Eze Udo II, Arthur Eze, Apostle Chibuzor, Tony Chukwu Attend Mother’s Burial of Eze Francis Chukwuemeka
ISSN: 2354-4481
By Rita Onuoha
AMANATO OKPORO, ORLU LGA, IMO STATE — Imo State witnessed a gathering of prominent traditional rulers, businessmen, political leaders, religious figures and community stakeholders on Friday, August 21, 2026, as the remains of Late Lolo Florence Akumbata Ujagba (nee Ubah), mother of HRH Eze Dr. Francis Chukwuemeka, Mmirinezoro Oha of Amanato Okporo Autonomous Community, were laid to rest.
Lolo Florence, who died at the age of 69, was buried in Amanato Okporo Autonomous Community in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State.
The funeral attracted several prominent personalities from across the Southeast, including HRH Eze Dr. Emmanuel Okeke, Eze Udo II of Amaifeke Ancient Kingdom; businessman and philanthropist Prince Arthur I. Eze, OFR; King Apostle Dr. Chibuzor Gift Chinyere, Founder and General Overseer of Omega Power Ministry (OPM), represented by Elder Ambassador Dr. Malachi Ndubuisi Ebepu (JP); and APC leader Chief Tony Chukwu.
Eze Emmanuel Okeke, of Amaifeke Ancient Kingdom as the Chairman of the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, commiserated with Eze Francis Chukwuemeka and the entire Amanato Okporo community over the loss.
During the traditional presentation and blessings of kolanuts, Eze Okeke thanked the guests for honouring the family with their presence and urged everyone to maintain peace and decorum throughout the funeral activities.
He also commended Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, for what he described as efforts toward maintaining peace in the state. He called on residents and visitors to remain peaceful while paying their respects to the deceased.
Representing Apostle Chibuzor Gift Chinyere, Elder Ambassador Dr. Malachi Ndubuisi Ebepu conveyed condolences to the bereaved family.
Ebepu described the large turnout as evidence of the positive impact made by the deceased and her family. He particularly highlighted Eze Francis Chukwuemeka's association with OPM and his contribution to the ministry, including the establishment of its branch in Asaba.
The funeral also featured tributes and entertainment from social and professional groups, including the Eminent Senators Club of Nigeria Worldwide, led by Ichie Monday Akunna (Okwa Achinaka), assisted by Ranking Senator Eze Akuchukwu of Iheoma and others.
Performances were also delivered by Dorime Bishop and his crew, gospel artist Evangelist Felix Ndukwe, and popular gospel singer Sister Chinyere Udoma, known as Ududu Woman.
Speaking to journalists after the burial activities, the chief mourner, Eze Dr. Francis Chukwuemeka, expressed appreciation to the dignitaries, friends, associates and members of the community who attended the ceremony.
He thanked them for standing with the family during the period of mourning and prayed for safe journeys for those who travelled to Amanato Okporo to attend the funeral.
Other dignitaries at the ceremony included Hon. Chief Austin Onyedebele, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State; Hon. Chief Mayor Eze; and Hon. Chief Okey Okafor, popularly known as Ihediche, who is identified as an NDC candidate for the Orlu/Oru East/Orsu Federal Constituency in the 2027 election, among others.
The funeral brought together traditional, political, religious and business leaders in a display of solidarity with Eze Francis Chukwuemeka and his family.
Amanato Okporo Autonomous Community is in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State, southeastern Nigeria. Orlu is one of the major urban and commercial centres in Imo State and serves as a significant hub for communities across the Orlu Senatorial Zone. The area has a strong traditional institution and vibrant community networks, making major social and cultural events capable of attracting prominent personalities from across the Southeast.
Eze Emmanuel Okeke, Eze Udo II of Amaifeke Ancient Kingdom, has previously been identified in public reports as a prominent figure in Imo's traditional institution. Prince Arthur I. Eze is a Nigerian businessman and oil executive associated with Atlas Oranto Petroleum. Chief Tony Chukwu has also been publicly identified as a political figure in Imo State.
