By Ingram Osigwe
“As a well-spent day brings happy sleep, so a life well used brings happy death.” – Leonardo da Vinci
The timeless quote above mirrors the glorious departure at a ripe age of 97, of the patriarch of the Amuta family of Uruowelle, Umudioka in Dunukofia local government area of Anambra, the late Chief Anthony Nwambachu Amuta (Otigbu-Inyinya) who died on January 6th, 2025.
The late Chief Amuta was the father of Onowu Umudioka( Traditional Prime Minister of Umudioka) High Chief (Dr) Ben Amuta(Oil Minister, Ugochukwu-tubelu. Dunukofia)
Onowu Umudioka has conclude arrangements to give him a befitting farewell.
The late Chief Amuta was a philanthropist, humanist and counselor who did did not brook indiscipline. He taught and guided so many people on the right path of life, as well as being generous to all individuals irrespective of one’s status and background.
Even in the face of strong opposition, the late Chief Amuta strove to show love, kindness and care to all and sundry. He was always in the habit of giving a helping hand both in monetary and kind-giving; and made available his landed property for farming purposes to his neighbours who had none. He also extended good hands of friendship, brotherly love and help to his in-laws
A disciplinarian, stickler for rules and devout Christian, while alive, Chief Amuta was never swayed by material wealth and would never go out of his way to encourage illegal and obscene acquisition of wealth.There was always a case of him making inquiries into the source of money his children gave to him as gifts. Before he accepted such gifts, you must prove to him the source of such money. He never tolerated dishonesty, injustice and man’s inhumanity to man. He was prudent and upright in character, which commanded confidence and respect among his friends and opponents.
In 1944, as a determined and dexterous young boy eager to make a meaning out of life, the late Chief Amuta opted for an apprenticeship in carpentry under the tutelage and mentorship of the late Chief Thomas Nwosu, a British and Italian trained carpenter in different departments of carpentry works and skills.This apprenticeship lasted for eleven years. In subsequent years, the late Chief Amuta would carve a niche for himself as a seasoned wood worker. He was famous for exquisite carpentery works in Port Harcourt and the surrounding towns that today constitute Akwa Ibom state.
Prior to the Nigerian civil war, Otigbuinyinya and his family relocated from Port Harcourt to Onitsha where he continued with his carpentry work. In 1971 after the war, he secured a major contract job in Oraifite town through one late Mr. Felix and late Chief Efobi, both indigenes of Oraifite. His successful contract jobs in Oraifite ushered in more contracts in Nnewi town, and subsequently in 1977, he settled in Nnewi at the compound of His Royal Highness, D.G.U. Obi, Ume Ozuruigbo, Obi of Uruagu Nnewi.
After decades of distinguished and flourishing career in carpentery, Chief Anthony Nwambachu Amuta retired in 2005 to his hometown and residence in Uruowelle, Umudioka, however, his family remained in his Nnewi residence. but a after few years, his beloved wife relocated to Umudioka to be with her husband in retirement.
Born in 1928 in Uruowelle village, Umudioka, Dunukofia local government area of Anambra, the only surviving son of his father, Nweke Amuta Ekebe (Ogbuinyinya), the late Chief Amuta, though had no formal education, self- taught himself, thus through his early and versatile contact with Nigerians of diverse backgrounds and ethnicities he was able to be incredibly fluent in the English language and some Nigerian indigenous languages including Efik, Ibibio, Annang and of course his native Igbo language.
Chief Anthony Nwambachu Amuta got married to his late beloved wife, Mrs. Benedette Ekemma Amuta (nee Okoye) in the year 1957, and together they were graciously blessed with eleven (11) children children who survived him namely; Chief Ben Amuta (The Regent/Onowu Umudioka), Mrs. Gloria Okoroego (nee Amuta), Chief Paul Amuta, Mrs. Ijeoma Obeta (nee Amuta), Chief Chinedu Amuta, Mrs. Anulika Israel (nee Amuta), Mrs. Veronica Okwuzuluigbo (nee Amuta), Mrs. Chinyere Eya (nee Amuta), Mr. Nonso Amuta, Mr. Lotanna Amuta and Mr. Arinze Amuta.
A burial programme signed by High Chief Ben Amuta indicates that his father’s rite of passage will commence on Thursday April 24th, 2025 with a wake keep at his compound at Uruowelle while funeral mass in his honour holds on Friday, April 25th, 2025 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Dunukofia.This will be followed immediately by internment at his compound.
A Thanksgiving Mass in honour of the deceased takes place on Sunday, the 27th of April, 2025 at the aforementioned church.
May the soul of Chief Anthony Nwambachu Amuta find rest in the Lord’s bosom.
• Osigwe, a communication strategist and Public Engagement expert lives in Lagos