Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, along with former governors Peter Obi and Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo, among others, paid tribute to the late former Governor of Anambra State, Chukwuemeka Ezeife, praising him as a man of integrity.
The honoring of Ezeife took place at the International Convention Centre in Awka, where various dignitaries gathered to pay their respects. He was posthumously declared the hero of Igboland by the leading Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo announced that Ezeife’s burial would follow the Anambra burial customs and would conclude on Saturday after the ceremonies.
Soludo emphasized that Ezeife had left behind a remarkable legacy that would be hard to replicate.
Reflecting on Ezeife’s life, Soludo expressed, “It is quite emotional that within a span of almost two years, we have laid to rest two former Governors, Mbadinuju and Ezeife. Ezeife was a genuine Nigerian who dedicated himself to numerous causes aimed at bettering our society.”
Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, characterized Ezeife as a champion of justice, describing him as a fair-minded Nigerian who advocated for the welfare of all.
Former Deputy Governor Dame Virgy Etiaba, Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo, and others extolled Ezeife as a beacon of light.
Additionally, the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, declared that despite Ezeife’s passing at an advanced age, he remained a distinguished Nigerian. He revealed that Ohanaeze had made the decision to honor him as the hero of Igboland.
Chief Iwuanyanwu stated, “Today, Ohanaeze proclaims Ezeife as the hero of Igboland. He was a commendable individual, a vocal advocate against injustices. His absence will be deeply felt.”
The former governor was laid to rest at his ancestral home in the Igboukwu community within the Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.