By Don Peter Okoro
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Chairman for Nnewi North LGA and President General of Ebenator Quarter in Otolo Nnewi, Anambra State, Hon. Tony Class Muodielo (Ogbuefi Chinemeze), has described his Mother inlaw, Mrs. Esther Ukatu, Nee Okwuosa aka Arumma; who was laid to rest on Friday, 26th of April 2025, as a Saint and a very good woman.
Speaking with Don Peter Okoro shortly after the burial ceremony, Tony Muodielo who is equally the CEO of TONY KLASSIC BUILDING & ROOFING Company Ltd. stated that his mother-in-law was someone that is very dear to his heart. He pointed out that she was the mother she didn’t have because he lost his own mother way back in 2008 and since then his mother in law has taken over the role of being their mother.
In his words: “She doesn’t interfere in our marriage. She only gives advice, unlike some mothers in law that try to become barriers and cause confusion in their children’s marriage. She was a very good role model. Words are not enough to qualify her. In fact, we lost an Angel in the guise of a human being.” On their relationship, he said: “We are from the same area, just the neighbouring village and we all grew up together as family friends. Co-incidentally, the day of her burial fell within the time my wife and I wedded. We wedded on the 30th of April 2005 and she was buried on the 26th of April 2025, which marks our 20th wedding anniversary. For the past 20 years, she has been a mother, a guide, an adviser and everything. That my wife is a fantastic cook today is due to what she learnt from her because she was a very good cook. Today, I enjoy my marriage because food plays a major role in making marriages to be sweet. I don’t like to eat outside except when it’s absolutely necessary.”
Muodielo recalled some beautiful moments they had together, like when he used to drive a Toyota Corolla popularly called First Lady and used to take them around in it. Hon. Muodielo also recalled the time he was dating her daughter when he was riding a Honda Bike called CUBE. He used to have an umbrella permanently fixed to the bike in case it rained and anytime he rode by, they would tease her that: ‘see o, your husband is passing and when she would come out, she’ll be blushing. He said the mother in Law really encouraged him at the initial stage of their courtship because their father was known to be a very strict man who didn’t entertain people around his daughters. But through her efforts, the marriage became a reality.’
He said she was a very good and jovial person to stay around with. Appreciating the people who came from far and near, he first of all thanked the Igwe Nnewi, who was ably represented by Rt. Hon. Chukwudi Orizu and Chinedu Orizu. He thanked the Obi Uruagu, the Obi Umudim, and Obi Nnewichi. He was full of appreciation to Dr. Cletus Ibeto (Omekannaya), who came with his full entourage despite his busy schedule.
The Mayor of Nnewi North, Hon. Echezona Anazodo and his Deputy Hon. Mrs. Mercy Okoli, President General of Nzuko-Ora Nnewi Prince Jude Osumuo, Mr. Humphrey Ngonadi, Hon. Innocent Okoli, Archbishop Kene Ifepe from Canada, the Chairman of APGA Anambra State, Barr. Ifeatu Obi Okoye ably represented by the Chairman of all Chairmen Hon. Obimadu Egbe, House of Representatives Member for Ihiala Hon. Dr Paschal Agbodike, who sent a delegation.
Chairman Nnewi South, Ijele Utuh, and a host of other eminent personalities. In conclusion, Hon.Muodielo’s wife, Mrs Ifenyinwa Maria Goretti Muodielo, pointed out that her mother was more than a mother to her. She said she is a friend and a very dear sister. She loved her children and her husband dearly. If anything comes between the children and anyone, she would come out boldly to defend her children.
She said: “At times she would say Ifenyinwa I’ll slap you oo, but at the end she won’t even slap anyone. As the President of the Catholic Women Organization, her tenure was adjugded as one of the best and when it was announced that she was no more, so many women wept bitterly.”