OBUDI AGWA AGOG AS EVANG. EBERENDU LAYS FATHER-IN-LAW, LATE SNR. APOSTLE AUGUSTINE AMANFOR, TO REST
By Rita Onuoha
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
OBUDI, AGWA, OGUTA LGA, IMO STATE — Obudi Agwa was agog on Saturday, September 5, 2026, as the remains of Late Senior Apostle Augustine Chimuajolanjo Amanfor were laid to rest at his country home in Umuonwaranji Ihuoba, Obudi, Agwa, Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State.
The burial ceremony attracted family members, friends, church leaders, community stakeholders and dignitaries from across Imo State and beyond, who gathered to pay their final respects to the late man of God, who was widely remembered for his faith, community service, prophetic ministry and what many described as his “angelic voice.”
The funeral service was conducted by the Eternal Sacred Order of Cherubim and Seraphim, Mount of Grace (Olukwu), Agwa District, with delegates from neighbouring districts under the province participating in accordance with the burial solidarity tradition of the Order.
Sermon
In his sermon, Supervisory Apostle Isaiah Chibundu of Umuokanne Special Area, Ohaji, Ohaji-Egbema Local Government Area, read from the Book of Job 14:14:
“If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.”
He also cited other passages of the Bible, stressing the importance of Christians understanding why they are on earth, making the most of their time and living lives that please God.
The cleric also warned men and women involved in evil practices, particularly those who destroy the destinies and lives of others, to repent and return to God.
“Many people today have killed the destiny helpers of their children and others because of their evil acts. If you are one of those in such dangerous sin here, come back to Jesus and be saved,” he said.
Church Pays Tribute
In a tribute, the Mount of Grace local church described Late Senior Apostle Augustine Chimuajolanjo Amanfor as a man of faith, a Nazarite and a prophet with an “angelic voice.”
According to the church, as one of the early converts of the Order, Amanfor distinguished himself through his commitment to spirituality, prayers, prophecy and other Christian activities.
The church noted that he paid his dues in the service of God and humanity, making him a respected figure within the Order.
Evangelist Eberendu Pays Final Respect
Evangelist Meshack Eberendu, who is married to Mrs. Peace Eberendu and was a member of the Order, played a significant role in ensuring the success of the burial ceremony.
However, he could not contain his emotions as he burst into tears while watching the remains of his beloved father-in-law being lowered into the ground.
Late Senior Apostle Amanfor, according to family accounts, occupied a fatherly position in Eberendu's life.
Chief Mourner Thanks Guests
Delivering the vote of thanks, Prince Onyewuchi Augustine Amanfor, the chief mourner, fondly called “Chairman” by admirers, appreciated everyone who took time to attend the burial.
He specifically thanked the leadership and members of the church for their massive attendance, describing it as a demonstration of the value and respect the church had for the services rendered by his father during his lifetime.
“I appreciate everyone who brought out their time to attend the burial. I specifically thank members and leadership of the church for their massive attendance, which is a proof of the values and respect the church has for the services my dad rendered while alive in the Order and the family at large.”
He also prayed for journey mercies for all those who attended the ceremony.
FULL BIOGRAPHY OF LATE SENIOR APOSTLE AUGUSTINE CHIMUAJOLANJO AMANFOR
Late Senior Apostle Augustine C. Amanfor was born in the year 1943 into the prestigious polygamous family of Late Mr. Mgbugba Amanfo of Umuakwa in Umuonwaranji, Obudi Agwa, and Late Lolo Amunwanauba Anushim of Umuohuruzo, Umuololo in Umuomi Agwa, in Mbano Agwa Autonomous Community, all in the present-day Oguta L.G.A. of Imo State, Nigeria.
He grew up with his peers in Umuonwaranji, Obudi Agwa. He was the first son of his late mother among the three children from her womb, comprising two sons and one daughter.
Late Senior Apostle Augustine C. Amanfor was a warrior, philanthropist and honest man. Regrettably, he had no formal education, but he trained himself as a graduate. Having conversations with him, one would discover that he spoke Queen's English and was also a commander of the English language.
He faced some challenges throughout his lifetime, especially with childbearing at the early stage of his life. He was also wrongly accused on some occasions, all of which God later answered his prayers.
Late Senior Apostle Augustine C. Amanfor was survived by two wives: Late Mrs. Cina Augustine Amanfor and Prophetess Victoria Augustine Amanfor. The marriage was blessed with four surviving children, comprising one surviving son and three daughters who mourn his death.
