If the dead could momentarily return to life to thank the living for according them befitting burials, the late Ezinnadibube Joseph Asuzu Offor (Onye Chinyere Ya riee) surely would have done so.
He would have returned to shower effusive praises on his first son and business mogul, Chief Uche Offor.
Indeed, between 4th, 5th and 6th September 2020, Uche brought the usually sleepy Umukaogu-Emehama, Umuopia autonomous community, Akokwa in Ideato North council area of Imo State to the consciousness of the world with the grand and epochal burial of his father.
The carnival-like burial attracted dignitaries from far and wide. It was more of a celebration of life than mourning. From the mortuary to the expansive but palatial residence of Chief Uche Offor, and then to the Church for requiem mass, Ezinnadibube received a burial ceremony due a royalty.
It was splendour and glamour unlimited as gaily dressed pal bearers comprising dashing young men and delectable ladies displayed breathtaking choreography with the glittering beautiful white casket bearing Ezinnadibube’s remains.
The ambiance was further electrified with ace comedian, Chief Imo’s rib-cracking performance.
Chief Uche’s in-laws from Isuochi in Abia state gave a good account of themselves. In their numbers, they came, bringing with them over 10 Catholic priests to participate in funeral rites.
Thousands that graced the funeral festivities stood out with specially customized face masks. The face masks bore Ezinnadibube’s picture
Chief Uche, the chief mourner, made sure that all COVID-19 protocols were strictly observed. Apart from the customized face masks, there were also enough sanitizers for every single visitor.
The top-notch Event Planning Company that handled the burial was superlative in its service as food and drinks were meticulously served everyone that attended the burial. Okwuruoha Akokwa, Chief Rollins Obiaeri and Chief Imo Comedy compered the 3day event.
Of course, Uche stopped at nothing in ensuring that quality, special exotic wines, drinks and delicacies were not in short supply.
The Thanksgiving mass at St. Jude’s Catholic Church, Umuopia on the 6th of September was as grandiose as the burial which took place two days earlier.
Just as the burial proper, friends, well-wishers and business associates of Chief Uche thronged St. Jude to thank God for a successful burial and to further pray for the peaceful repose of Ezinnadibube’s soul, himself a devout Catholic while alive.
Indeed, Chief Offor gave his father a classy and galaxy burial witnessed by a plethora of high flyers in the society, including captains of industry, industrialists, corporate organizations, top public and civil servants, academics, Christian leaders, clerics among others.
Chairman of the Orange Group, Sir (Dr) Tony Ezenna (Ijele Akokwa) was among top VIPs that attended the burial, other VIPs include, High Chief F.A Onwuachu (Osuofia Ukwu), President Emeritus, Peoples club international, Chief Chukwudi Ofoedu (Owelle), Obi of Akokwa, Eze Ikenna Okoli (Agbakwuruibe), Chief Willie Obi, (Agbarusia), Chief Sam Ihionu (Chimereze) Odunze Peter Asogwo (Akuenwebe), Mr. Don Ebubeogu, MD, Tiger Foods Ltd, Chief Ifeanyi Ojimba (Ekwuemego), Chief Achy Ojimba (Chinwatakweaku), Chairman, Golden Destiny Hotel Group, Chief Israel Orjiekwe, Chief Luke Okeke (Nwachimere) Opia of Umuopia, HRH, Eze and Lolo Don Opurozor (Eze Ahurukwe), Enyioha Ingram Osigwe, Chief Charles Ezenduka (Okanume), Chief Azubuike Umunna, Chief Okwudili Oti (Nwarupuo) PG Akokwa, Chief Paul Ngoka, Barr Yagazie Obioha, Chief Obinna Umunna (Chinaechendo), Chief Felix Ogbukagu (Ojinkennaya), Chief Christain Uche Nwachukwu (Ezeigbo Lagos), High Chief, Dr C.I.N Obialo (Ugwumba Anara) Chief Chuks Ibemere (Ifemerenma), Barr Okey Asogwo, Prince Ugochukwu Opurozor, Barr Bill Ukachukwu (Ikedinobi), Chief Chika Nnorum (Nwakibeya) and many others