EZE OKAFOR LEADS OGUTA TRADITIONAL RULERS TO PAY LAST RESPECTS TO BISHOP NWAEZE
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Alachu James
OBUDI-AGWA, Imo State — The Chairman of the Oguta Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Highness, Eze Cajetan Franklin D. Okafor, Otachirioha II of Ossemoto, has led traditional rulers in Oguta Local Government Area to pay their last respects to the late Bishop (Dr.) Gideon Uchechukwu Nwaeze.
The burial, conducted by the Church of Christ, Amaram Street, Owerri, Nigeria, took place on Friday, October 9, 2026, in Obudi-Agwa and attracted several clerics, political leaders and traditional rulers from across Imo State.
Among the prominent traditional rulers at the funeral was His Royal Majesty, Eze (Dr.) Ikechukwu Cletus Ilromuanya, CON, the Obi of Obinugwu, Orlu Ancient Kingdom, Chairman of the Imo State Council of Elders and Co-Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council.
Addressing the press, Eze Okafor described Nwaeze's demise as a huge loss to traditional authority in Oguta, noting that the late community leader was well-versed in traditional administration and respected the instructions of traditional rulers.
He recalled that, while serving as Executive Chairman of Oguta Local Government Area, Nwaeze did his best to bring development to the people. He particularly noted the challenges of the post-military era in 1999, when the transition to democratic governance posed significant challenges, which Nwaeze rose to meet.
Otachirioha described the deceased as a man of peace, great wisdom, a calm spirit and uncommon intelligence. He extended his condolences to the bereaved family and the entire Agwa clan, noting that Nwaeze's community leadership, from Obudi to the wider Agwa community, was deeply felt.
“Hon. Bishop (Dr.) G. U. Nwaeze was a peaceful man, someone who loved his community passionately, a great political leader who made his mark as a strong supporter of traditional institutions,” he said.
Adding his voice, the traditional ruler of Uwaorie Autonomous Community and Secretary of the Oguta Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH, Eze Albanus Ozuruogha, PhD, Ugochinyere of Uwaorie Autonomous Community, commended the towering reputation the late Nwaeze had built for himself.
Eze Ugochinyere noted that Nwaeze served the Church of Christ, Nigeria, as a Bishop, led as the APC Apex Leader in Oguta and remained a respected community leader in the Agwa clan. He said the deceased used these positions to make meaningful contributions to humanity.
He further highlighted Nwaeze's respect for traditional institutions and Ndi-Eze Oguta, noting that his close relationship with the institution explained the presence of numerous traditional rulers and clerics, alongside political leaders, at the burial to pay their last respects.
The late Bishop Nwaeze was a two-term Executive Chairman of Oguta LGA, Bishop of the Church of Christ, Nigeria, a member of the Imo State Council of Elders and the APC Apex Leader in Oguta. He was also a respected and revered community leader in Obudi-Agwa and the wider Agwa clan.
Other traditional personalities at the burial included HRH, Eze H. C. Azubuike, Ohanyere I of Ubah Agwa Autonomous Community and the crown head of Agwa traditional rulers; HRH, Eze Blaise Ubah, KSJI, Oluoha II of Mgbala Autonomous Community; and Prince Malachy Chibueze Asor, Regent of Obudi-Agwa Ancient Kingdom.
Prominent political leaders at the event included Rt. Hon. Eugene Okechukwu Dibiagwu, member representing the Ohaji-Egbema, Oguta and Oru-West Federal Constituency; Hon. Nana Opia, former member representing the same constituency; Hon. M. O. Nlemedim, former Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of Imo State; Hon. Kyrian Uchegbu, PhD, NDDC Commissioner; and Hon. Prince Henry Okafor, Commissioner for Niger Delta Affairs and Surveillance.
Others included Hon. Chief Enyinnaya Victor Onuegbu, Esq., Commissioner for Lands, Survey, Housing and Urban Planning; Hon. Gilbert Chiedozie Nwosu, serving member representing Oguta State Constituency; Hon. Justus Ojika, Special Adviser to the Governor; and Hon. Goddey Esom Obodo, PhD, former member representing Ohaji-Egbema State Constituency, among other dignitaries.
The gathering brought together traditional, religious and political leaders to honour the late Bishop Nwaeze, whose contributions to community leadership, public service, religious life and traditional institutions were remembered at his funeral.
