By CHARLES IWUOHA

The burial of his Royal Highness, Dr Ezo Ukandu, JP, Enyi-na-Obiangwu of Ahaba Imenyi Ancient Kingdom, Isuikwuato, Abia State, has been fixed for November 15, 2024. The revered monarch died on January 8, 2024 at the age of 87 years.

Eze Ukandu was a man of many parts, who distinguished himself in all of them. He was a versatile business mogul in Aba, Abia State with interests in the hospitality industry and the importation of general merchandise.

He took advantage of the import substitution policy of the Federal Government of Nigeria to become a net manufacturer of DETA BATTERIES with outlets all over Nigeria and the west coast. One of his companies also had the franchise for the distribution and maintenance of Peugeot cars.

Eze Ukandu at a rather young age ascended the royal stool of Imenyi Ancient Kingdom and reigned for 48 years.

In the course of his reign, he served as the chairman, Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers. He also became the First Chairman of Southeast Council of Traditional Rulers.

HRM, Eze Ukandu had the distinction of being appointed a National Royal Ambassador representing the Southeast in the National Peace Forum by President Olusegun Obasanjo.

It was In recognition of all these remarkable achievements in the business arena and other wholesome endeavours including philanthropy that Abia State University, Uturu conferred a Doctorate Degree (Honoris Causa) on him.

“His family, the people of Isuikwuato and Abia State including, the entire southeast mourn the passing of this Iconic leader, who has left indelible marks in the sands of time worthy of emulation. May his soul rest in peace,” the Burial Committee said in a document obtained by News Express.

The document signed by Chairman of the committee, Senator Emma Nwaka, and Secretary, Dr. Onyinye Rufus-Obi (Omekannaya) said that the following funeral rites have been lined up in honour of the departed monarch:

Thursday, November 14, 2024

8.00am: Body leaves Madona Mortuary, Umuahia

10.00am: Body is received by Abia State Traditional Rulers @ the Council HQ in Umuahia

2.30pm: Body is received @ his maternal home, Obohia Ihenzu

4.00pm: Body is received at Isuikwuato Local Govt. HQ, Mbalano

6.00pm: Lying in State @ Enyi-na-Obiangwu Royal Palace

8.00pm: Wake keep at Ahaba Imenyi Central School Field, Ahaba Imenyi

Friday, November 15, 2024

10.00am: Funeral Service @ Ahaba Imenyi Central School Field

Interment @ Enyi-na-Obiangwu Royal Palace, Ahaba Imenyi, Isuikwuato

Sunday, November 17, 2024

10.00am: Outing Service @ St. John’s Anglican Church, Ahaba Imenyi