The Imenyi Ancient kingdom in Isuikwuato, Abia State is gearing up to bid a befitting farewell to their iconic King and Foremost Chairman of South East Traditional Rulers Council Enyi-na-Obiangwu of Imenyi Ancient Kingdom) Isuikwuato, Abia State, HRM,EZE SIR DR. EZO UKANDU, JP.
The foremost traditional ruler and industrialist transited on January 8, 2024 at the age of 87 years.
A transition statement jointly signed by the Chairman of the Burial Committee, Senator Emma Nwaka and Secretary, Dr. Onyinye Rufus-Obi on behalf of the Ukandu Royal Family of Ahaba Imenyi, Isuikwuato, Abia State, announced that the four-day funeral programme would begin on Thursday, November 14, 2024 with the reception of the body by Abia State Traditional Rulers at the Council Headquarters in Umuahia before proceeding to Isuikwuato Local Government Headquarters, Mbalano and Lying in State at Imenyi Royal Palace and a wake at Ahaba Imenyi Central School Field, Ahaba Imenyi.
On Friday, November 15, 2024, Funeral Service would hold at Ahaba Imenyi Central School Field followed by Interment @Imenyi Royal Palace, Ahaba Imenyi, Isuikwuato and a reception. It conclude with an Outing Service @ St. John’s Anglican Church on Sunday 17 November, 2024.
HRM Eze Ezo Ukandu was a man of many parts, who distinguished himself in all endeavors. He was a versatile business mogul in Aba, Abia State with interests in the hospitality industry and the importation of general merchandise.
He took advantage of the import substitution policy of the Federal Government of Nigeria to become a national distributor of DETA BATTERIES with outlets all over Nigeria and the West Coast. One of his companies also had the franchise for the distribution and maintenance of Peugeot cars.
Eze Ukandu at a rather young age ascended the royal stool of lmenyi Ancient Kingdom and reigned for 48 years. In the course of his reign, he served as the Chairman, Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers and also became the First Chairman of Southeast Council of Traditional Rulers.
HRM Eze Ezo Ukandu had the distinction of being appointed a National Royal Ambassador representing the Southeast in the National Peace Forum by President Olusegun Obasanjo.
It was in recognition of all these remarkable achievements in the business arena and other wholesome endeavours including philanthropy that Abia State University, Uturu conferred a Doctorate Degree (Honoris Causa) on him. He also received the Enyi Abia merit award from the Abia State Government in 2017.
His family, the people of Isuikwuato and Abia State including, the entire Southeast mourn the passing of this iconic leader, who has left indelible marks in the sands of time worthy of emulation. May his soul rest inpeace.
*Funeral Rites:*
Thursday, November 14, 2024
8.00am: Body leaves Madona Mortuary, Umuahia
10.00am: Body is received by Abia State Traditional Rulers @the Council HQ in Umuahia
2.30pm: Body is received@his maternal home,Obohia lhenzu
4.00pm: Body is received at Isuikwuato Local Govt. HQ, Mbalano
6.00pm: Lying in State @ Imenyi Royal Palace
8.00pm: Wake Keep at Ahaba Imenyi Central School Field, Ahaba Imenyi
Friday,November 15, 2024
10.00am: Funeral Service @Ahaba Imenyi Central School Field
Interment @ Imenyi Royal Palace,Ahaba Imenyi, Isuikwuato
*Sunday, November 17,2024
10.00am: Outing Service @ St. John’s Anglican Church
