Burial of Pa Pius Ogaba Oche and the hierarchical tributary of Ezza Kingdom

The sensational interplay of activities between the 7th and 9th of February, 2024 leading to the burial of Pa Pius Ogaba Oche, father of the Ado Local Government Executive Chairman, Rt. Hon. Chief James Ogaba Oche cannot be forgotten in a hurry.

In what has been described as the most elaborate interment ever witnessed North of the Niger, the burial was a beehive of plethora activities spanning across social, religious and cultural activities.

The people of Ezza whose roots of origin is drawn from Ebonyi State but who partly due to geographical reasons are also under Benue State and who have been verily recognised and given leadership positions in the administration of Hon. James Oche took it upon themselves to honour the deceased by leading their rank and file to participate in the three-day burial carnival.

Notable Ezzas who witnessed the burial were, the Royal Father of Ezza Benue in Diaspora, High Chief Nwafor Michael, CEO, St. Michael Express Services and the Limited Vice Chairman, BOT Ezza-Ezekuna Benue Development Association (EEBDA), High Chief Usulor Linus, Chairman of Chiefs of Ezza Ado, Benue State, Mr. Nweke Linus Chinedu, CEO Protocom Chairman, BOT Ezza-Ezekuna Benue Development Association (EEBDA)

Others were; Mr. Idenyi Joseph, CEO, God is Able Pharmacy Ltd, Masaka Nasarawa State, Mr. Emeka Awuru, PA to the President General (PG) Home Base and Ezza Benue Stakeholder, Hon. Nwite Francis and Hon. Prince Chika Ovuta, EEBDA treasurer and Ezza Benue Stakeholder from Abakaliki Ebonyi State.

In attendance were also Mr. Ndubuisi Nworu, Ezza-Ezekuna Makurdi Chairman (aka Ndupen), Mr. John Ukoro, EEBDA security Adviser, Ezza Benue stakeholder from Anambra State, HON. Engr. Ogazi Noal Friday, CEO of Makers Building Venture, Mr Eze Raphael of the Office of the Ebonyi State Auditor – General.

There was Mr Ubiam Moses of the
Ebonyi State Universal Basic Education (UBEB) delegation from Ebonyi, Mr Okaria Monday, Mr Chidiebere, Mr. Nwutobo Solomon Ezza Benue Stakeholder from Ogun, State, Mr. Ogali Francis Sunday, Mr. Simon Okoha, , Mr. Matthew Nwokwu, Mr. Okeh Christopher Chukwudi all of Ezza Benue State from Abuja

From the Lagos Chapter were Mr. Ujebe Solomon and Mr. Nwite Solomon, while Mr. Nwogwu Emeka, was from Gboko Benue State Chapter. Mr. Esomchi Jacob Ukoro, Assistant Secretary EEBDA and Ezza Benue stakeholder from Anambra State.

To add colour to the burial carnival, the people of Ezza featured the following dancing and musical troupes; Egede dancing troupe from Ezza South Onueke Ebonyi State, Golden Ladies from Ikpadara Ezza Ado Benue State and the Udodinamba Women, from Odumoke Ezza Ado Benue State.

Prominently leading the Ezza team was the President General of Ezza Ezekunna Development Association and the Secretary of Ado Local Government, Rt. Hon. Dr. Mrs. Perpetual Nkechi Okafor.

This uncommon show of enormous support from the Ezza people who came with assorted gifts has been deeply appreciated by the chief mourner, James Oche who described their efforts as outstanding and deserving of commendation and necessary to the sustainability of peace and progress among the people.

The Late Pa Pius Ogaba Oche may have be been laid to rest, but the tales of goodwill and the unprecedented nature of his burial will continue to reverberate our hearts for a while.