Emeka Mbonu (Akubueze) joined his ancestors in a grand style

By Ezeakukwu Emmanuel Nsoedo

The late Emeka Mbonu (Akubueze), popularly known as ‘Mayor’ amongst some of his peers, was given funeral rites in his country home at Okpuno Nnewichi, Nnewi.

It was a gathering of his friends from childhood and professional life. The great Mbonu Mbaefo family, their extended families, in-laws, and acquaintances were represented in their numbers.

And those who had statutory obligations to pay the funeral visits as required by customs and traditions, such as those who married late Emeka’s sisters, families from where the immediate brothers married, the mother’s maternal family, etc.

The ancient Nnewi Royal family led by the Nnewi Crown Prince, Dr. Obi Orizu, continued the support they have given the SOK Mbonu family and the entire Mbaefo family since the demise of the late Emeka Mbonu. The former Council Chairman for Nnewi North LGA and former Deputy Speaker Anambra House Assembly RT Hon Prince Chukwudi Orizu and Prince Obieze Orizu were in the strong delegation that commiserated with the family.

Obi George Onyekaba Obi Nnewichi attended with a full compliment of his chiefs to pay the funeral condolences to the SOK Mbonu family.

The Chief Medical Director of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Associate Professor Joseph Ugboaja, paid condolences to the family. Also, Chief Sir Louis Carter Onwugbenu and several great personalities were in attendance.

The alums of the College of Immaculate Conception of Enugu (CIC), the Alma mater of the late Emeka Mbonu, were engaged in all activities prior and during the funeral of the fallen great alumnus.

As a testament to Emeka’s greatness, the committee of his friends turned out for him every step of the way while he was down and continued to help organize the funeral, which was superb in every way conceivable. Their organizational skills spoke eloquently to the caliber of people late Emeka kept as friends.

The late Emeka was always a warrior for his friends in every conceivable manner. It is not a surprise that his college buddies from UNN were there and participated in the planning and execution of the funeral.

All in all, the family of late Emeka Mbonu (Akubueze), Scion of SOK Mbonu, starting from the mother, siblings, and the larger Mbaefo family led by Chief Douglas Mbonu, welcomed everybody, especially those who offered to engage in the planning and execution.

The entire funeral process culminated on Thursday, October 19, 2023, with a full service of songs, followed on Friday, Oct 20, 2023, with a full funeral service. About 5 pm on the same day, late Emeka Mbonu’s Nnaochie (relatives of the mother from the Osakwe family) of Umudinkwa, Umudim Nnewi began the traditional custom of ‘Igbafengwulu.’ The essence of Igbafengwulu is to ensure that the late Emeka has been separated physically from the rest of the family. On October 21st, the condolences continued. On October 22, 2023, the outing service took place at St Marks Anglican Church, Okpuno, Nnewichi, Nnewi.

Vision Newspapers Online thought that few names among the lot that gave material and energy to the successful execution of the funeral: Senator Ikechukwu Obiorah, Chief Emeka Obianozie (Akajiaku), David Ogbonna, Chinedu Oranuba, Chukwuemeka Onugha, Chike Chikwendu, Hon Okey Chikwendu, Chief Oseloka G Osuigwe, and Ezeakukwu Emmanuel Nsoedo, etc.