Owelle Buries Mother-in-Law in Grand Style as Chikwado Bids Farewell to Grandma at 95
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Grace Chidimma Ibe
MGBALA, AGWA, OGUTA, IMO STATE — The remains of late Ezinne Nwere-Ugwu Gladys Katunkeoma Egbochue (née Ejiofor), who died at the age of 95, have been laid to rest at Mgbala, Agwa Autonomous Community, in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State.
The nonagenarian was buried on Friday, August 7, 2026, after a funeral Mass at St. John the Cross Catholic Church, Mgbala-Agwa, attended by family members, friends, community leaders, religious faithful and sympathisers.
Late Ezinne Gladys hailed from Umuorji Umuonyima, Mgbala, Agwa Autonomous Community, and was remembered during the funeral as a mother and family matriarch whose life spanned several generations.
The burial ceremony attracted relatives and well-wishers from Mgbala, other parts of Agwa, Owerri and beyond, as members of the Egbochue family gathered to pay their final respects.
Among the family members who contributed to the organisation of the burial was Mr. Wilfred Oluwihe, popularly known as Owelle, who is married to the deceased's third daughter, Mrs. Rose Oluwihe.
The ceremony also provided an opportunity for the deceased's grandchildren to reflect on her life and the role she played within the family.
One of her granddaughters, Sylvia Chikwado Egbochue, described her grandmother's death as a “rare miss,” saying the family would miss her motherly advice, leadership and guidance.
Chikwado said the deceased's long life provided the family with valuable memories and lessons that would continue to influence generations after her.
The funeral Mass featured a homily delivered by Rev. Fr. Gerald Nnaocha, popularly known as Fr. White, the pioneer Parish Priest of St. John the Cross Catholic Church, Mgbala.
In his homily, Rev. Fr. Nnaocha urged Christians to emulate the life and teachings of Jesus Christ by living exemplary lives and leaving behind worthy legacies.
He was assisted at the Mass by Rev. Fr. Thaddeus Uche, the Acting Parish Priest of St. John the Cross Catholic Church, Mgbala.
The Catholic Women Organisation (CWO), St. John the Cross Parish, Mgbala, also participated in the funeral ceremonies and performed the traditional “Nde Nne” burial rites in solidarity with the family.
The women described the deceased as a worthy mother who was actively involved in church activities before she took ill.
They expressed condolences to the family and prayed for the repose of her soul.
Among the dignitaries who attended the burial were Sir Collins Ughala, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, on Communication and Public Orientation; Hon. Christian Okoro Ogbonna, Councillor representing Obudi/Aro Ward in Oguta LGA; Sir Jasper Anyamele; and Mr. Saviour Onwubiko Abiaziem, a senior staff member of the Imo State Civil Service.
Community leaders, youth representatives, religious leaders, the Chief of the Clan, friends and associates from Owerri and other parts of Imo State and Nigeria also attended the funeral.
The gathering reflected the communal character of funeral ceremonies in Agwa, where families, community institutions, religious organisations and friends come together to support bereaved families and honour the deceased.
Mgbala is an autonomous community within Agwa Clan, Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State, in southeastern Nigeria. The community, like other parts of Agwa, maintains strong family, traditional and religious ties, with the Catholic Church playing an important role in the spiritual and social life of residents.
The burial brought the funeral rites for Ezinne Nwere-Ugwu Gladys Katunkeoma Egbochue to a close after 95 years of life.
She is survived by her children, grandchildren, relatives and loved ones, who gathered to honour her memory and commit her remains to the earth.
The family described the burial as a solemn farewell to a mother and grandmother whose influence and memories would remain with generations of the family.
