Okowa, Ihedioha, Daniel, attend Okonjo-Iweala father’s burial

The final burial ceremony of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s father, His Royal Majesty, Obi of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, Prof. Chukuka Okonjo, held yesterday, and was attended by dignitaries from all walks of life.

Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, who led his Imo State counterpart, Emeka Ihedioha and Anambra State Deputy Governor, Chief Nkem Okeke, to the ceremony, eulogised the late monarch, advising all aggrieved members of the ruling house to shield sword.

Other dignitaries at the celebration of life were former governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, and the pioneer Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

In his sermon, the Bishop of Asaba Anglican Diocese, Rt. Rev. Justus Mogeku, charged the successor, to the throne, His Royal Majesty, Obi Ifechukwude Okonjo II, to embrace every Ogwashi-Uku person, irrespective of the divide they belong.

According to him: “God does not choose the qualified, rather he qualifies whoever he chooses to be a king. God deposits inside the person a treasure he has chosen. That does not mean you will not have stiff oppositions. But be rest assured that the Lord who keeps you on the throne will be there to save you.”

He said the being revered with a title reserved for God should be very careful to ensure that he puts God first in all ramifications, saying, “God first should be your watchword, and never try to use such a position to suppress your subjects.”