CHRISTIAN LIFE
Late Senior Apostle Augustine Chimuajolanjo Amanfor was a devoted Christian. He was baptized and also wedded in the Cherubim and Seraphim faith.
Throughout his lifetime, Late Senior Apostle Augustine C. Amanfor believed his life was for God and humanity, and he was not afraid to speak the truth at all times as a preacher of God.
He was a community leader and an advocate of peace. He was a church leader who served his church in different capacities as a singer with an angelic voice.
His leadership in the church took him to different branches, including Ibocha in Egbema L.G.A., Mgbele in Oguta L.G.A., Izombe in Oguta L.G.A., and finally to Mount of Grace Cherubim and Seraphim Church here in Obudi Agwa, called Uloukwu Branch, where he remained until his death.
His demise occurred on the 19th day of April 2026, being Sunday. As a man of God, he decided to pay his last tribute to his Creator on Sunday so that he would not be defiled by worldly things.
WORKING EXPERIENCE
Late Senior Apostle Augustine C. Amanfor was employed by the Imo State Judiciary Commission as a staff member. He was posted to Egbema Magistrate Court, where he served as a gardener for 20 years before retiring meritoriously by age through his amiable leader, Sir Sylvester Nlememid, the former Chief Protocol Officer, Imo State Government.
While he was in the office, he always maintained his position as a preacher and a man of God. He never believed in supporting evil of any kind.
After the outbreak of the Nigerian Civil War, Late Senior Apostle Augustine was among the old Biafran soldiers who sustained a capital injury and later survived it. He served the good people of Biafra due to his good attitude.
He became one of the drug dealers who always attended to the public when the need arose. Based on these actions, his associates fondly called him the nickname, “Waiting man, go-do-people, no-go-talk.”
Finally, we are reluctantly, with tears transcending our cheeks, to subscribe to the injunction that a day marks the beginning and the end of a man's sojourn on earth.
Life indeed does not matter, but what matters is the footprints or precedence one brought into this world. Life itself is a struggle and a pain.
Papa, you did not remember your only son, “Chairman,” Prince Onyemechi Augustine, who has made you proud before your Creator.
Death, why are you wicked? You have left this indelible blow on us without consideration for our Senior Apostle Augustine C. Amanfor, “a.k.a.” Papa?
Death, you have defied all empirical approaches; you remain the tragedy of human existence, the ultimate end — that is the beginning of life.
When a great iroko falls, it affects all the trees and grasses around it. Even the ground unto which it falls feels the impact.
A Senior Apostle, you ended at 83 years. Remain blessed and keep to your promise on us.
Adieu, Snr. Apostle Augustine C. Amanfor.
Adieu... Papa.
Adieu... waiting man go do.
May your gentle soul rest in the bosom of our Lord.
Amen.
Signed:
Prince Onyewuchi Augustine Amanfor (Chairman)
For the Family
CHURCH LEADERS IN ATTENDANCE
Some of the senior church leaders who attended the burial included:
Special Snr. Apt. S. S. A. Felix Duru, in charge of the Province
Special Snr. Apt. Augustine Alozie
Snr. Apt. I. I. C. Oparaji
Snr. Apt. Iyke Nnadi, Umuokanne Provincial Chairman
Snr. Apt. Zion Ubah, Esq., Provincial Chairman
Supervisory Apt. Isaiah Chibundu, Umuokanne Special Area
Snr. Apt. Bethel Onumajuru, Province Secretary
SOME OF THE WOMEN LEADERS IN ATTENDANCE
Among the women who attended were:
Snr. Mother Justina Duru
Snr. Mother Joline Ugo
Snr. Mother Helen Oparaji
Snr. Mother Felicia Chibundu
Mother Ngozi Duru
Mother Catherine Agbee
Mother Beatrice Uzoegbu
Also in attendance was Mr. Joseph Elumezie, Esq. (Ade).
BURIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The burial ceremony featured live band entertainment, cultural dancing by a women's troupe, refreshments and other activities as family members, church members, friends and sympathisers celebrated the life and legacy of the late Senior Apostle Augustine Chimuajolanjo Amanfor.
The deceased was described throughout the ceremony as a committed Christian, preacher, singer, community leader, peace advocate and philanthropist whose memory would continue to live on among his family, church and community.
