…As Children, Family Members, Well Wishers Paid Him Last Respect
By Augustus Onwumere
Children, Family members and well wishers including Imo State Commissioner for Education, Professor Johncliff Nwadike,Vice Chancellor, University Of Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, Imo State, Professor Christopher C. Eze and other notable dignitaries from both the political class and academia attended the final birial of late Nnaoma Raphael Onwumere Ajawuihe to bid him farewell on Friday, December 20, 2024 at his residence in Umunwodo – Okwara in Imo State.
With a funeral Mass celebrated at St. Mary Catholic Church, Umundugba in Isu Local Government Area, Imo State, the journey home of a man who lived his life for God began.
In his homily, the Parish Priest, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Josephat Ndinojuo extolled the exemplary life of the Nnaoma Ajawuihe as a committed Catholic member despite coming from a polygamous and pagan background, but chose to serve God all his life and touching lives in positive ways.
He reiterated the activeness and commitment of Papa Raphael Ajawuihe towards all the societies in the church that he belong even at his old age, describing him as someone who is always accountable, transparent and honest.
The priest admonished his children and family members to emulate his stern faith and love for the church and humanity.
Late Papa Raphael Ajawuihe, who died at the age of 116, was also with a lot of achievements.
The remains of the late patriarch of the Onwumere family was later buried at his residence.
Children,Family members, priests & well wishers in group photograph
Other dignitaries that graced the burial included the Dean, Faculty Of Arts and Management Sciences, University Of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Umuagwo, Dr. C. C. Ike, Grand Knight/ Knight Of Columbus, Divine Mercy African Council, Chief Professor, Sir Alloy Oguike,Chairman Imo State Chapter Of Association Of Nigerian Authors, Mr. Collins Emegara.
Others includesSecretary Honorary Mess Of WO’s/SGT’s Mess, 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze Barracks, Hon. Diamond Rita Emekuru,HRH, Eze Stephen Chukwuemeka Ugochukwu, Eze Ahurukwe 111 Of Umundugba, Akwadorodikeogu, Isu LGA,HRH Eze Barr. Darlington Ogbonna, Ezeanaeche, Dimamaukwu Of Isi Okporo, Isu LGA, SSA, To Delta State Governor on Non Indigenes Affairs, Hon. Nze Francis Onuora among others.
