Late Eze Sir Dennis Nwaba Laid to Rest at 96
Family, Friends, and Dignitaries Celebrate a Life of Service and Legacy
By Chidinma Onye
It was indeed a celebration of a life well lived as the remains of the late traditional ruler of Eziama Obiato Ancient Kingdom in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State, Eze Sir Dennis Nwaba, JP (Obinyere of Eziama Obiato), were laid to rest last Friday in his hometown, Ezioha Eziama Obiato.
The funeral service, which held at the Cathedral of the Transfiguration of Our Lord (CATOL), Owerri, drew a large crowd of mourners and dignitaries from all walks of life — including traditional rulers, members of the clergy, judiciary, government officials, professional bodies, and well-wishers who came to pay their last respects.
In an emotional tribute, the fourth son of the deceased, Barr. Sir Justice Baldwin Nwaba, described his late father as “a perfect man and a role model whose principles and integrity shaped my life.”
He recalled how his father’s joy over his academic achievements inspired him to strive for excellence.
“Taking the first position in my class was a feat I never allowed to slip away because he celebrated my success as if nothing else mattered,” Barr. Nwaba said. “He was my strength, my comfort, my pride, my hero, my mentor, and my guide. Though I grieved deeply when he passed, I was grateful to be by his side as he departed peacefully.”
He thanked God for granting his father a long and fulfilling life devoted to faith and service, expressing confidence that his soul now rests in eternal peace.
The deceased’s son, Prince Edward Chukwujindu Nwaba, also extolled his father’s virtues, describing him as “a visionary leader, compassionate father, and a man of uncommon wisdom and courage.”
“He was the greatest gift of all — the pillar of our family who taught us excellence, compassion, and the fear of God,” he said, praying for the peaceful repose of his soul.
In her remarks, the first daughter of the late monarch, Hon. Justice Evelyn Nmasinulo Anyadike, said the burial was a celebration of an icon who lived a peaceful and accomplished life.
She described her late father as “a first-class teacher, a knight of St. Christopher, and a community leader who touched countless lives through education and philanthropy.”
“He was an embodiment of honesty, humility, and dedication to God and humanity. He loved all without discrimination and lived for peace, justice, and good conscience,” she added.
Similarly, the first son, Prince Foster Nwaba, described his late father as “a man of integrity, generosity, and humility whose intellectual prowess and leadership made him highly respected across different sectors.”
He emphasized that the large turnout at the funeral was a reflection of the profound impact his father made on society.
“Our father was a hardworking and principled man who sacrificed so much for the good of others. We, his children, are committed to upholding his legacy of service and humility,” he stated.
Also speaking, a former Majority Leader and member representing Owerri Municipal in the Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. Lugard Osuji, commended the late monarch for his outstanding contributions to community development and human capacity building, praying God to grant his soul eternal rest.
Born 96 years ago, Eze Sir Dennis Nwaba, JP, was a devout Christian, a respected educator, and a traditional ruler whose reign brought peace and progress to Eziama Obiato.
He is survived by his wife, Ugoeze (Lady) Victoria Ogochukwu Nwaba (Ochiri Ozuo of Eziama Obiato), children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brothers, in-laws, and numerous relatives.
