Rider: Two prominent Umuoma title holders buried same day in Nekede
By Princely Onyenwe | News Desk
The Traditional Ruler of Umuoma Nekede Autonomous Community in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, HRH Eze Morrison Eke (Omadike), has expressed deep sorrow over the death of two prominent title holders, Nze Basil Nwagugbulam and Chief Christopher Afor, who were buried in separate ceremonies in the community on the same day.
The monarch, who attended the funerals Saturday 26th September at Umuagwu and Okwu, described the deaths as painful losses that would create a significant vacuum in the community. He prayed God to grant the deceased eternal rest and comfort their bereaved families.
Community Public Relations Ambassador, Onyenwe, described the deaths as a shock to Umuoma, noting that both men left behind legacies that would be remembered by the community.
Nze Agu-Di-Ire Basil Nwagugbulam was buried at his ancestral home in Umuagwu amid a large gathering of family members, sympathisers, in-laws, church members, Ndi Nze Oratta County Council, youths, women groups, community leaders, members of Noble Special Club of Nigeria and his kindred, Ndi Umuagwu.
Nwagugbulam was remembered as a dedicated church elder, with members of Ndi Nze Oratta and Deliverance Gospel Mission, Nekede, participating in the funeral rites.
The General Overseer of Miraculous Deliverance Gospel Mission , Nekede, Prophet Dom Daniel Anyanwu, described the deceased as one of his outstanding elders, citing his humility, trustworthiness and dedication.
The cleric announced a scholarship for Nwagugbulam’s first son, promising to support his education to the highest achievable level. The church also raised funds to assist the family with burial expenses.
Preaching from Genesis 3:19, Anyanwu reminded mourners of the inevitability of death and urged them to live responsibly.
“Dust to dust is the highest feat every human being is owing this land. The land that swallowed all warriors, saints, sages and gallants will swallow everyone someday, and therefore our common name is sand,” he said.
He also cautioned those who use positions of authority to intimidate or suppress others, urging them to reflect on the consequences of their actions.
“All hustlings, efforts, arrogance and pride of every man end in the grave. Why must people intimidate, humiliate or take a life they did not create? One day, we will all die,” he said.
Quoting the biblical principle that “whatever a man sows, that he will reap,” Anyanwu urged the mourners to live with humility and responsibility.
Nwagugbulam, who died at 63, is survived by his wife and children.
At Okwu, Umuoma Nekede, Chief Christopher Afor, popularly known as Ofo-na-Ogu, was also buried according to the traditional rites of the community.
Afor was remembered as a respected traditional personality who contributed to community development. He was also a photojournalist in the early Republic and was said to have supported efforts to preserve the community’s traditional institutions and values.
His expression, “I crave your indulgence,” as well as his imposing height and distinctive white beard, were recalled by mourners as enduring memories of the deceased.
Chief Afor, who died at 84, is survived by his children and other relatives.
Speaking with 9News Nigeria during the funerals, Eze Morrison Eke (Omadike), PhD, said burying two eminent titled men on the same day was emotionally devastating.
“I feel emotionally devastated burying two of my eminent titled men the same day. It was an experience I will hardly forget in the years ahead. May the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort be with all of us they left behind to mourn them,” the monarch said.
The two funeral ceremonies attracted traditional rulers, council of Ndi Nze, Chiefs, community leaders, family members, stakeholders and sympathisers from within and outside Umuoma Nekede.
