Dignitaries from across Nigeria converged on Onicha-Olona in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State to pay their last respects to Pa Israel Chinwuba Ogbue, father-in-law of business mogul and Chairman of the United Bank for Africa (UBA), Tony Elumelu. The solemn yet celebratory ceremony marked the burial of the respected patriarch, who passed on at the age of 99 after what many described as a fulfilled and impactful life.
The burial attracted an array of high-profile personalities from politics, business, and public service, underscoring the influence and legacy of the late elder. Among those present were Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima; Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori; and former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa. Others included Ned Nwoko, members of the National Assembly, state lawmakers, federal ministers, commissioners, captains of industry, and other prominent Nigerians.
The burial service was held at Saint Peter’s Anglican Church, Onicha-Olona, where family members, friends, and well-wishers gathered to celebrate the life and times of Pa Ogbue. The church service was officiated by the Bishop of Asaba Diocese, Anglican Communion, Kingsley Obuh, who delivered a sermon titled “From Earthly Tent to Eternal Home.”
In his homily, Bishop Obuh emphasized the importance of living a life rooted in faith, noting that the most meaningful way to depart from the world is to die in Christ. He described the late Pa Ogbue as a man who devoted his life to the service of God and humanity, urging the congregation to emulate such virtues. According to the cleric, a Christ-centred life remains the surest path to eternal rest and spiritual fulfillment.
Following the burial service, a reception was held where dignitaries shared tributes and condolences with the bereaved family. Speaking at the event, Vice President Shettima described the passing of Pa Ogbue as a “glorious exit,” noting that the nonagenarian lived a long and fulfilled life marked by meaningful contributions to both his community and society at large.
He extended condolences to the Ogbue family as well as the Delta State Government, acknowledging the deep sense of loss while also celebrating the enduring legacy left behind by the late patriarch. Shettima highlighted the values of discipline, integrity, and hard work that Pa Ogbue instilled in his children, particularly his first daughter, Awele Elumelu, and her husband, Tony Elumelu.
According to the Vice President, the achievements of Dr. Awele Elumelu and her husband stand as a testament to the solid foundation laid by their father. He remarked that while the loss of a loved one is always painful, the advanced age and fulfilled life of the deceased should also be seen as a transition to eternal glory.
Shettima further encouraged the family to immortalize Pa Ogbue by upholding the virtues that defined his life, stressing that the true measure of a person’s legacy lies in the values they pass on to future generations.
In separate remarks, members of the Ogbue family described the late patriarch as a pillar of strength and a guiding force whose influence extended far beyond the immediate family. Dr. Awele Elumelu, alongside her husband Tony Elumelu, expressed gratitude to all those who attended the burial and supported the family during their period of mourning.
They paid glowing tributes to Pa Ogbue, recalling his wisdom, resilience, and unwavering commitment to family and community development. According to them, his life was characterized by a deep sense of responsibility, humility, and service, qualities they pledged to preserve and build upon.
Other children and grandchildren of the deceased also shared fond memories, describing him as a unifying figure who played a significant role in shaping the lives of those around him. They emphasized that his legacy would continue to inspire future generations, both within the family and beyond.
The presence of top political figures and business leaders at the burial highlighted the wide-reaching impact of the late Pa Ogbue’s life. Observers noted that the gathering reflected not only respect for the deceased but also recognition of the strong relationships he fostered through his family and community ties.
For many attendees, the event was both a moment of reflection and a celebration of a life well lived. Tributes centered on themes of legacy, faith, and the enduring influence of strong family values.
As the ceremonies concluded, the mood remained one of solemn gratitude and respect, with attendees acknowledging that while Pa Ogbue’s passing marked the end of an era, his legacy would continue to live on through his family and the many lives he touched.
The burial of Pa Israel Chinwuba Ogbue thus served not only as a farewell to a revered elder but also as a reminder of the enduring power of a life lived with purpose, integrity, and devotion to others.
