Remains of a first class traditional ruler and Second Republic Education Commissioner in the Old Imo State, late Ezeogo Agom Eze, have been buried in his Umudomi home, Igboeze-Onicha in Onicha local government area of Ebonyi State.
Agom Eze died on 12th February, 2025 at the age of 92 and was buried Friday, November 22.
Until his death, he was the traditional ruler of Igboeze-Onicha, having had a very long public service record spanning many decades as a banker, a lecturer in the University of Nigeria and a Commissioner in the old Imo State comprising of the present day Imo, Abia and parts of the present day Ebonyi State.
He also served as a Chairman of Abia State Civil Service Commission, a Pro-chancellor and chairman of governing Council of Abia State University as well as the pioneer chairman of the Governing Council of Ebonyi State University College, among others.
He was the first indigene of the present day Ebonyi State to bag an academic doctorate degree over six decades ago.
The funeral was conducted by the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria where the deceased also served as an ordained Elder until his death.
It was a rain of testimonies as family, friends and mentees of the late technocratic and royal father poured posthumous encomiums, describing the late Eze variously as a man of honesty, humility, love, dedication and excellence, who led a life of sacrifice.
Governor Francis Nwifuru who was represented at the event by his deputy, Princess Patricia Obila, described the late Agom Eze as a visionary leader whose patriotism and tireless efforts were pivotal in the history and journey to the creation of Ebonyi State.
Acknowledging that the death was a monumental loss not only to his family but also to Ebonyi State and Nigeria at large, he urged all and sundries to take solace in the indelible legacies he has bequeathed: “legacies of courage, leadership, wisdom and selfless service.
Past Governors of the State: Senator Sam Egwu, Chief Martin Elechi and Engr. David Umahi in their separate tributes also described the late royal father variously as a distinguished public servant, a peaceful, cheerful and affectionate man whose legacies of peace, unity and service will continue to inspire generations to come.
Elechi who went down memory lane to emotionally highlight some of the contributions of the late sage in the journey towards the creation of Ebonyi State emphasized: “I have never seen him in a rage.
“No one complained of his usurpation of the rights of others while in public office.
“He was indeed a great actor of human virtue.
“Our current mourning of his death is understandable but his reward is greater than our sorrows.
Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, those of Abia and Enugu States, Alex Oti and Peter Mba respectively, as well as other National figures, National Assembly Members and the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Senator John Azuta-Mbata also sent in tributes describing Agom Eze as a man whose wisdom, leadership and dedication earned him the respect and admiration of all.
Son of the deceased, Agom Ogbonnaya Eze, in an oration, said his father rose from a humble, painful beginning to a man of honour, strength and professional excellence.
“He had an intimidatingly impressive personal and professional life.
“Therefore, as we bid him farewell, it is our hope that we can build on the legacy that he has left behind for us” he stated.
In an interview, the Traditional Ruler of Onicha Igboeze autonomous community, Eze Ferdinand Nwujor and the funeral central planning committee chairman, Prof. Chigozie Ogbu, among others, also described the deceased as both a legendary figure and a pathfinder.
Ogbu, an Elder Statesman, former Deputy Governor and Vice Chancellor of Ebonyi State University stated: “He is a pathfinder for Onicha Igboeze; a pathfinder for Ebonyi State.
“He is a great and very good man who has done a lot for the State and for this community in particular.
“He has impacted the lives of many people not just in our community but also in South East and the entire Nigeria, and I thank God for his life”.
In a sermon earlier, titled: “What Makes God Happy”, the National Women Desk Coordinator of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Rt. Rev. Mrs Uchenna Chigozie, enjoined Christians to always strive to please God in all areas of their lives and endeavors.
Drawing inference from Biblical book of Psalms 90:1-10 and Gospel of Luke 7:1-10, the clergywoman explained what makes God happy to include recognising and loving God, being involved in the business of God’s kingdom, having empathy for others and honouring God with all of one’s heart.
She further enjoined Christian public servants to honour God with their positions, serve in humility and sacrifice for the good of the people, adding that pleasing God draws his abiding presence to one.
The event featured diverse cultural displays, hymns and special prayers for the family, the State and the nation.
The Prelate and General Assembly Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, was represented at the event by the Abakaliki Synod Moderator of the Church, Rt. Rev’d Chidi Igwe.
