Jonathan, Obasanjo, others for Uwechue’s burial Close

Jonathan, Obasanjo, others for Uwechue’s burial

 

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President Goodluck Jonathan and former president Olusegun Obasanjo are among eminent personalities expected to grace the final burial ceremony of the late Ambassador Ralph Uwechue this Friday.

Also expected at the ceremony taking place at Ogwashi-Uku in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State are seven governors where the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohaneze Ndigbo is holding sway.

Younger brother of the late former President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Mr. Paul Uwechue told Daily Sun in Ogwashi-Uku that the burial ceremonies started yesterday at Abuja where a night of tributes held.

Speaking on behalf of the eldest son of the Uwechue family, George Uwechue, the younger Uwechue said the corpse of the late Ohaneze chieftain would depart Abuja on a chartered flight to Enugu on Thursday for lying in state at Ohaneze headquarter in Enugu.

He added that the corpse would depart Enugu same day to Asaba Airport from where depart to Ubulu-Uku, the maternal home of the deceased via a motorcade before finally berthing at the Ogwuashi-Uku Town Hall for residents of the ancient town to pay their last respect.

According to him, the corpse would finally depart to the country home (Africa House) of the late Ambassador for vigil mass and social wake.

The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Isselle-Uku would on Friday at 11am preside over the requiem mass in honour of the late diplomat at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Ogwuashi-Uku before the remains would finally be interred at his country home (Africa House).

The younfer Uwechue described his late brother “as a personal friend of Obasanjo who has indicated interest to be present. Three governors from the Eastern states including the chairman of South-East Governors’ Forum, Theodore Orji (Abia), Willie Obiano (Anambra) and Rochas Okorocha (Imo) have equally indicated interest to be part of the ceremonies.

“Off course, the governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan is naturally the chief host. In fact, the government of Delta State would temporarily relocate to Ogwashi-Uku for about twenty-four hours,” he stated.