Second Republic lawmaker Onyekwena for burial August 31

The family of the Second Republic lawmaker in the old Anambra State House of Assembly, Ernest Onyekwena, has disclosed that his remains would be buried on August 31 in Ufuma, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

This was announced in a statement issued on Sunday by his son and the Deputy Director of Infectious Diseases Advocacy, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Dr Obinna Onyekwena.

The late Onyekwena, fondly called Omekannaya 1 Ufuma, died a few days ago at the age of 78.

He was a member of the Second Republic of the old Anambra State House of Assembly in 1983, elected on the platform of the National Party of Nigeria.

In his statement, Obinna said the funeral rites will commence with a Service of Song on Friday, August 23, 2024, at 5 pm at his Enugu residence.

The statement read, “Other activities that will precede the interment include a valedictory session which will take place in his honour at the Anambra State House of Assembly Legislative building on Thursday, August 29, 2024.

“The Christian wake will take place on August 30, 2024, by 6 pm, at the late Onyekwena’s country home in Ufuma, Anambra State. The burial activities shall be capped with a Thanksgiving Service by 9 am at the Holy Trinity Church, Ufuma.”

Dignitaries expected at the burial ceremony include the Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo; Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi; Minister of Health, Ali Pate; Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ossai; Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, Somtochukwu Udeze; Speaker of Enugu State House of Assembly, Uche Ugwu among others.

Meanwhile, a popular Anambra monarch, Igwe Sylvester Uchime, has described the late Onyekwena as a community champion, whose impact cannot be forgotten.

The traditional ruler, who disclosed this in a condolence message, called on natives of Ufuma to troop out en mass to pay the lawmaker their last respect.

The statement read, “The late Onyekwena’s life was a beacon of inspiration for his peers, his family, and his community and the nation at large. His achievements were not only remarkable but also unique, reflecting his commitment to excellence and his dedication to making a difference.

“He will be remembered as a true visionary, a leader, and a champion for progress.”