The Oko community in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State has concluded plans for the burial and final rites of passage for its late traditional prime minister, Onowu Oko, Ichie Martin Ezeosim.
His funeral has been scheduled for Thursday, October 9, 2025.
The passing of Onowu was jointly announced by His Royal Highness, Igwe Prof. Laz Ekwueme, Eze Ijikala II, and his cabinet, the Oko People’s Union (OPU), and the deceased’s family. The late Onowu, who was the second-in-command to the Igwe of Oko, died at the age of 78 after making remarkable contributions to the progress of the community.
His burial will begin with a Christian service at his country home in Eziabo Village, Oko, followed by final rites at the Alex Ekwueme Civic Centre. A burial committee, led by Chief Larry Iloh of the Oko Council of Chiefs and other community leaders, has been tasked with organizing a befitting ceremony that will bring together government officials, indigenes, and friends of Oko.
Igwe Prof. Ekwueme expressed deep sadness over the loss of a dependable and hardworking leader, describing Onowu as an illustrious figure whose role in community growth and leadership was invaluable. He urged the burial committee to ensure the community honours him with dignity.
The President of OPU, Nze Sunday Nwafor, also praised the late Onowu, noting that he lived a simple Christian life marked by courage and humility, qualities that remain worthy of emulation.
Chairman of the Burial Committee, Chief Iloh, assured that the committee would ensure wide participation in the ceremony as a mark of gratitude to the late leader for his immense contributions to Oko.
The burial arrangements were formally communicated in a statement signed by Chief (Sir) Reuben Muoka, Chairman of the Publicity Sub-Committee of the Onowu Oko Burial Committee.
