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| Widow and first son, Bianca and Chukwuemeka Ojukwu, Jnr at Late Ojukwu's lying-in-state in Aba on 28/02/2012 |
Amongst them at the national funeral in honour of the late Biafran freedom fighter at Okpara Square in Enugu, were top politicians in the country and foreign dignitaries.
The former Ghanaian President, Jerry Rawlings, Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Emeka Anyoku and the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, were among the dignitaries at the occasion.
They also included the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Anyim Pius Anyim, the five South East governors and their counterparts from Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River and Bauchi.
Members of the National Assembly, former and serving ministers, former governors, traditional rulers, war veterans and political stalwarts, especially from the zone, attended the event.
The event commenced with an interdenominational church service officiated by the Bishops of the Catholic, Anglican and Methodist churches in Enugu.
In his tribute, President Goodluck Jonathan, represented by his Vice President Namadi Sambo, said that Ojukwu was a servant-leader who contributed to the political development of the country.
He recalled how Ojukwu accepted an unexpected leadership role during the turbulent period of the country’s history, saying that the role he played at that time, later defined his place “in the history of our country most critically”.
According to him, Ojukwu’s love for his people made him to become an advocate of a united Nigeria after the end of the 30 months Nigerian civil war.
The number one citizen of the country noted that the contributions of the late Igbo hero in the political sphere of Nigeria would never be overlooked.
On his part, Rawlings emphasised the need to address the circumstances that led to the Nigerian civil war. He expressed regret that those things that led to Nigerian Civil war were still rearing their ugly head in the country, adding that they were still causing pains and hardship to the people.
He further expressed regrets over the inability of Gen. Gowon to be physically present at the occasion, saying that he asked President Jonathan during a meeting in London, to prevail on Gen. Gowon to attend the burial of late Ojukwu.
While extending Ghana's condolences, Rawlings commended Jonathan for giving Ojukwu a state burial.
In a message sent to the funeral, former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, said Ojukwu would forever be remembered for his courage, boldness, focus and unwavering desire to fight for justice, equity and fair play for his people.
The Chairman of the Governors' Forum and Rivers State Governor, Mr Rotimi Amechi, described the Ikemba Nnewi as a freedom fighter, adding that Nigeria's history would not be complete without mentioning the civil war and Ojukwu.
The host governor, Mr Sullivan Chime, said that Ojukwu was 'born like a king, lived like a king and died like a king".
Other tributes came from former Chief of General Staff, Rear Admiral Ebitu Ukiwe, and the National Chairman of the burial committee, Justice Chukwudifu Oputa.
Several thousands of people from all walks of life, started trooping into the Okpara square where Ojukwu’s remains were laid in state as early as 8 a.m. yesterday to pay their last respects to the departed Igbo leader, whom the former secretary general of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, said personified service and commitment to the Igbo nation, adding, “that is why he will continue to dwell in their minds and hearts for many years”.
Most of the people who thronged the venue of the occasion came dressed in full traditional attires, while many wore uniform emblazoned with Ojukwu’s image on them. Youths who made colourful souvenir of the Igbo leader, also made brisk business.
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| General Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu (file picture) |
Ojukwu’s widow, Bianca, one of his eldest son, Chukwuemeka Jnr, and his younger siblings led the family delegation at the ceremony.
The event featured laying of wreaths by the vice president, governors, and other political leaders.
The remains of the late Biafran leader will be buried today in his home town Umudim Nnewi, in Anambra State.
Ojukwu’s Body Arrives Nnewi For Burial
The body of the late freedom fighter, which left Ekwueme Square in Awka at about 5:45pm yesterday after a two hour funeral that was filled with accolades arrived Nnewi in a military helicopter at about 6:05 amidst cheers from his kinsmen.The brief funeral in Awka, which was attended by several dignitaries, saw Governor Peter Obi, Chief Victor Umeh, Igwe Prof Chukwuemeka Ike, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife and Mrs Oby Ezekwesili calling On Nnewi people to take heart as the death of Ojukwu is a loss to the entire Igbo race.
Chief Ezeife seized the opportunity to call for Igbo presidency, saying that nothing would appease the soul of Ojukwu than to see that the freedom he fought for, for the Igbo people has been attained.
Meanwhile, government offices, banks, markets and other public places yesterday stayed under lock and keys as the body of Late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu was brought into the state.
Investigations showed that market leaders announced to their traders the closure of markets for two days, with a fine of N5,000 for any trader who dared to open for business for the two days.
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