By Jude Michael
There was grief and shedding of tears on Friday, November 22, in Nnewi as the remains of the late Senator that represented Anambra South Senatorial District, Dr Ifeanyi Ubah, was buried in his compound.
Ubah’s remains first arrived his country home in Umuanuka, Otolo Nnewi, in Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State, before being moved to St Peter Claver Parish, Umuanuka, for a funeral Mass.
As his body arrived his compound in Nnewi, scores of indigent people perceived to be his dependents who gathered at the gate of his palatial home, broke into wailing.
Senator Ifeanyi Ubah had died in far-away United Kingdom in July this year, while attending the graduation ceremony of his daughter.
He was a philanthropist on whom the wellbeing of many indigent people in Nnewi and the entire Anambra State depended. He also had chains of businesses from where many had the employment that put food on their table.
Besides indigent people, his political associates, mostly political mentees; his admirers and supporters, showed deep grief as Ubah was interred; just as the funeral was graced by many politicians, including his fellow senators, Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo; former Governor, Mr Peter Obi; former Senator, Mrs Uche Ekwunife, among others.
Delivering a homily at the burial Mass at St Peter Claver Parish, the Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese, Rt Rev Peter Cardinal Ebere Okpaleke, described the life of the deceased as a lesson to those alive.
‘Those alive should strive to leave exemplary life while on earth in order to be remembered when they are gone. His philanthropic life always strived to touch people’s life at all times. Ifeanyi Ubah’s life of service to humanity was there for all to emulate,’ he said.
Many dignitaries who graced the occasion took time to pay tribute to the deceased, describing their relationship with him and his lifestyle, which marked him out.
Governor Soludo of Anambra State, in his speech recalled his last moments with Ubah, describing Ubah’s death as a shock.
‘I still remember when we met sometime in May and I asked him that it seems he was nursing ambition for something (governorship), and he told me that he also would want to be part of it. We had this discussions and no one talked of death,’ said Soludo.
Former Senator and Director General, South East Governor’s Forum, Sen Uche Ekwunife, described Ubah as an avatar.
She said during her tribute: ‘You were an avatar, sports enthusiast, a rare gem committed to youth development. Your kind comes only once in a lifetime. In you, we saw the true essence of leadership and true definition of kindness; not just in titles and positions, but in words and deeds.
‘The impact you made and the lives you touched were second to none. You carried the burdens of your people with grace, always prioritizing the collective good over personal gain.
‘As we mourn your untimely demise, we cannot help but celebrate the extraordinary life you lived. Your legacy of service, compassion, and excellence will remain a guiding light for generations to come. Your dreams for a better Nigeria, a more prosperous South-East, and a stronger Anambra State will not be forgotten,’ she said.
The burial was held amidst tight security, provided by personnel of the military, police force and vigilante, which Ubah established and maintained during his lifetime.
The tight security was not unconnected to rumours by some separatist elements who had vowed to scuttle the burial ceremony, and even exhume his corpse if it was buried anywhere in the Southeast. The burial however held without security breaches.
