Tribute to Henry my noble son. By Sir Matthew Oguike.
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I feel very sad to be asked, yet again, to open a tribute to a loved one, this time to my noble son, Attorney (Sir) Henry Oguike. It is as devastating and it is depressing. I cry almost daily when I remember the horror of burying my son at this age when I need him most.
On the 14th day of May 1971, bells of joy, accompanied with shouts of happiness rented the air in my house and in Oguike’s compound. Sadly, but with total submission to the Will of Almighty God, on the 28th of June 2021 bells of sorrow were heard on the same Oguike’s compound about Henry’s death. On the first sound, the bells of joy were at the Military Hospital Yaba, Lagos due to an Army Commander who welcomed a pregnant woman. Within 4 days of his birth, Henry, his elder sibling, Uche and their mother left for Azare through Zaria. As at then, I was the Principal of the then Government Secondary School, Azare in Katagun, Bauchi State. At Azare, the locals and the Igbos were very happy. They were in happy mood because a baby boy was brought from South. It was really a big day for the people.
After 4 years, they planned to come home to the East. Henry was eventually enrolled at Hill Top Primary School Uba, Umuaka. After 6 years at Hill Top Primary School, he took the common entrance examination into secondary school and passed. He was posted to Umuaka High School but due to the mother’s preferences he was transferred to the Marist Brother’s Juniorate at Uturu Okigwe. He eventually moved to National High School Arondizuogu with me.
For his tertiary schooling, he went to the then Federal (now Akanu Ibiam) Polytechnic, Uwana, Afikpo and studied Accounting and Mathematics. After sometime, he left for Greece and the Balkans before coming back. He also went to Malta and Southern Europe and finally went to South Africa.
In South Africa, his love for education shone through and he went to pursue his dream. Henry went into Accounting, Estate Management and Law. He sold away all he had and went into studying Law in the University of South Africa.
Henry was determined and because of that he established himself as a lawyer. He owned houses at Johannesburg and engaged in car business. Henry was engaged in the importation of cars from the USA into Nigeria and South Africa. He became a renowned estate manager and was able to own several modern houses including a big estate at Owerri.
It is a very big personal loss and a tragedy in my house but I will continue to thank God for Henry’s life and for being a noble son. May our good Lord accept his gentle soul. Henry daddy loves you but God loves you more. Rest in peace my son.
Chief (sir) Matthew Oguike, KSJI
(Father)
