The Oparaukwu Ibeku, Prince Benjamin Benedict Apugo, says the brotherly relationship between Ibeku people in Umuahia and Ohafia people will get stronger even with the demise of His Royal Paramouncy Prof. Emmanuel Ume Lekwa Imaga who passed on at the age of 82.
The Ebiri of Elu Ohafia, Chairman of Ohafia Monarchs and the Udumeze of Ohafia Ancient kingdom, His Royal Paramouncy, Late Prof. Emmanuel Ume Lekwa Imaga, was led to rest on Saturday at a colourful occasion that attracted the creme de la creme in Abia State, South-East and beyond.
Speaking on Saturday during the ceremony, Prince Apugo, said the people of Ibeku and Ohafia have enjoined brotherly relationship right from time immemorial.
He hinted that while alive, His Royal Paramouncy late Emmanuel Ume Lekwa Imaga, had acknowledged this relationship between his people and Ibeku land, stressing that it was the reason why he was constantly identifying with Ibeku people.
The Ochiagha Oparaukwu Ibeku, who recalled the visit of His Royal Paramouncy late Emmanuel Ume Lekwa Imaga to his home while alive, said that particular visit, was dear to him because it gave both of them opportunity to further deepen the bond that exists between Ibeku and Ohafia people.
The Oparaukwu Ibeku, who mourned the death of the Monarch , said he was shocked learning about the death of the Monarch, emphasizing that he contributed immensely to the growth of Ohafia Udumeze Ancient Kingdom.
Earlier while speaking during the Service in honour of the deceased at the Presbyterian Church Of Nigeria, Isiama Parish Elu Ohafia in Ohafia LGA of Abia State, Prince Apugo, eulogized the qualities of humility, courage, perseverance, hard work of the late Monarch, maintaining that he will be missed greatly, while calling on those he left behind to mourn him to take solace from the fact that he lived a life of sacrifice and ran his race well, and reminded them that death awaits everyone.
The Ochiagha Ibeku, reiterated that the brotherly relationship between Ibeku and Ohafia people will continue despite the demise of the Monarch, revealing that during their “Iri ji festival”, the Ibeku people include Ohafia people during cutting of yam, emphasizing that this is among various recognitions given them over the years.
Responding, a former Attorney General of Abia State and Commissioner for Justice, Chief Umeh Kalu, lauded Prince Apugo for ensuring that the bond between Ibeku and Ohafia people is passed to the next generation.
He admitted that brotherly relationship exist between them, stating that it could be traced to the time of their forefathers. He said Prince Apugo has continued to deepen the relationship, promising that their younger generation will further broaden the relationship.
Nuelsnews reports that dignitaries including: Governor Alex Otti, represented by his Deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, the Commissioner for Trade, Commerce and Industry Dr. Chimezie Isaac Ukaegbu, former Deputy Governor of Abia State, Sir Udo Oko Chukwu, members of the Abia State House of Assembly, , the President, Diamond Football Academy, Umuahia and a former aspirant of Umuahia/Ikwuano Federal Constituency Hon. Ikechukwu Martin Apugo, among others were present during the ceremony.
