By PETER ANOSIKE

The Convener of Ihe Abia, Ichie Dr. Emeka Okpara, has led a delegation of Ihe Abia Stakeholders on a condolence visit to the people of Isuochi, Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State, on the passage or His Royal Majesty, Eze Sir Dr Godson Irononso Ezekwesiri KJW, DBA, COPA, JP, Ochi 1 of Isuochi, Eze ama ama, who joined his ancestors a fortnight ago.

Speaking at the palace of the Ochi after signing the condolence register on Monday, March 31, Okpara consoled the immediate family of Ochi Ezekwesiri, “the good people of Isuochi, entire Abians, and especially his son Engr. Prince Maduabuchi Ikemefula Ezekwesiri, who is an ardent supporter and major stakeholder of Ihe Abia.”

He said: “The exemplary life of compassion, humility and leadership led by the late Ochi is a source of inspiration to all that knew him. For the 51 years he reigned, Isuochi was a haven of peace and everyone would testify to that. In death we must continue to uphold the principles of justice, fairness and equity he stood for. For, those of us that he left behind, we must ensure that his good works do not go in vain. I also pray to the Almighty God to accept his soul and grant him eternal rest in His bosom. Death, as we all know, is a necessary end and must come to everyone some day. Our prayer is that we should live as long as Ochi lived and even beyond as it pleases God. But we must also live the life of peace, compassion and generosity the Ochi lived so that we can be partakers of his longevity.”

Accompanied by Comrade Bethel Eze-Onyedikachi, and other stakeholders, Okpara called on “the good people of Isuochi to live in peace and ensure that the community remains as peaceful as the Ochi left it, adding that his soul would only rest in peace if his legacies remain intact and unblemished.”

“One of the things we can do to make the Ochi rest in peace is to live by the principles he lived while on his earthly journey, and we must not allow his legacy to die,” he added.

Speaking at the occasion, Engr. Maduabuchi Ezekwesiri (Ogbajirigwe), thanked the Ihe Abia delegation for the condolence visit and prayed to the Almighty God to grant the delegation safe journey back home and promised to uphold the lofty ideals the Ochi left behind.

“I cannot fully express the sense of fulfillment I have on the occasion of this condolence visit by Ihe Abia, especially as the people of Isuochi are mourning the departure of their king who happens to be my father. I’m grateful for this and pray to the Almighty God to take you back home peacefully, and above all, on behalf of the family the Ochi left behind, I want to promise that we will live by the principles of love, equity, fairness, justice to all that he taught us,” Ezekwesiri said.