The late former Anambra State governor, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, was laid to rest in Awka, the state capital today after a state funeral service in his honor.
Reports from the funeral broadcast on Arise TV and watched by our correspondent confirmed the ceremony.
Ezeife, who governed Anambra State from January 2, 1992, to November 1993 during the Third Republic, passed away at the age of 85 on December 14, 2023, at the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja, as reported by PUNCH Online on December 15, 2023.
The funeral service for the former Anambra governor was attended by dignitaries including Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, and Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru, represented by his deputy, Mrs. Patricia Obila, among others.
In his remarks, Soludo commended Ezeife, highlighting that he exemplified the values he advocated for.
He lauded Ezeife for his integrity and credibility, noting that he practiced what he preached.
“Ezeife lived out the principles he believed in. He didn’t just talk about them, he embodied them. He had a strong belief in the rule of law and held Nigeria accountable to it,” Soludo remarked.
However, Soludo criticized the production of brochures, banners, and other materials used during the burial, citing a violation of the Anambra State Burial Laws.
He emphasized that Ezeife would not have approved of such actions.
It’s worth recalling that in February 2024, the Anambra State Government reaffirmed its commitment to enforce the burial law enacted in 2019 to regulate burial activities in the state.
The law prohibits the display of billboards, banners, or posters of deceased individuals in the state, allowing only directional signs to be put up. These signs must not be erected earlier than seven days before the burial and should be removed no later than seven days after the burial.
This law was established and ratified during the tenure of former Governor Willie Obiano in 2019.
Addressing the burial proceedings, Soludo stated, “I must address this issue before I leave. If the Ezeife I knew were alive today, he would disapprove of most of what is happening here. When I arrived and saw printed materials, I knew it was against the Anambra State Burial Laws.
“Some individuals contacted me requesting to print materials for the burial, but I informed them that it was against the burial laws in Anambra state. Printing materials for a burial is only permitted for a single day in Anambra. That is the law.
“We will not enforce the law selectively based on financial status; it applies to all.
“I didn’t enact this law; it was passed two years before I assumed office as Anambra governor.”
In line with a burial announcement signed by Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Paul Nwosu, the late Ezeife’s funeral included several pre-burial events.
These events, some of which have already taken place, featured a service of songs at the Ecumenical Centre, Abuja, scheduled for April 12 at 5 pm; a celebration of the life and times of ‘Okwadike’ at the Eagle Square, Abuja, set for April 13 at 10 am; and the National Night of Tributes at Thisday Dome, Abuja, slated for April 15 at 5 pm.
Subsequent state burial activities included a state commendation and thanksgiving service at the International Conference Centre, Awka, planned for Friday, April 19, at 10 am, followed by tributes immediately after the service.
A Service of Songs held at his hometown, Igboukwu in Aguata LGA by the Salvation Army Church on Friday, April 19, at 5 pm.
A burial service at the deceased’s residence in Igboukwu was scheduled for Saturday, April 20, at 10 am, with interment and condolence visits following this service.
The ceremonies would conclude with a thanksgiving service at The Salvation Army Church, Igboukwu, on Sunday, starting at 9 am.