation was received by members of the Nwaeze family, led by Hon. Emeka Nwaeze, the deceased’s first son and former Vice-Chairman of Oguta Local Government Area.
A moment of silence was observed in honour of the late Bishop Nwaeze.
Speaking during the visit, Nlemedim thanked the leadership and people of Obudi for responding to the call and turning out in large numbers despite the rain.
He described the late bishop as a respected community leader whose contributions to the development of Obudi would not be forgotten.
“We are here today as a community to pay this condolence in respect to our late leader. The late Bishop (Dr.) G. U. Nwaeze was our leader, a proud son of Obudi, Agwa, Oguta and Imo State at large. His death is a big loss to everyone,” Nlemedim said.
According to him, although many people had visited the family in their individual capacities, the delegation came as an organised community to formally identify with the Nwaeze family during the period of mourning.
He recalled that the late bishop provided a platform where community leaders and stakeholders regularly discussed issues concerning the development of Obudi.
“As a community, we want to use this opportunity to register our condolences and also tell the family that while the burial programme is coming up, the people of Obudi would like to be part of it and would be ready to help out to ensure that we give our late leader the last respect he deserves,” he added.
Responding, Emeka Nwaeze expressed appreciation to the people of Obudi for defying the weather to visit the family.
“On behalf of the Nwaeze family, I want to say a big thank you to Obudi people. We are very consoled by your presence this morning and it shows how you loved us,” he said.
Emeka explained that the rain had made it difficult for some people to attend, but the decision by the Obudi delegation to proceed with the visit demonstrated their respect and affection for his late father.
He also announced that the burial had been scheduled for October 9, 2026, at the deceased’s country home in Obudi Agwa Autonomous Community.
According to him, funeral activities will begin on October 6 with a symposium organised by the Church of Christ, Nigeria, in Owerri. A service of songs will follow on October 7, while the burial will take place on October 9.
Emeka said the body would leave the mortuary on October 9 for the Oguta Local Government Area Council Headquarters, where it would be received by the council leadership headed by the Executive Chairman, Hon. Ifeanyi Nnani, for a solemn valedictory ceremony.
He said the procession would thereafter proceed to Obudi, where the body would be received by community leaders at Uzii Square before moving to Obuokwu, the deceased’s kindred, and later to his residence along Obudi-Umuofeke Road, opposite Christ Saint Church (ACU), for lying-in-state.
The funeral service is expected to take place at Central School, Obudi, Agwa, after which the remains will be committed to mother earth, followed by a reception.
The Regent of Obudi Agwa Ancient Kingdom, Prince Malachy Asor, also thanked the community for responding to the condolence visit despite the rain.
He urged the people to remain committed to peace, security, unity and development in Obudi and Agwa.
The official condolence signing was conducted by the Regent, who urged the Nwaeze family to trust in God and draw strength from the life and legacy of their late patriarch.
The late Bishop Nwaeze was the first elected Chairman of Oguta LGA following Nigeria’s return to democratic rule. He was also a prominent political figure and former Apex Leader of APC in Oguta, and was widely regarded as a respected leader in Agwa, Oguta and Imo State.
He was also associated with the political family of the late Senator Francis Arthur Nzeribe.
Among those who accompanied the delegation were Sir Jude Egbu (KSJI), Mr Hillary Uwa, President-General of Obudi Autonomous Community; Hon. Williams Chinedu Okenesi, Supervisory Councillor for Education, Oguta LGA; Hon. Ugo Aguocha, former Councillor for Obudi/Aro Ward; Hon. Boniface Esomonu, former Councillor for Obudi/Aro Ward; Apt. David Lemchi Ebirim, APP candidate for Oguta State Constituency in the 2027 elections; Mr Ibeawuchi, Chairman of Obudi Development Union, Owerri Branch; Mr Alias Asor (JKJ); Prince Lucky Ukata Okorie; and Mr Pascal Uzomezie (Major), a senior serving police officer.
Members of the Nwaeze family present included Dr. Obinna Nwaeze and Mr Ojukwu, the deceased’s son-in-law.
The visit highlighted the importance of community solidarity, peace, unity and coordinated leadership as Obudi mourns one of its prominent sons.
