…Uzodinma, Ihedioha, Onyewuchi, others condole Family
The burial of Ugoeze Marlinda Madumere of Achi Mbieri Autonomous community in Mbaitoli LGA of Imo State turned out to become a Political pilgrimage as many politicians of Imo extraction and beyond congregated on the sleeping community to pay condolence to former Deputy Governor of the state ,Eze Madumere.
Among the glitterati of personalities who converged at the Lake Marlinda Country home of the former Deputy Governor were Imo state Governor, Sen Hope Uzodinma represented by his deputy, Lady Ihuoma Ekomaru,Ex-Imo Governor, Rt.Hon.Emeka Ihedioha, Senators Ezenwa Onyewuchi and Osita Bonaventure Izunaso,Chief Charles Amadi-(Charlvon) and many other political gladiators within and beyond Imo state.
In his address after the church service in honour of the late Ugoeze, at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, Achi Mbieri, Mbaitoli, the Governor, who spoke through his Deputy, Lady Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaru, , while consoling the family, prayed for a peaceful rest for the soul of the late Ugoeze.
He went on to remind the family of the words of John Done, a celebrated English Poet, who said “Any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind and therefore, never send to know for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee”
“What this means is that we shall all die. Mama will sorely be missed but we as Christians know that she has gone to meet with God. And to be with God is far better”, the Governor explained.
“On behalf of the Imo State Government, we extend our deepest condolences to His Excellency,Prince Eze Madumere, the former Deputy Governor of Imo State, His Royal Highness Eze Madumere and the entire Madumere family.
“May the soul of Ugoeze Lady Marlinda Chikanele Ulunma Madumere, JP (Nee Etumadu), rest in the bosom of the Lord, through the name of Jesus Christ, Amen!”
Earlier in his funeral sermon, the Anglican Bishop of the Diocese on the Lake, Rt. Rev C.B.N. Otti, who described the late Ugoeze as a humble, soft spoken, diligent and lover of God, admonished the congregation to be prepared for death.
According to him, “death is a debt owed by everybody. It is an inevitable exit waiting for all mankind” T Buttressing his point,the Bishop quoted Shakespeare that, “death will come when it will come”. So, everybody should be ready for it. That nobody can escape death irrespective of class, gender, body build, spiritual fortification, etc.
He encouraged people to repent and accept God to avoid His wrath in hell after death. “Be ready to meet God in his kingdom after death”, the Bishop urged.
The Bishop went on say that it will be tragic to enjoy on earth and suffer in hell,even as he emphasized that it will even be a double tragedy to suffer in the world and again, suffer everlasting hell after death.
Prince Eze Madumere and his elder brother, Prince Chijioke Madumere, in their separate speeches, thanked everyone who came to sympathize with them, especially, the Imo state Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, who was represented by his Deputy,
The Ex-Deputy Governor also appreciated the husband of the Deputy Governor, Barr Chukwuma Ekomaru, SAN, describing him as a brother and good in-law, for accompanying his wife to the funeral.
Speaking, the Bishop of Owerri Anglican Diocese, Rt. Rev Chukwuma Oparah, who conducted the church service appreciated the Imo state Governor, the Bishops, Clergy men and entire congregation.
The funeral church service attracted the creme la creme from Imo state and beyond, including the House of Bishops, with Bishop Emeritus of Okigwe, Rt. Rev Edward Osuegbu in attendance, Judges led by the Chief Judge of Imo state, Justice Theresa Chikeka, Politicians like Chief Marcellinus Nlemigbo, Business moguls and Captains of industries, Clerics, Ndi Eze, Knights and Ladies, Choir and host of other prominent individuals.
