Jude Anyaibe: Darkness at Noon.
2 min read
Prince Jude Anyaibe, the Ochasi Nnanyereugo 1 of Umuaka lived a life most people can describe as a candle in the winds in the words of a famous British song writer, Elton John. Last December, he displayed prominence, love and humility in the way he related with family and friends when he visited Umuaka for Christmas and New Year celebrations.
He enjoyed his visit to Umuaka as he met with those he had not had the opportunity to relate with over the years. Umuaka Times met him at several events and warm pleasantries were exchanged. In each meeting, he reminded Umuaka Times of the invitation he extended to the editors of the newspaper to pay him a visit. Several events kept unfolding and the trip was never made. The rest became history.
Again, the high profile chief and the second son and fourth child of the late Sir Nnaoma Emmanuel and his wife Lolo Lady Ezinne Margaret Anyaibe of Umuawaha Umuezikoha Uba Umuaka
“visited” Umuaka on Friday 10 May 2024 in a very sad manner: the corpse of the late perfect gentleman arrived Umuaka town in a motorcade after the University of the District of Columbia Washington DC trained Business Administration graduate had kept a date with death and destiny.
In the early hours of the day, May 10 2024, several members of the Anyaibe family, friends and relations left for the Aladimma Mortuary Owerri to escort the corpse of the Prince back home to Umuaka. When the motorcade touched Afor Umuaka on their way back, market women who could not control their emotions burst into tears. The motorcade continued and made its way to the Anyaibe family house where wailings became uncontrollable. Soon after the arrival of the corpse, it was dressed for lying in state. The patriarch of Anyaibe family Chief Chris Anyaibe, the Nnanyere Ugo II of Umuaka led the entire Anyaibe family to pay their last respect to their fallen family member.
By the time all who wanted to see the remains of Chief Jude Anyaibe had gone to pay their last respect, the master of the ceremony announced that it was time for the requiem Mass. In about 20 minutes time, all were at St Mary’s Catholic Church Umuaka where the Mass was held.
During his sermon, the priest touched several issues concerning life and death and appealed to Christians to always remember God in their dealings as no one knows the day the world would come to an end for him or her.
After the sermon and other rituals of the Catholic church had been performed, the Mass came to an end and off to the Anyaibe family the motorcade went for internment. In about 30 minutes after the arrival, the corpse of the 65 year old Master’s degree holder and the Ochasi Nnanyereugo 1 of Umuaka was permanently laid to rest, leaving behind sorrow and tears.
