OJIKA JOINS IMO POLITICAL LEADERS, MONARCHS TO PAY LAST RESPECTS TO LATE BISHOP NWAEZE
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Grace Chidimma Ibe
From Right: Hon. Justus Ojika, SA to the Governor; Hon. Gilbert Nwosu, Member representing Oguta State Constituency in the Imo State House of Assembly; Hon. Emeka Uzoka, Coordinator, Door-to-Door Campaign Oguta; and Hon. Modestus Nwamkpa SA to the Governor, share a moment during the burial ceremony of the late Bishop (Dr.) Gideon Uchechukwu Nwaeze in Obudi-Agwa, Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State.
Obudi-Agwa, Oguta LGA, Imo State, Nigeria
Hon. Justus Ojika, JP, a political leader and former Special Adviser to former Imo State Governor, Senator Rochas Okorocha, on Bureau for Niger Delta Affairs, has joined prominent political leaders, traditional rulers, clerics and community stakeholders from across Imo State and beyond to pay their last respects to the late Bishop (Dr.) Gideon Uchechukwu Nwaeze, former Apex Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Nwaeze was buried on Friday, October 9, 2026, in his hometown of Obudi-Agwa, Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State.
The burial ceremony attracted an array of distinguished personalities, reflecting the late cleric's political influence, religious contributions and longstanding commitment to community leadership.
Among the traditional rulers in attendance were HRM Eze (Dr.) Ikechukwu Cletus Ilromuanya, CON, the Obi of Obinugwu of Orlu Ancient Kingdom, Chairman of the Imo State Council of Elders and Co-Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council; HRH Eze Cajetan Franklin Okafor, Otachirioha II of Ossemoto, Chairman Oguta Council of Traditional Rulers; HRH Eze Herbert Chima Azubuike, Crown Head of Agwa Traditional Rulers; Eze Albanus Ozuruogha, PhD, Ugochinyere of Uwaorie Autonomous Community and Secretary Oguta Council of Traditional Rulers; HRH Eze Blaise Ubah, KSJI, Onuoha II of Mgbala Agwa Autonomous Community; and Prince Malachy Chibueze Asor, Regent of Obudi-Agwa Ancient Kingdom.
Political figures at the ceremony included Rt. Hon. Nana Opia, former member of the House of Representatives for Ohaji-Egbema/Oguta/Oru-West Federal Constituency and former Junior Minister for Education; Hon. Eugene Okechukwu Dibiagwu, member representing Ohaji-Egbema/Oguta/Oru-West Federal Constituency; Hon. M. O. Nlemedim, Esq., former Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of Imo State; Hon. Kyrian Uchegbu, PhD, Federal Commissioner of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), representing Imo State; Prince Henry Okafor, Commissioner for Niger Delta Affairs and Surveillance; Hon. Chief Enyinnaya Victor Onuegbu, Esq., Commissioner for Lands, Survey, Housing and Urban Planning; and Hon. Engr. Gilbert Chiedozie Nwosu, member representing Oguta State Constituency.
Speaking at the burial, Ojika described Nwaeze's death as a significant loss to Agwa, Oguta, the federal constituency, the Imo State Council of Elders, the Church of Christ denomination and Imo State at large.
He noted that the deceased's experience as a former Executive Chairman of Oguta Local Government Area, renowned preacher and community leader had earned him a special place in the hearts of the people.
“Nwaeze was not only a leader; he was a father to this big family, the APC Oguta, the Federal Constituency and Imo State,” Ojika said.
He further described the late cleric as a repository of practical political ideas whose contributions remained valuable even in his old age.
“He was such a figure that exhumed great and practical political ideas even at old age, and that is why I am not surprised at the crowd of personalities converging in Agwa today for his burial,” he added.
Reflecting on the inevitability of death, Ojika said the late Nwaeze would ultimately be remembered for his deeds, relationships and contributions to society.
“Death is an inevitable invitation. Today, Nwaeze can only be remembered by what he did, and in my view, he did his best while alive and maintained a peaceful disposition with people. May God repose his soul and give the family the heart to bear the loss,” he concluded.
The burial service was conducted by the Church of Christ at Amaram Street, Owerri, Imo State, while the reception took place at Central School, Obudi-Agwa.
Other personalities present included Barr. Benson Akunya, former President-General of Agwa Central Union (ACU); William Ezeikpe Ejiako, former Special Assistant to the Governor on Niger Delta Affairs; Hon. Modestus Nwamkpa, Special Assistant to the Governor; Engr. Mike Onyekachi, 2026 APC aspirant for Ohaji-Egbema/Oguta/Oru-West Federal Constituency; Obed O. Obed, Chairman of the APC in Oguta; Hon. GT. Mgborokwu, former Chairman of Oguta LGA; Hon. Emeka Nze Ojure-Amadi, Esq., Oguta PDP Chairman; Hon. Emeka Uzoka; Goddey Onyewuchi Nwabekee, ADC candidate for Oguta State Constituency in 2027; and Apostle David Lemchi Ebirim, APP candidate for Oguta State Constituency in 2027, alongside several other political and community leaders.
Ojika's presence at the funeral further highlighted his engagement across political, traditional and community platforms in Imo State.
His public service background includes serving as Special Adviser to Senator Rochas Okorocha on Bureau for Niger Delta Affairs; Special Adviser on Strategy and Investment to the Honourable Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development; Adviser to Governor Senator Hope Uzodimma on Beautification; and Secretary to Ada Palm, an Imo State Government-owned enterprise.
He was also an APC aspirant for the House of Representatives seat representing Ohaji-Egbema/Oguta/Oru-West Federal Constituency and has participated in peacebuilding initiatives involving oil-producing communities in Imo State.
In June 2021, Ojika served as National Organising Secretary of the Council of Ohaji/Egbema, Oguta and Oru East Supreme Elders' Council, which advocated measures to address insecurity. He is also the Chief Executive Officer of COSHOMI Luxury and Suite Ltd., a hospitality business based in Owerri.
The gathering provided an opportunity for political leaders, traditional institutions, religious organisations and community stakeholders to reflect on Nwaeze's legacy of leadership. Ojika's tribute also underscored the importance of peaceful coexistence, enduring relationships and dedicated service to the people.
