The Enugunato-Ihe autonomous community in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State has paid a glowing tribute to its late paramount ruler, Igwe M.C Aniagu, with a two-day “Last Ofala” celebration.
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The event, which took place on January 11-12, 2025, was a culmination of efforts by Igwe Aniagu’s family, friends, and well-wishers to honour his memory and legacy. Despite his passing on October 16, 2024, the community decided to go ahead with the celebration, which was initially planned to coincide with his 88th birthday and Ofala festival.
According to his family, Igwe Aniagu had slated January 11, 2025, for his 88th birthday/Ofala celebration before his demise. To honour the late icon, Ambassador Aniagu, Ezeudo Shikeaguma VII, and Ozuluigbo Ndigbo, his families, business associates, and well-wishers took it as a matter of great importance to go ahead with the king’s Ofala celebration.
Indeed, the “Last Ofala” of the late paramount ruler held on January 11-12 was a celebration of life as people from all walks of life gathered in his compound to give him their last respect.
In a joint tribute, Prince Emeka and Jacqueline, with their grandchildren, Ekobili, Kene, Ada, Joshua, Ike, and Jakobe, said, “I will never forget how happy you were when I shared the plans for your Ofala and birthday celebration. You were so excited about bringing the entire family together to celebrate you. We talked non-stop about how we would make the event special, a fitting tribute to all the years you devoted to your family, your community, and your nation.”
“When I received the call in October that you have been rushed to the emergency hospital, I was determined more than ever to ensure that the celebration would still happen. We had to honour you while you were still with us. During those days in the hospital, we spoke every day, and I had never imagined that those conversations would be the last I had with you directly,” they added.
“The news of your passing still feels surreal. The reality of your transition has not fully sunk in, and I know it will take time for us to process the void you have left in our lives. But I take comfort in knowing that your love, wisdom, and guidance will live on in each of us. You were a true king in every sense–of your family, your community, and your country,” they stated.
Her Majesty, Ugoeze (Amb) Comfort Aniagu, described her husband as a man who took care of her, kids, and grandkids, saying, “The Royal Family, Enugunato-IHE Shikeaguma Kingdom, and IHE Shikeaguma Kingdom in General mourn your passing with sadness…I pray that God will grant you eternal rest and give us the fortitude to bear this great and irreplaceable loss…Amen.”
Indeed, the story of the life and times of the fallen great Iroko in Igbo land is fascinating and inspirational. The philanthropic nature of the Igwe was first noticed in his early life, as a story was told of how he showed up at Eke Ihe market square one day to give money to those who needed it to buy things for their families. Not knowing who to give the money to, he decided to throw it all in the air, right there in the market square, for the needy to collect.
He was the son of Chief Ofia “Doo” nwa Aniagu from the Umuona kindred of Enuguagu village in Ihe, while his mother came from the Umu-Oguama of Umuoshe village, Obodoakpu Agbogugu, all in Agwu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
Like most young men of his era, when young Ephraim finished his elementary education at his country home, Ihe, he had to go for an apprenticeship as he had no option due to his low background.
Determined to face the future, he honed his skill as a creative salesman who could sustain a conversation, especially in Hausa, the language of the North region of Nigeria, where he resided. The language skill opened doors for him throughout his life.
Back in the East when the civil war broke out, his diction and accent had dramatically transformed his character from the persona of an aspiring trader to an ambassador of men who would later confidently strut the world stage as a monarch and philanthropist.
The 3-year Nigerian civil war was the turning point in Igwe’s life trajectory. He was among those who risked their lives to purchase and bring food and medicine to the war-torn eastern region.
Igwe was 32 years old when the war ended in 1970 and knew what transpired at the war fronts. Being at the theatre of war, listening to the visitors speak on the BBC Hausa service, and watching the body language of those who consolidated power, he felt that Igbo were in a tough spot. This was what propelled him into what was to become a life mission.
Little wonder, the Save-Our-Soul (SOS) letters the royal father sent to humanitarian organizations around the world for assistance to war victims made him a hero as succour came to those who lost their limbs, the sick and the vulnerable via donors.
The event of January 11-12, which was preceded by the conferment of special chieftaincy titles on some prominent Nigerians, was a testament to Igwe Aniagu’s legacy of integrity and human compassion as encomiums poured out by well-wishers almost endlessly at Central School, Ihe, the venue of the Ofala celebration.
