By Emeka Amaefula
EZE (DR.)MARTIN AMAKU PAYS TRIBUTE TO LATE BARRISTER UCHE OSUJI, DESCRIBES HIM AS PILLAR OF PEACE IN IHO DIMEZE
AS PG CALLS FOR A DAY FOR CANDLELIGHT PROCESSION
His Royal Majesty, Eze (Dr.) Martin Chieze Amaku, JP, Dimeze II of Iho Dimeze Ancient Kingdom, during a condolence visit to the family of late Barrister Uche Charles Osuji at Umuokoro Village.
Traditional leaders and community stakeholders have continued to honour the memory of late Barrister Uche Charles Osuji, describing him as a dedicated servant and a major contributor to the peace and development of Iho Dimeze Autonomous Community.
His Royal Majesty, Eze (Dr.) Martin Chieze Amaku, JP, Dimeze II of Iho Dimeze Ancient Kingdom, alongside members of the Eze-in-Council, President General of Iho Dimeze Town Development Union (IDTU), Barrister Augustine Chuks Njoku, and his executive members, the Youth Leader and executive members, as well as the Women Leader and her executive members, paid a condolence visit to the family of late Barrister Uche Charles Osuji at his ancestral home in Umueze Umuokoro Village, Iho Dimeze Autonomous Community, Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State.
Barrister Uche Charles Osuji, a respected legal practitioner and community leader, passed away on 2nd May 2026 at the age of 59, with his 60th birthday anniversary expected in November 2026.
During the visit, the traditional ruler and members of the council expressed their heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family, prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased, and paid tribute to his remarkable contributions towards the unity, peace, and progress of Iho Dimeze.
In his speech, His Royal Majesty described late Barrister Uche Osuji as a pillar of peace whose dedication, sacrifice, and commitment to community service contributed greatly to the stability and harmony currently enjoyed in Iho Dimeze Autonomous Community.
The monarch stated that the late legal practitioner devoted himself to serving the people, particularly through his professional support, legal representation, and advocacy for community members.
Addressing the wife of the deceased, the traditional ruler encouraged her to continue caring for their children with love and dedication, noting that there are lasting rewards in nurturing and supporting them.
The monarch also used words of encouragement and humour to create moments of warmth and reflection, helping to bring comfort to the gathering despite the sorrow of the occasion.
Speaking during the visit, the President General of IDTU, Barrister Augustine Chuks Njoku, attributed the peace and tranquillity currently experienced in Iho Dimeze to the selfless contributions of individuals like late Barrister Uche Osuji.
He described the deceased as a committed community servant who represented many Iho Dimeze indigenes in legal matters, sometimes motivated by his desire to support the less privileged across the autonomous villages of Iho Dimeze in Ikeduru Local Government Area.
Barrister Njoku announced that Monday, 20th July 2026, has been scheduled for a candlelight procession in honour of the late community leader. The procession will commence from Amanwaozuzu Station, Iho Dimeze, and move to the country home of late Barrister Uche Osuji.
He added that all shops and traditional markets would remain closed on that day as a mark of respect for the departed community icon.
The IDTU President General also appealed to residents, indigenes, and well-wishers to support the successful burial arrangements of late Barrister Uche Osuji through voluntary contributions, either financially or in other meaningful ways. He disclosed that a WhatsApp platform had been created to coordinate freewill donations from concerned individuals. ” Long Life may not be good enough but how well you lived your life counts a lot,” Barrister Augustine Chuks stated.
Meanwhile, Barrister Larry Chukwulezi informed the gathering that a valedictory court session would be held in honour of late Barrister Uche Osuji at 9:00am on 24th July 2026 at the High Court of Owerri, located along Port Harcourt Road, New Owerri, Imo State.
He stated that the same day would mark the internment of the deceased, after which his remains would be taken to his country home at Umueze Umuokoro Autonomous Village, Iho Dimeze. A church service would also be held at Holy Trinity Anglican Communion, Church of Nigeria, Iho Dimeze Autonomous Community, Ikeduru Local Government Area.
He further disclosed that mourners would be hosted at either Ikeduru Stadium, Iho Dimeze, or Central Primary School, Iho Dimeze Ancient Kingdom.
Meanwhile, concerns were raised over some chairmen of the 19 autonomous villages who have allegedly failed to work in line with the constituted authority of IDTU.
During the discussion, His Royal Majesty directed the President General to commence arrangements for fresh elections to fill vacant positions, stating that those who consistently absent themselves from official meetings convened by the IDTU executives would be relieved of their duties pending the emergence of democratically elected representatives.
The traditional ruler also announced that men of Iho Dimeze should prepare for a special empowerment programme scheduled to take place at the palace on 11th July 2026.
The condolence visit further highlighted the importance of unity, community service, and preserving the legacies of individuals who dedicated their lives to the advancement of Iho Dimeze Ancient Kingdom.
— Emeka Amaefula
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