By Ifeanyichukwu Ibe
It was an unforgettable experience for the attendees as a prominent political leader in Imo State and a Labour Party (LP) chieftain, Hon Chief CNC Awobue, hosted people across broad spectrum of the society on Saturday, August 3 at Links Hotels Owerri, to perform ceremonial farewell to his late father-in-law, Late Pa Joseph Njamanze Nnodim Opara who died on November 4, 2023, aged 94.
Chief Awobue, a United States of America-based CEO of Front Street Estates, in conjunction with his in-laws (Opara family), performed the burial rites in line with Igbo tradition, given that such could not take place at the time of Pa Opara’s death, because the deceased gave instruction to his family on how he would be buried, including not to be taken to the morgue.
In attendance included: HRM, Eze Ifeanyichukwu Orji (Obi of Otulu Ancient Kingdom); HRH, Eze Dr. Sunday Nnabue (Igwe Omereoha Umuhu/Umuezem, Otulu Autonomous Community); the Imo State LP Chairman, Barrister Calistus Ihejiagwa; Director General, Athan Achonu Campaign Organization, Hon Chime Nzeribe; the President General, Otulu Autonomous Community, Sir Agbor Nnamdi; Princess Chika Ononuju (Ada Mazi) as well as Hon Oshimiri Chijioke, Apostle David Ebirim and Hon Humphrey Agwuoye among others.
Speaking, Chief Awobue, said that the occasion tagged: “Celebration of Life for Late Pa Joseph Njamanze Nnodim Opara” was to honour his late father-in-law who before his demise was a great man with children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, adding that his loved ones and those he came in contact with would continue to miss him. He added that Pa Opara left worthy legacies to be remembered for.
The Enyioha II of Otulu said: “We are here to celebrate the life of my late father-in-law who left the earth on November 4, 2023. He was an awesome and important person in my life for allowing me to be his son-in-law, and getting married to his daughter, my wife has been a great blessing for me. We have seven wonderful children we raised as my late father-in-law wanted for all his children, that is; Christian life, respect, dignity, honour and to be peaceful.”
What happened is that my Father-in-law had a will as a principled and educated man. He told all his children how he would want his burial organized, including his a wish not to be taken to the maturary, but to be buried after three days. So, his death was sudden and we didn’t have time to plan and that is the reason my in-laws permitted me to celebrate his life today having performed burial rites at the local level.”
The philanthropist, thanked his guests for coming, noting that he was encouraged by the large turnout for him to continue his usual way of showing solidarity, help, affection and respect for people, adding that the futility of life should always teach people to contribute positively towards humanity, than to be problems to the society. While his wife, Lolo Chidebere Awobue, described her late father as a good Christian and caring husband and father who gave them all to be successful in life, hence they will always remember him despite his demise.
Meanwhile, the participants who interacted with our reporter, hailed Chief Awobue for the celebration and for his amiable attributes which had earned him people’s solidarity. While Eze Orji described him as his worthy cabinet member and Otulu Ambassador to the United States, Eze Nnabue said that the host in known for his good works. On their own, Barrister Ihejiagwa and Sir Agbor said that Chief Awobue did well to honour his late father-in-law despite the current economic situation.
The highpoint of the celebration was a Posthumous Award in honour of Late Pa Joseph Njamanze Nnodim presented to his son, Mr. Opara Finbar from Mayor Adrian O. Mapp of the City of Plainfield, New Jersey, USA, represented by Eze Orji. While the event witnessed beautiful colouration, including cultural dances from Abigbo Mbaise Troupe and Blessed Women Association, Oboama, Enyiogugu, Mbaise among other exciting displays.
