Follow Us on Google
From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
The Abia State House of Assembly has held a valedictory session in honour of a former member of the defunct Eastern Nigeria House of Assembly, Elder Ejie Ekekwe (E.E.) Ukaegbu, who died on March 25, 2026, at the age of 96.
Leading the tributes, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, described Pa Ukaegbu as an exceptional statesman, fearless advocate of justice, and one of the few politicians whose integrity and popularity earned him electoral victory as an independent candidate.
Reflecting on the inevitability of death, the Speaker said although death comes to all, the true measure of life lies in the impact it leaves behind.
“Elder Ukaegbu was a beacon of justice whose enduring legacy would outlive his generation. He lit the light of justice and development in Bende. He was a hero, whose contributions will continue to be remembered by generations yet unborn,” Emeruwa said, describing him as one of Abia’s finest political figures.
Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Austin Okezie Mmeregini, said the late politician’s greatest achievement was the enduring values he instilled in his family and society.
“His children are distinguished because of the solid foundation he laid. He will remain a reference point for honourable service and justice,” he said.
Member representing Bende North, Hon. Nnamdi Ibekwe, said the Assembly had gathered not merely to mourn but to celebrate “a great man whose legacy transcends generations.”
His Bende South counterpart, Hon. Emmanuel Chinedu, recalled that after serving in the Eastern Nigeria House of Assembly, Ukaegbu returned home to serve as a councillor and community leader, demonstrating his lifelong commitment to public service.
Other lawmakers, including Hon. Goddy Adiele (Ukwa West) and Hon. Kalu Mba (Ohafia), also hailed the deceased as an accomplished teacher, lawyer, legislator, and community leader whose life embodied integrity, justice, and service to humanity.
One of Pa Ukaegbu’s sons, George Ukaegbu, SAN, remembered him as “a man who stood for the truth even when he had to stand alone,” adding that the greatest lesson he learnt from his father was “to trust God and keep my hands clean.”
His second son, Dr. Madukwe Ukaegbu, Federal Commissioner representing Abia at the Public Complaints Commission, described their father as a humble, courageous and disciplined mentor who taught his children to always do the right thing, regardless of the cost.
In an emotional tribute, the deceased’s cousin, Prof. Eme Nwachukwu Ekekwe, said Ukaegbu sponsored his secondary education and became his intellectual father.
He recalled that Ukaegbu’s uncompromising stand for justice earned him overwhelming public support to defeat the then-ruling NCNC and win election into the Eastern Nigeria House of Assembly as an independent candidate with one of the widest victory margins in the region during the administration of the late Premier, Dr. Michael Okpara.
The assembly observed a minute’s silence in honour of the late elder statesman, whose life lawmakers described as a shining example of principled leadership, integrity, and selfless service.
