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The family of Ogbonnaya Emenike Onwuchekwa Ndi-Iwobogu, Ibinanata, Igbere, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, formally announces the funeral arrangements of their patriarch, Sgt Ogbonnaya Emenike, on March 19, 2026.
He was aged 86.
In a statement issued by his first son, Uche Onwuchekwa, former Chief Secretary to the Governor of Imo State, office of the Deputy Governor, on behalf of the family, Sgt Ogbonnaya Emenike Onwuchekwa joined the saints on November 4, 2025.
The statement described Sgt Onwuchekwa as a man with nine lives having cheated death several times, including a series of fatal motor accidents and the Nigeria – Biafra civil war.
Pa Onwuchekwa was a devout Christian who was born into a Seventh-Day Adventist family but believed more in practical Christ-like character.
He had envisioned a more cohesive and united Nigeria, which never came close to its distorted state until his death.
In his tribute, his first son, Uche Onwuchekwa, said his father exited in style because his was a life full of suspense. He wrote: “When I received that midnight call about you lying in quietude, after you seemed to have breathed your last, I still hoped you could make it again. It was after 24 hours that you couldn’t wake up, then I knew your part was done.
“Living means so many things to different people, but in your case, it means simplicity, hope, and unbridled optimism of possibility making through in every situation.
“Your commanding tone while dishing out instructions to me, keeps reverberating in my mind. As a young boy, I thought it was done with less love, but only to realize what you meant much later in life. It was a beautiful tough love.
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“You taught us respect, loyalty, kind heartedness, content yet polite stubbornness in the face of adversity and disrespect. Family meant a whole world to you and you cherished and guarded it so meticulously and jealously. Yes, you were a difficult mind to deal with, but you would always have the humility to talk.
“You are one of the best innately gifted situation managers of disputes and crises who has ever lived. Yes, you would always keep it calm and never allow your face to betray your mind. You would always find ways to calm nerves and negotiate every step towards attaining a goal that was beneficial to all involved.
“You taught us integrity. Yes, you didn’t have the world, but stubborn to a fault to get involved in any deal that would taint your integrity. You cared less about the relationship when it comes to handling the truth.
“Your sociable disposition endeared you to all. Your love for the arts and music is profound. I had hoped for a last dance with you, but I was wrong with God’s timetable for you.
“On the national view, you expressed worries over the unpatriotic disposition of those in power, ditching the essence of the Nigerian civil war. You pushed for a more coherent Nigeria, otherwise, the marriage should be dissolved.
“You requested that everyone no matter the race or ethnic group must be treated with dignity, even as the Lord Jesus has instructed us to do. The last time I spoke to you, you blessed me and promised we would see sometime soon, but with the reservation that let the will of God be done. His will is done!
“We will live to live out those cherished values built on love, unity in all facets of life, the golden rule, and above all, ensure we hold one another’s hands as we keep matching on like soldiers on a mission.”
He is survived by several children and grand children, including Mazi Uche Onwuchekwa Ogbonnaya, Nlewechi Smarth Akabuokwu (nee Onwuchekwa), Emenike Onwuchekwa, Orji Onwuchekwa, and Samuel Onwuchekwa, Smarth Akabuokwu, Ihuoma Onwuchekwa, Vivian Orji Onwuchekwa, Favour Samuel Onwuchekwa with his siblings, Samuel Onwuchekwa & wife, Jonah Onwuchekwa and Udemba Kazi (nee Onwuchekwa) , and 11 grandchildren and numerous in-laws.
