Ebirim Commends Kingsley Uju on Successful Burial of Mother-in-Law, Hails APP’s Rising Profile in Oguta
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Grace Chidimma Ibe
OKIJA, ANAMBRA STATE — The Action Peoples Party (APP) candidate for Oguta State Constituency in the 2027 Imo State House of Assembly election, Apostle David Lemchi Ebirim, has commended Hon. Engr. Kingsley Uju for the successful burial ceremony of his mother-in-law, late Mrs. Eunice Onukelobi (née Ibeneme), describing the large turnout as a reflection of her good life, legacy and the influence of her family.
Mrs. Onukelobi, who died at the age of 86, was laid to rest at Ochalegbu, Okija, in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, on Wednesday, September 3, 2026.
The burial attracted family members, political associates, community leaders, traditional rulers, friends and well-wishers from different parts of Imo State, Nigeria and beyond.
Ebirim, who attended the ceremony alongside members of his campaign team, said he was impressed by the level of organisation, participation and calibre of personalities who gathered to honour the deceased.
Speaking with journalists after the burial, Ebirim said his presence was primarily to pay tribute to the late Mrs. Onukelobi and stand in solidarity with his political leader, Hon. Kingsley Uju, a former member of the House of Representatives who represented Ohaji-Egbema, Oguta and Oru-West Federal Constituency in the National Assembly.
“My name is Apostle David Lemchi Ebirim. By His grace, I am here to pay tribute to the mother-in-law of my political leader, Hon. Engr. Kingsley Uju, a former House of Representatives member who represented the good people of Ohaji-Egbema, Oguta and Oru-West Federal Constituency in the 9th Assembly,” he said.
According to him, the decision to attend the burial with his campaign team was borne out of respect for Uju and the family, stressing that the occasion was not about politics or electioneering.
“I am here with my campaign team as the APP candidate for Oguta State Constituency just because of our leader, the ‘Omeudo’ of our time,” Ebirim said.
He added that the large attendance demonstrated the positive impact and relationships built by the deceased during her lifetime, while also describing Uju as a grassroots-oriented and unifying personality.
“Seeing this level of turnout at this burial is proof of the good life and legacies of late Mrs. Eunice Onukelobi while alive. Importantly, it speaks volumes about Hon. Kingsley Uju as a federating personality and grassroots leader. Imo State is here, Nigeria is here and the world is here,” he stated.
Ebirim also spoke about the political strength of APP ahead of the 2027 elections, expressing confidence that the party would make significant gains in Oguta and across Imo State.
“As of today, APP is the darling of Imo State and the choice of Oguta voters. We are not here for campaign and politics. This gathering is a celebration of the legacies of the beloved mother-in-law of our great leader,” he said.
He, however, said the party would unveil its campaign strategy when the electioneering period begins.
“But when the time comes for campaign, Oguta and Imo State will see that the big elephant has come, not just to be seen, but to contest and win in all elections,” Ebirim declared.
Asked why he was confident of APP’s prospects, he attributed the party’s growing acceptance to its grassroots connection and leadership structure.
“APP parades leaders who are in touch with the grassroots. It is the face of opposition in Imo State, and Imolites trust their leaders to deliver good governance if elected,” he said.
The burial ceremony ultimately underscored the importance of family, friendship, leadership and community solidarity, as people from different walks of life gathered to honour the memory of the late Mrs. Onukelobi and support the Uju family in their moment of grief.
