NWAEZE BURIAL: Prince Asor, Nlemedim, Akunya, Other Leads Obudi People to A Deserving Final Tributes
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Rita Onuoha
Obudi-Agwa, Oguta LGA, Imo State, Nigeria
The people of Obudi-Agwa Ancient Kingdom in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State on Friday, October 9, 2026, laid to rest the remains of the late Bishop Dr. Gideon Uchechukwu Nwaeze at his country home along Obudi-Agwa/Umuofeke Road, popularly known as Church Road.
The burial attracted prominent sons and daughters of Obudi-Agwa, political leaders, community stakeholders, associates and members of the clergy, who gathered to pay their last respects to the late community leader and former Chairman of Oguta Local Government Area.
In accordance with the customs and traditions of the community, the remains of the deceased were formally received by the leadership of Obudi-Agwa Ancient Kingdom at Uzii Square, following a 21-cannon gun salute at Ogbofa Market Square and Uzii, the traditional reception centre of the community.
Speaking during the reception, the Regent of Obudi-Agwa Ancient Kingdom and Chief Host, Prince Malachy Chibueze Asor, expressed appreciation to the sons and daughters of Obudi-Agwa for their cooperation during the burial preparations. He also commended the bereaved family for its efforts in organising a befitting farewell for the deceased.
“Obudi people, our leader has come home, is it not?” Asor asked.
Describing the late Bishop Nwaeze as a leader whose contributions cut across different spheres of community life, the Regent recalled his pioneering role in the politics of Oguta and Obudi-Agwa.
He noted that Nwaeze had contested for the position of Executive Chairman of Oguta LGA, lost in his first attempt, but returned to win the election on his second attempt.
Asor further highlighted the deceased's contributions to community development, particularly his interventions during a period of insecurity in Obudi-Agwa.
He recalled Nwaeze's role at the Obudi-Agwa General Assembly held on April 18, 2026, where he appealed to the people to embrace peace, unity and development.
According to the Regent, the appeal contributed to the emergence of a Peace Accord, after which the community began making progress towards restoring peace and stability.
“We have lost a great leader, and I pray for God to receive his soul,” Asor said.
Also speaking, Hon. M. O. Nlemedim, a former Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of Imo State, paid tribute to the deceased, describing him as a committed community leader who placed a high premium on unity, peace and development.
Nlemedim recalled Nwaeze's contributions during his tenure as President-General of Obudi and Chairman of Oguta LGA, as well as his efforts during challenging periods in the community.
“It is unfortunate that Nwaeze has left us. He was our proud leader and a man who never joked with the unity, development and peace of Obudi. He was a peaceful man, and we pray that God grants his soul eternal rest,” he said.
Following the reception, the remains were taken to his former residence at Obuokwu, his house along Church Road, and subsequently to Central School Field, Obudi-Agwa, where the funeral church service was held.
The service was conducted by the Church of Christ, Amaram Street, Owerri, with delegates of the church in attendance.
Among the prominent personalities who received the remains at Uzii Square were Prince Malachy Chibueze Asor; Hon. M. O. Nlemedim; Hon. Hillary Angel Eberendu, former Chairman of Oguta LGA; and Mr. Benson Akunya, Esq., former pioneer President-General of Agwa Central Union (ACU).
Others included Sylvester Chukwuemeka Nlemedim (KSJI), former Director of Protocol, Imo State Government; Hon. Casmir Ohamara, Commissioner, ISOPADEC; Hon. Williams Chinedu Okenesi, immediate past Supervisory Councillor for Education, Oguta LGA; Hon. Ugo Aguocha, former Councillor representing Obudi/Aro Ward; Hon. Boniface Esomonu, former Councillor representing Obudi/Aro Ward; and Hon. Christian Okoro Ogbonna, immediate past Councillor.
Also present were Chief Anayo Anantu; Chief Alias Asor (JKJ), APP candidate for Oguta State Constituency; Apostle David Lemchi Ebirim; Mr. Ebere Iggwoji; Mr. Jackmore Uzoma; Mr. Last Done; Mr. Ossy Ohamara; Hon. Pontus Onyejiawa; and Mr. Chinedu Mbachu.
Members of the palace chiefs were led by Chief Chidi Ibe, the Palace Secretary, alongside other community leaders and stakeholders.
The burial marked the final farewell to a prominent son of Obudi-Agwa whose political career, community leadership and contributions to peace and development featured prominently in tributes delivered in his honour.
