There was sorrow and tears in Nnewi on Friday as the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who represented Anambra South, was laid to rest at his residence.
The senator’s remains were first brought to his hometown, Umuanuka in Otolo Nnewi, located in Nnewi North Local Government Area, before being taken to St. Peter Clever Parish for a funeral Mass.
As his body arrived at his mansion, many locals, especially those who relied on his generosity, gathered at the gate and broke down in tears.
Senator Ubah passed away in July 2024 in the United Kingdom while attending his daughter’s graduation ceremony.
He was widely known for his philanthropy, supporting numerous underprivileged people in Nnewi and across Anambra.
Many people depended on his businesses for their livelihood, and his death has left a significant void.
The funeral was attended by various political figures, including his fellow senators, Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, former governor Peter Obi, and former senator Uche Ekwunife, among others.
During the burial Mass, Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese, Rt Rev Peter Cardinal Ebere Okpaleke emphasized the importance of living a life of impact.
He praised Ubah’s generosity and urged others to emulate his commitment to service and humanity.
“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,” the Bishop stated.
Governor Soludo recalled his recent interactions with Ubah, describing his 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 all this discussions and no one talked of death,” Soludo said.
Former senator Uche Ekwunife paid tribute to Ubah, calling him an exceptional leader and a rare gem.
She said, “You were an avatar, sport 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.”
The burial was conducted under tight security provided by the military, police, and vigilante groups established by Ubah during his lifetime.
Security was heightened following threats from separatist groups who vowed to disrupt the ceremony or even exhume the body.
Despite the threats, the burial went smoothly without any incidents.
See the photos below:
KanyiDaily recalls that Governor Charles Soludo has directed schools in the Nnewi zone to close for a week due to rising security concerns surrounding the burial of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.