Anyaoku, Iwuanyanwu head committee for the burial of late legal icon, Prof Ben Nwabueze

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By Madu Obi

The national burial committee for the burial of late legal luminary and statesman, Prof. Ben Nwabueze, has been inaugurated.

Professor Nwabueze died in October this year at the age of 94 years after a long battle with prostrate cancer.

The committee is being co-chaired by former Secretary General of the Commonwealth and chairman of The Patriots, Chief Emeka Anyaoku; and President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.

Other eminent Nigerians in the committee are Senator Ben Ndi Obi (vice-chairman), Ambassador Okey Emuchay and Mr. Olawale Okunniyi (co-secretaries), Mr. Damien Obiefule (Assistant Secretary), Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu, Dr. Tunji Abayomi, Chief Emeka Ngige (SAN), Barrister Chijioke Okoli (SAN) and Mr. Ikechukwu Amaechi.

The rest are Mr. Arinze Oduah, Chief Ben Egonu, Professor Ikenna Alumona, Chief Chukka Ifejika, Prof Elochukwu Amucheazi, Hon. Somto Udeze, Mrs. Nkechi Chukwurah, Nnenna Okwuosa, Mr. Jenkins Alumona, Senator Uche Ekwunife and Hon. Pascal Aniegbuna

Prof Nwabueze, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and pioneer Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, died on Sunday, October 29, in his Lagos home at the age of 91.

Chief Anyaoku who presided over the inaugural meeting held at FRA Williams Chambers, Ilupeju, Lagos, said the committee would work to give Nwabueze a befitting burial.

He enjoined all members to work towards same goal, stating that Nwabueze, a late Nigerian National Order of Merit (NNOM) awardee, who became a SAN in 1978 strictly on the basis of his published works, was a good man.

Chairman of the media and publicity sub-committee, Mr. Ikechukwu Amaechi, while giving details of the burial programme, said it will take place from February 23 to March 5, 2024.

According to the programme, "The burial will commence with a court session on Friday, February 23.

"This will be followed by Day of Tributes in Lagos on Saturday, February 24 and on Monday, February 26, the Eminent National leaders of Nigeria, popularly known as The Patriots, will organize a colloquium in Lagos.

"Thereafter, the burial activities will shift to the Southeast where Ohanaeze Ndigbo will organize a Day of Tributes on Tuesday, February 27, in Enugu."

Mr. Jenkins Alumona, who spoke on behalf of Nwabueze family said the remains of Prof Nwabueze, the Oduah Afo-na-Isagba of Atani, will be interred in his Atani country home in Ogbaru local government area of Anambra State in what will be a traditional private ceremony.

The reception and celebration of the worthy life of Prof. Nwabueze will take place in Atani on Saturday, March 2 and will be followed by a three-day traditional burial rites from March 3 to March 5, 2024.