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, who was represented at the event by his Commissioner for Water Resources, Felix Nnamani, said the late Igwe lived an inspirational life that impacted positively on his community and society at large.
Parts of a condolence letter personally signed by Governor Mbah read, “We mourn the passing of a revered Traditional Ruler and exceptional humanitarian, a generous man per excellence, who was imbued with a compassionate heart and selfless service.
“Late HRH Igwe Dr Aniagu will be remembered for his uncommon philanthropy, youth empowerment, establishment of prosthetic/orthopaedic rehabilitation centre in Ihe and the establishment of National Association of Bambara Nuts Producers Association,” the governor stated.
The Senate Minority Whip, Senator Osita Ngwu, representing Enugu West Senatorial Zone, in his letter of condolence, noted, “Igwe was in the rare league of elder statesmen whose life was dedicated to service.
“He would surely be missed, particularly at those times when men of his towering stature and experience are needed to point the way to true societal growth and development,” he added.
Among other high-profile Nigerians that sent their tributes were Senator Kelvin Chukwu, Hon. Anayo Onwuegbu, Hon. Uchenna Okolo, Hon. Obiajulu Princess Ugwu.
Royal fathers were also on the roll call of those who paid glowing tributes. They include Igwe CM Nevobasi, Omeluenyi 1, Ezeani 111 of Mmaku, Omawulu Awgu, the chairman of Awgu traditional rulers’ council, HRH Igwe Sir Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu, the Igwe Ogadagidi of Edem-Ani Ogwugwu Ancient Kingdom, Chairman, Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers.
Unlike the Biblical saying that a prophet is not honoured in his home, the people of Ihe saw Igwe Aniagu as a messiah.
Excerpts from a tribute titled: “To Our Founding Father and Benefactors” signed by the National President of the Federation of Ihe autonomous communities, Hon. Ogbuagu Anikwe, and National Secretary, Barrister Ephraim Chukwu, read: “We recognize that Igwe EMC Aniagu was not merely a king and the embodiment of our shared values. He was also the foundation upon which the unity of Greater Ihe Community was built through FIAC, after Ihe Shikeaguma split into three autonomous communities. Igwe was the champion of this unity, selflessly providing unwavering financial and moral support to birth the Federation of the Autonomous communities.”
“We shall continue to honour him as a founding father and unmatched benefactor of FIAC. This promise includes decisively concluding every battle against injustice and repression in the Shikeaguma that he launched and sustained prior to his passing.
True to its bidding, international clubs were not left out. The Great White Lion, in its tribute signed by its President, Udeh Judan Onyebuchi, and Assistant Secretary, Ekoh Kingsley, also described the late Igwe as “a father to all, a great philanthropist, humanitarian, advocate of peace, crusader for justice and outstanding Traditional Ruler of our time and a distinguished Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
As a matter of fact, the officiating priest, Rev. Fr. Emeka Matthias Udeonu, in the synopsis of his sermon during the interdenominational service, titled: “Focus: Igwe’s life of service, legacy and the eternal hope in Christ” noted that the January Ofala held in honour of Igwe Aniagu would continue to reverberate in the minds of many people within and outside Ihe enclave for a considerable time as the fallen hero lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation.
The “Last Ofala” celebration was a testament to Igwe Aniagu’s impact on his community and beyond. As noted by Rev. Fr. Udeonu, Igwe Aniagu’s life was a shining example of service, compassion, and community, and his legacy will continue to reverberate in the minds of many for years to come.
Igwe Aniagu’s life and legacy will indeed be remembered for generations to come, and his impact on his community and beyond will continue to inspire and motivate others to follow in his footsteps.
The event was attended by dignitaries, traditional rulers, and community leaders, including the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, who was represented by his Commissioner for Water Resources, Felix Nnamani.
Other dignitaries who attended the event include Senator Osita Ngwu, representing Enugu West Senatorial Zone, Senator Kelvin Chukwu, Hon. Anayo Onwuegbu, Hon. Uchenna Okolo, Hon. Obiajulu Princess Ugwu, and royal fathers from various communities in Enugu State.
The “Last Ofala” celebration was a fitting tribute to Igwe Aniagu’s life and legacy, and it will be remembered for years to come as a celebration of his life, service, and impact on his community and beyond.