It was a significant moment today for Anambrarians as they bid farewell to a former governor of the state, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife whom was accorded a state burial today in Awka, the Anambra state capital as aired on Arise TV today and monitored by our correspondent.
Ezeife, was Anambra state governor from January 2, 1992, to November 1993, during the Third Republic.
Signature TV had reported on December 15, 2023, that Ezeife died at the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja, on December 14, 2023 at about 6pm.
Among dignitaries who attended the funeral service of the ex-Anambra Governor included the governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, the governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, who was represented by his deputy, Mrs Patricia Obila, among many others.
Governor Soludo, in his remarks, praised the late Ezeife noting that he sustained a high level of integrity during his lifetime and lead a life worthy of emulation.
However, the governor spoke against the printing of brochures, banners and other materials used for the burial ceremony, stating that it was against the Anambra State Burial Laws.
He stressed that the late Ezeife would not have approved of such.
Recall that in February 2024, the Anambra State Government reiterated its resolve to enforce the burial law enacted in 2019 to control burial and funeral activities in Anambra State.
The law banned the erection of any kind of billboard, banner or poster of a deceased person(s) in the state. It only allowed the mounting of directional posts but should not be done seven days before the burial date and should be removed not later than seven days after the burial date.
The law was passed and signed into law during the tenure of former governor, Willie Obiano in 2019.
Recall that according to a burial poster signed by the Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Paul Nwosu, the deceased would be given a state burial, with the obsequies commencing with some pre-burial events.
The events, some of which had already been held, included a service of songs at the Ecumenical Centre, Abuja (slated for April 12, at 5 pm); a celebration of life and times of ‘Okwadike’ at the Eagle Square, Abuja (slated for April 13, at 10. am); and the National Night of Tributes at Thisday Dome, Abuja, (slated for April 15, at 5. pm).
These were followed by state burial events, which included state commendation and thanksgiving service at the International Conference Centre, Awka (slated for Friday, April 19, at 10. am) with tributes immediately after the service.
A Service of Songs was held at his country home, Igboukwu in Aguata LGA, by the Salvation Army Church on Friday, April 19, at 5. pm.