A popular cliché that goes like this “death is part of life” has always been around. At a point in life, there is a time when death will transcend from mourning to celebration of life, this is when the deceased or the departed has made tremendous strides in the life of people and the society. In line with this narrative, Lolo Ugodie, the Matriarch of Eboe Osuji family of Anara, Imo State is laid to rest in a carnival like atmosphere considering her tremendous contribution to the society. Lolo Clara Nenze Eboe-Osuji (Lolo Ugodie) was returned to mother earth in a grand style.
In line with the igbo tradition, Lolo was laid to rest in grand style, being a staunch catholic, the catholic community from Lagos, St Ferdinand Catholic Church, Ipaja and the catholic diocese of Okigwe was fully represented and participated in the Burial of a woman that has impacted so much in the catholic community.
Añara, Isiala-Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State on Thursday, December 30, 2021, was agog with dignitaries and others that came to commiserate and condole with Eboe – Osuji family.
The spectacular funeral began with a requiem celebrated by His Lordship, the Catholic Bishop of Okigwe Diocese, Most Rev. Solomon Amatu, at St. John City Parish, Anara. The interment and reception followed at the compound of her late husband, Chief M. V. Eboe-Osuji.
Lolo Ugodie died at 86 years old. She was blessed with distinguished sons and daughters, including the immediate past President of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Justice Chile Eboe-Osuji. She was a devout christian and a philanthropist who touched many lives in her lifetime.
Speaking on the demise of her mum, Chika Xavier Eboe Osuji, one of the daughters said “Mummy has been a wonderful woman and we would miss her presence and her admonishment. As a strict woman, she raised us all in line with the Catholic and Christian way of life. She is a type of woman that calls a spade what it is”
Amidst sobs, she added “we have come to terms the demise of our mum and it is imperative that at this time of her departure, we have to give her a grand farewell and we strongly believe that wherever she is, she will be at peace and happy. She has sacrificed a lot for us and ensured that we get to this point in our various lives as children. Since the demise of our dad, she has multi-tasked playing the role of a father, mother and a role model. We do miss her so much. “
Lolo Ugodie raised many intellectuals in the family, having children that are doing fantastic in their various careers ranging from business, international jurisprudence, legal profession and human resources and capacity building.
Apart from Chika, Lolo has many other children such as Atlanta-based Barr. Okey Eboe-Osuji (KSJI) Ohio-based Chief Iyke Eboe-Osuji; the immediate past President of International Criminal Court, Justice Chile Eboe-Osuji; Atlanta-based Barr. Okey Eboe-Osuji (KSJI); etc.
Chile Eboe-Osuji who was a judge of the International Criminal Court, The Hague and was elected as President on 11 March 2018. His election into the Presidency of the International Criminal Court is for a three-year term.
Anthony Emeka Nwosu
