There was grief and shedding of tears in Nnewi on Friday as the remains of the late senator representing Anambra South, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, was buried in his compound.
Ubah’s remains first arrived his country home in Umuanuka, Otolo Nnewi in Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State, before being moved to St Peter Clever Parish Umuanuka for a funeral mass.
As his body arrived his compound in Nnewi, scores of indigent people, perceived to be his dependents, who gathered at the gate of his palatial home broke into wailing.
Ubah died in the United Kingdom in July 2024, while attending the graduation ceremony of his daughter.
He was a philanthropist, on who the wellbeing of many indigent people in Nnewi and the entire Anambra State depended on. He also had chains of businesses from where many had the employment that put food on their table.
Besides indigent people, his political associates, mostly political mentees, his admirers and supporters showed deep grief as Ubah was interred.
The funeral was equally attended by many politicians, including his fellow senators, governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, former governor, Mr Peter Obi, and a former senator, Mrs Uche Ekwunife, among others.
Delivering a homily at the burial Mass at St Peter Clever Parish, Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese, Rt Rev Peter Cardinal Ebere Okpaleke described the life of the deceased as a lesson to those alive.
“Those alive should strive to leave exemplary life while on earth in order to be remembered when they are gone.
“His philanthropic life always strived to touch people’s life at all times. Ifeanyi Ubah’s life of service to humanity was there for all to emulate.”
Many dignitaries who graced the occasion took time to pay tribute to the deceased, describing their relationship with him, and his lifestyle, which marked him out.
Soludo, in his speech, recalled his last moments with Ubah, noting that his death was shocking.
“I still remember when we met sometime in May and I asked him that it seems he was nursing ambition for something (governorship), and he told me that he also would want to be part of it.
“We had all this discussions and no one talked of death.”
Former senator, and Director General South-East Governor’s Forum, Uche Ekwunife described Ubah as an avatar.
She said, “You were an avatar, sport enthusiast, a rare gem committed to youth development.
“Your kind comes only once in a lifetime. In you, we saw the true essence of leadership and true definition of kindness; not just in titles and positions but in words and deeds.
“The impact you made and the lives you touched were second to none. You carried the burdens of your people with grace, always prioritizing the collective good over personal gain.
“As we mourn your untimely demise, we cannot help but celebrate the extraordinary life you lived.
“Your legacy of service, compassion, and excellence will remain a guiding light for generations to come. Your dreams for a better Nigeria, a more prosperous South-East, and a stronger Anambra State will not be forgotten,” she said.
The burial was held amid tight security provided by personnel of the military, Police Force and vigilante, which Ubah established and maintained during his lifetime.
The tight security was not unconnected to threats by some separatist elements who had promised to scuttle the burial ceremony, and even exhume his corpse.
The burial however held without security breaches.
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