The remains of the foremost traditional ruler in Abia State, Eze Bernard Enweremadu, the Ezeukwu of Ngwaukwu, were yesterday laid to rest with thousands of people bidding him farewell in his journey to be with his ancestors.
Among the throng of mourners and sympathisers that gathered at the Okpuala Mini Stadium in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area to pay their last respect to the fallen royal father were dignitaries of different hues and colours. They include President Muhammadu Buhari, represented by the Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Mr. Uche Ogah, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, his deputy, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, former governor and Senator representing Abia Central, Senator Theodore Orji, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, other federal lawmakers, state lawmakers, royal fathers and captains of industry.
President Buhari in his tribute condoled with the government and people of Abia, the state Council of Traditional Rulers and the family of the deceased over the loss of the paramount ruler of Ngwaland.
He said that Eze Enweremadu lived a life of sacrifice and philanthropy, adding that he remained faithful to his calling as the royal father of Ngwaukwu.
Governor Ikpeazu extolled the leadership qualities of the late Eze Enweremadu, saying that he played his role as a royal father very well.
He noted that the late monarch was a straightforward person, who was never known to mince his words or prevaricative in taking position and standing on it.
Senator Orji said that Eze Enweremadu carried with him so much panache, honour and respect that so enriched his royalty.
“He was a source of pride for all of us,” he said, adding that he added colour, essence and prestige to the royal stool.
Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abaribe described the late monarch as the symbol and embodiment of Ngwa culture and tradition as well as the political emancipation of the clan.
The chief mourner and first son of the monarch, Hon. Chris Enweremadu in his tribute said that his father was like the fabled elephant that the blind men described in different ways from various perspectives.
He stated that despite the very large size of his polygamous family the Ezeukwu of Ngwaukwu “instilled in all his children the great virtues of family, love, loyalty, forgiveness, amongst many other characteristics.”
Prince Enweremadu, who is a former Speaker of Abia House of Assembly and the current state commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, said that the political skills he learnt from his father proved very useful in his political career.
Eze Enweremadu, who joined his ancestors at the age of 77 after 44 years on the throne married 14 wives, 10 of who survived him and sired 77 children with 66 still alive.
