The people of Oko in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State have concluded arrangements for the burial of their late traditional ruler, Onowu Oko, Ichie Martin Ezeosim, who passed away at the age of 78.
According to a joint statement by His Royal Highness, Igwe Prof. Laz Ekwueme (Eze Ijikala II) and his cabinet, the Oko People’s Union (OPU), and the bereaved family, the final rites of passage will take place on Thursday, October 9, 2025.
The late Onowu, who served as second-in-command to the Igwe of Oko, was widely celebrated for his remarkable contributions to the growth and development of the community.
The burial programme will begin with a Christian service in his country home at Eziabo Village, followed by a reception at the Alex Ekwueme Civic Centre, Oko.
A burial committee chaired by Chief Larry Iloh, a member of the Oko Council of Chiefs, has been inaugurated to oversee the ceremonies. The event is expected to attract government officials, dignitaries, indigenes, and friends of the community.
Paying tribute, Igwe Prof. Laz Ekwueme described the late Onowu as “an illustrious, reliable and hardworking community leader who contributed immensely in many facets of Oko’s development.” He urged the committee to ensure a befitting farewell for the late traditional ruler.
Similarly, the President of OPU, Nze Sunday Nwafor, hailed Onowu’s legacy, noting that he lived a simple Christian life marked by courage, humility, and service to the community.
Chief Iloh, in his message, reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to organising a memorable ceremony, stressing that “the community owes a lot of gratitude to the late Onowu, whose contributions are invaluable.”
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