Ohafia Monarchs Affirm Udumeze’s July 6 Burial Date

The traditional rulers of Ohafia Ancient Kingdom in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State, under the aegis of the Council of Ohafia Monarchs, have thrown their weight behind the July 6, 2024 burial date of the deceased Paramount Ruler of Ohafia Ancient Kingdom, late Ezie Ohamoha, His Royal Paramountcy, Prof Emmanuel Ume Lekwa Imaga, Ebiri of Elu and Udumeze of Ohafia, as agreed upon by the family and Ikwu of the late monarch.
The traditional rulers gave the indication in a communique dated June 8, 2024, and issued after rising from a joint meeting of the Council of Ohafia Monarchs and the Counts(Obichia) Ohafia.
According to the communique signed by the General Secretary of the Council of Ohafia Monarchs, HRM Mba Odo Okereke; Ezie Agba Ohafia, HRM Dr Kalu Ikenga; Count of Ohafia Ancient Kingdom, Nze Uche Uche Ohafia; and Dr Emmanuel Udo Kalu Ukpai, they affirmed the burial date following the receipt of a letter dated June 4, 2024 from the Amala Elu-In-Council.
“The Council together with our Counts(Obichia) took notice of your fears and expressions and confirm that we are traditionally bound by the customs and rites of Ohafia Ancient Kingdom.Accordingly, we state that the burial date of 6th July, 2024 as agreed by the family and Ikwu, as earlier approved by the Council is sacrosanct”, they said.
The traditional rulers also noted that all issues internal that will conflict with the July 6 burial date of the late Udumeze is not acceptable, as they would not condone it.
They, however, said Elu Ohafia Community is at liberty to decide on the burial of its Ezieogo, stressing that “the family of the late Udumeze, by this letter are approved to go ahead with other interested parties to continue with the burial arrangement for 6th of July, 2024 as agreed”.
While reacting to the development, the Chairman of the Burial Committee of the late Udumeze, Chief Kalu Ikpemini described the position of the Ohafia monarchs as a welcome development, saying it has put to rest every doubt and speculation surrounding the burial date of the revered monarch.
He, therefore, called on Umu Elu, the entire people of Ohafia Ancient Kingdom and people of goodwill all over the world to support the efforts of the committee, the family, friends and well-wishers to give the late Udumeze a befitting burial on July 6, 2024.
He also expressed profound gratitude to the monarchs and to all Ohafia people who have identified with the noble cause of giving the deceased paramount ruler a befitting burial.