By HILARY AKALUGWU

The remains of late Prof Damian Opata, a Professor of English and Literary Studies, have been laid to rest in Umuodueze Lejja within Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State.

The remains of Opata, who died on Oct. 16 at the age of 76, was carried to Umuodueze Public Square Shrine where traditionalists performed some burial rites and finally interred his remains.

Speaking after the burial, his younger brother, Prof Christian Opata, a Lecturer at the Department of History and International Studies of University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), described the death of his brother as “sudden and shocking”.

“I am still surprised and shocked on what happened on Thursday morning, after his brief illness of two weeks.

“We are burying him today in adherence to his directive that when he dies his remains should not be deposited in a mortuary but should be buried the next day.

“It is only God that created him knows why he died now, we lacked the capacity to question God,” he said.

The first son of the deceased, Mr Chibueze Opata, described the death of his father as sudden and unexpected, adding, “Only God who loves him, knows why.”

He pledged that the family would sustain his good legacies like honesty, openness, kindness and integrity among others.

“Yes, my father has died but l am assuring everyone that we will sustain all his good legacies that endeared him to many people,” he said.

The President, Association of Nsukka Professors, Prof Paulinus Ugwoke, said the news of Prof Opata’s death was shocking to the association.

“In the death of Opata, the association has lost a big Iroko tree and a goal getter.

“May God grant his soul eternal rest as well as grant the family members, colleagues, friends and well wishers the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” he said.

Dr Adaobi Nwoye, Enugu State Chairperson of the Association of Nigeria Authors (ANA) described late Opata as an erudite scholar and literary critic par excellence.

“I am personally pained and devastated by his demise. He was my mentor and friend,” Nwoye said.

Mr Emmanuel Ezema, the Vice-Chairman of Ohaneze Ndigbo in Nsukka Local Government Area, said the socio cultural group received the news of Prof Opata’s death with shock and sadness.

“We did not even know he was sick and yesterday we heard he has died.

“As the immediate past chairman of the association in Nsukka, he did very well and we will continue to remember his numerous achievements,” he said.

Mr Ogbuja Ogbu, the Secretary of Nsukka Ezue and South Movement for President Tinibu and Gov Peter Mbah for 2027 General Elections, said that the two organisations he represented were founded by late Opata.

Ogbu said the death of Opata had thrown them into deep mourning.

“We only take solace that our founder lived a worthy life and impacted positively on humanity.

“His sudden demise is painful in our heart but only God knows why it should be now,” he said.

Late Opata, who retired from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) after many years of meritorious academic service, was engaged in community, state and national service before his demise. (NAN)