Abala autonomous community in Obingwa Local Government Area (LGA), Abia State stood still recently as the remains of the traditional ruler, Ezeukwu II of Abala autonomous community, late Eze Paul E. Ekwenye, was committed to mother earth, aged, 92 years.
The body of the Eze Ekwenye was interred at his residence in Abala ancient kingdom in accordance to Christian rites.
In his sermon, the Chaplain, Nigeria Christian Hospital, Nlagu, Evangelist Jacob Umunnakwem Nwachi described the late Eze as selfless man who sacrificed his comfort, and placed highest premium on the welfare of the people of his community.
The clergy who further described the deceased as a departed hero of Christ, enjoined believers to live their lives with eternity in view adding that he believed Eze Ekwenye made it to heaven.
In his sermon titled: “I have heard of the land”, with Scriptural reference from Philippians 3vs20, the cleric urged christians to shun ungodly quest for material things which he said, sometimes leads to killings, and maintain a cordial relationship with one another in order to make it to that land which builder is God Almighty.
Contributing, Chief Enyinnaya Ikwo from the community, eulogized their late traditional ruler, stating that Abala used to be a crisis-ridden community until late Eze Ekwenye came on board, brought enlasting peace which stabilized the community till date.
Meanwhile, the eldest son of the deceased, Prince Okezie Ekwenye has described his father as selfless man who denied himself so many luxuries of life to give the best to his children and the entire Abala community.
The second son of the deceased, Prince Emeka Ekwenye disclosed that his late father was his backbone, adding that he is blessed and privileged to be mentored by such a great man of wisdom.
The former Senior Special Assistant to the Abia state Governor, on Community and Boundaries Matters, and one of the deceased’s son, Prince Kesy Ekwenye also described his late father as a good friend and a caring father whose invaluable loved for humanity would be greatly missed.
Thousands of sympathizers, which included the Abia state Head of Service, Sir Onyii Wamah, ex Federal lawmaker, Hon. Eziuche Ubani, members of Ridge Club Umuahia, led their ex Chairman and former Director-General, Broadcasting Corporation of Abia (BCA), Sir Uchenna Dike, business moguls, royal fathers, Commissioner for transport, Hon. Godswill Nwonoruo, former Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Elder Ifeanyi Agbai, Director of finance, Ministry of Information, Mr. Sunny Igwe, former Abia House of Assembly member, representing Obingwa-East state constituency, Hon. Princewill Onuoha, Deputy General Manager Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA), Roland Nwakanma, Executive Chairman, Obingwa LGA, Hon. Ibe Michael Nwoke,
