Ekwueme’s Town in Mournful Mood, As Ezeemo Describes Him as Pride of Nigeria

Oko, the town of the late former Vice President, Dr. Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme, yesterday wore a mournful  look over the news of his demise.

It was noticed that natives were discussing his death among themselves in the town highlighting the contributions of the late former vice president to the town.

When visited Ekwueme’s country home along the Federal Polytechnic Oko road, an institution he singlehandedly attracted to the community, it was noticed that the compound was under lock and keys, with only security guards at the gate.

Ekwueme, until his death, lived in retirement in Enugu, Enugu State, from where he came home to attend functions or host guests occasionally.

At the compound of the traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Laz Ekwueme, who incidentally is the younger brother of the demised politician,  some sympathizers were in the compound to commiserate with the monarch.

Though the monarch was said to be indisposed and unwilling to entertain guests, few family members, including the wife of the deceased eldest brother and former traditional ruler of the community, Igwe J. A. Ekwueme, Lady Edith Ekwueme; her daughter, Dr. Ada Ekwueme-Onuora, and Mr. Mike Ekwueme, who were at hand to receive the visitors that came to condole the family.

They however refused to speak about late Ekwueme, insisting that only the monarch, who is now the eldest of the Ekwueme family, could speak on the late vice president.

 

But an indigene of the community who identified himself as Chukwuma spoke to Yellowstone lamenting the demise of Ekwueme, and stressed that he was the eye of the community, who had brought development to it.

He said: “Ekwueme is our father; he brought light to this community by building this federal polytechnic. With this school, we have been engaged in financial activities, we do our business here and make money. We loved him and his death is a big blow to us.”

Mr. Godwin Ezeemo, an illustrious son of Aguata Local Government Area where Ekwueme hails from, expressed sadness at the news of Ekwueme's demise, referring to him as "the pride of Aguata."

Condoling with the Ekwueme’s family in a statement, Ezeemo, chairman of a conglomerate and one of the front line governorship candidates in the just concluded Anambra State governorship election, revealed that late Ekwueme's legacy as a community developer, who inspired him in no small way.

"The death of Dr. Alex Ekwueme, the pride of Aguata, has left a hole in the socio-political atmosphere of Old Aguata where we both come from. His ‘Akulue-uno’ principle and exemplary life; deep sense of patriotism; philanthropy and excellence in service will continue to serve as a reference point for us," Ezeemo said.