Eze Anyakudo mourns Chief Noel Okezuo Oguike, Emetumba.
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(Royal father expresses shock, describes late community leader as close associate and grandson of Anyakudo Palace).
HRH Eze Charles Chukwuemeka Anyakudo, the Ezearo III of Ekwe Ancient Kingdom, has expressed shock and sadness over the death of Chief Noel Okezuo Oguike, popularly known by his traditional title, Emetumba. The late Emetumba was a prominent community leader from Achara community in Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State.
The royal father spoke with Umuaka Times correspondents in London, where he described the death of the respected community leader as a painful loss to his immediate family, Achara community, Anyakudo Palace, Umuaka and the wider community. Eze Anyakudo disclosed that his relationship with the late Emetumba went beyond that of a traditional ruler and community leader, noting that the deceased was very close to him and regularly visited him whenever he was around.
According to the royal father, Chief Oguike was also a grandson of Nzekwu Anyakudo of Ekwe Ancient Kingdom, thereby having a direct connection with the Anyakudo royal lineage and palace. The late Chief Noel OkezuoOguike was widely regarded as one of the leading voices in community affairs in the area. He served as the President-General of Achara Autonomous Community and also became the President-General of the Presidents-General in Umuaka, a position that placed him at the centre of community leadership across the town.
His leadership role extended beyond Achara, as he was widely respected for his involvement in matters affecting the development, unity and welfare of Umuaka as a whole.
Reacting to his death, EzeAnyakudo said the loss was particularly painful because of the deceased’s close relationship with him and his connection to the royal family. The royal father used the occasion to extend his condolences to the immediate family of the late Emetumba, the people of Achara Autonomous Community and the entire Umuaka community.He urged the bereaved family and the communities affected by the death to bear the loss with fortitude, praying that God would grant them the strength to overcome the pain of his departure. EzeAnyakudo also prayed that God would receive the soul of the late Chief Noel Okezuo Oguike and grant him eternal rest.
Chief Oguike, who was popularly known as Emetumba, reportedly died after a brief illness. As of press time last week, Umuaka Times was told that the family had not yet announced the burial arrangements for the late community leader.His death is expected to leave a significant void in community leadership, particularly in Achara, where he served as President-General, and in Umuaka, where he played a prominent role in coordinating the activities of community presidents-general.
