By Regina Igwebuike/Chukwuemeka Orji :
Okpaligwe II Amawbia, HRM Igwe Chinyelu Nnaemeke Nworah-Molokwu takes final bow, celebrates last Ofala amid eulogies as he bids farewell to mother earth.
Speaking on the last day of his ofala festival, Ozo Nnaemeka Maduka, Osojeze Amawbia said that the great iroko had fallen, adding that Amawbia is painfully bereaved as their revered Igwe left before he could perform the first Ofala of his coronation and they could not question God.
He said that during Okpaligwe’s brief but memorable reign, Igwe had become the face of a new Amawbia and represented the aspirations of the new generation, a man of peace and kindheartedness, very accommodating and tolerant with people that came across him.
“God has decided that our Igwe should leave and we go on with life. The pain will remain but all we pray and ask God is ‘ozoemezina’. Let it be the first and last of this type of bereavement.”
Osojeze explained that Amawbia has a constitution, the Igweship rotates between the villages.
“The first in line is Umueze village and the misfortune that befell us has now transferred the kingship to another village. So, it is not hereditary.
“As a leader of the community, I pray to God to give us the best among us and may God grant us peace. Let the transition, selection of the Igwe be peaceful and not acrimonious.
“We want a peaceful transition and we want a leader that is as good as the person we are mourning today.”
Former Anambra Head of Service, Barr. Harry Udu said that the demise of Okpaligwe is unnerving as it is painful. We have cried, sorrowed and have no other choice but to accord him a befitting burial.
Barr. Udu noted that Okpaligwe made a very serious mark during his short reign and Amawbia could never forget him in a hurry as Okpaligwe Amawbia, explaining that the deceased lived his life well as being testified by all and sundry.
He prayed that the selection of new Okpaligwe would be peaceful as the community is known for peace, explaining that age is not a barrier for the selection but it has to do with acceptability of the people.
The former HOS while noting that Okpaligwe’s tenure was short-lived, drew consolation from his inspiring life of fulfilment.
Igwe M. C. Ngene, Ezike IV of Nibo said that Okpaligwe was his bosom friend, praying for divine enablement in filling the huge void created by Okpaligwe’s royal transition in this austere period.
He urged the community to select a good Okpaligwe, emphasizing that a hot tempered person or one who listens to gossip is not worthy of the throne.
The President General (PG) of the community, Engr. Goddy Aronu noted that Okpaligwe started in the year 2020, working tirelessly for the progress and unity of Amawbia in general.
“He devoted time in conflict resolution by seeing that the community vigilante stands in order to keep peace in Amawbia.”
PG said that though Okpaligwe’s reign was short as God called him, he would be remembered for promoting peace and development in Amawbia.
He commended all who came from far and near for the occasion, thanking them for their gifts and tributes.
Prof. Oby Lilian Orogbu, Labour Party (LP) candidate for Awka North and South Federal Constituency in the forthcoming general elections who came with LP hierarchies to commiserate with the Molokwu family, noted the frailty of man and the vain gloriousness of this life.
She described Okpaligwe as a father figure whose benignity and peaceful coexistence informed his choice of king, noting that death is an inevitable reality, an eventual end to all susceptible mortals.
Alhaji Mahmud Sani, Sarki Hausa Amawbia described Okpaligwe as an amiable leader whose transition has created a vacuum of obedience, selfless service, peace and trustworthy, praying that Amawbia community would continue with his good legacy.
Dr. Ikem Odumodu, former Director, Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) and the Chairman, Last Ofala Planning Committee eulogized Okpaligwe as a traditional custodian of justice, a sincere, simple, gentle, selfless and diligent man.
The chairman while thanking those who came to commiserate with Molokwu’s family noted that Okpaligwe had left indelible marks on the sands of time, explaining that it is not how far but how well.
Okpaligwe’s wife, Ugoeze Justina Nworah said that losing him brought sadness to her world as part of her went with him the day God called him, praying that he rests in peace.
Okpaligwe’s son, Prince Olisa Nworah eulogized his father as a disciplinarian, a courageous man that instilled so many positive attributes in his life, explaining that his dad lived a good life to be emulated, thanking him for his unconditional love.
Sir Nche Nworah, Okpaligwe’s brother said “Our existence on earth is synonymous to a theatre for performing artists, where humans perform their entertaining roles and finally exit the stage”.
He said that Okpaligwe came, saw, performed and left his mark on the sands of time both in private capacity and also on Amawbia Ugbogiliga.
Earlier during the interdenominational service, Ven. Chris Ogbodo said that the exit of the monarch called for sober reflection, describing him as a man who was passionate for the progress and development of his people.
The Venerable while noting that death is a common denominator that is inevitable, urged all to be ready to answer the call, explaining that Okpaligwe answered his within the short period he ruled as Igwe.
According to him, the only requirement needed for the accomplishment of good deeds is putting up the right attitude and being truthful at all times.
The officers report from Amawbia.
