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From Magnus Eze, Enugu
When Ugoeze Euphemia Adaku Offonze (nee Ugboaja Obiagwu), the wife of the traditional ruler of Isiokpo, in Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State, Eze (Dr.) Amanze Offonze, transited to higher glory recently at 78, many bemoaned the loss of an incredible woman. But those who knew her were comforted that she left behind so many special memories and a legacy of love.
•Eze Offonze (left) with family members
Indeed, Ugoeze’s life was like a song worth singing. She lived an exemplary life of selflessness and service. Whenever she walked into a place, everything changed positively, like a breath of fresh air. Her smile and general lifestyle brightened the day of anyone who met her. She was special in every material particular, not to be forgotten, always to be remembered
For this, there is no doubt that God’s grace will usher her into the heavenly realm to be greeted by an angels’ chorus. Many also agree that the blessings of the good life she lived will follow her into heaven even as her shoes can never be filled nor her love ever forgotten.
Ordinarily, anyone who joined the triumphant saints after three score and 18 years on earth could be said to be ripe, but the Offonzes, their friends and associates did not see it so. From the monarch to his children, relations, community members and indeed several persons who came across Ugoeze Offonze, all felt that she should have lived further, apparently because of her enchanting, friendly, accommodating and peaceful way of life.
To show how dear the matriarch was to them, the family stopped at nothing in giving her a befitting funeral. Every aspect of the event was marked by royalty, especially with the long list of traditional rulers that attended the event from within and outside the state. She was buried on January 4, 2024.
Born on August 12, 1945, to the family of Mazi Ugboaja and Madam Abigail Ahuekwe Obiagwu of Umuduruine, Ikieke Akpulu, now Isiokpo, in Ideato North LGA in Imo State, she was the first daughter and second child of her parents. She had her early education at Saint John’s Primary School, Isiokpo, and later went to learn a trade, which enabled her sustain herself and her parents during the Nigeria/Biafra Civil War.
She got married to Amanze Offonze in 1968 and the union produced many children.
Ugoeze Offonze was a devout Christian and community leader with a difference. She was instrumental to countless development initiatives in the church and the community.
She was leader of Ugoeze Women Association, Ideato North, and member, Association of Ndi Ugoezes in Orlu zone and Imo State. She also belonged to the Ladies of Saint Mulumba in the Catholic Church, and was a prominent member of the Catholic Women Organisation (CWO) of St. John’s Parish, Isiokpo.
Some other bodies she belonged to were Isiokpo Town Union, Onitsha Branch, Nneoma Association of CWO, Orlu Diocese, as well as Lolo Nze N’ Ozo Isiokpo Association.
In a tribute, the chief mourner, Eze Offonze, Ezedike II of Isiokpo, described his late wife as an industrious and virtuous woman who lived her life for service to God and humanity.
The monarch said that legacies were worthy of emulation, stressing that she was accommodating and charitable. He said that she sacrificed much for the family and others with her selfless lifestyle, which endeared her to many people.
“My dear wife was not only a wonderful wife and mother, she was a marvellous home-keeper. She was cheerful, friendly and very religious. She was the soul of honesty; she would never trample on the truth, no matter the consequences. She loved the church and was faithful to her allotted tasks,” he said.
He lamented that, for the 55 years that they were married, he did not give her enough time. He noted that the only thing he could lay hands on now were fond memories of her.
Eze Offonze, however, took solace in the fact that she had fought a good fight of faith with all her might and returned to her maker peacefully.
Children of the deceased, other persons and groups also paid glowing tributes to her. Her first son, Chief Alochukwu Offonze, cried over his mother’s demise, saying that her exit has created a big vacuum in the family. He said the family would always remember her for the wonderful and happy times spent together.
He described her as an epitome of motherhood who was imbued with meekness, caring and hardworking. He noted that she adorned gratitude like an apparel and appreciated every favour, not minding the magnitude.
For Ideato North Council of Ndieze and Traditional Institution, Ugoeze Offonze was like the biblical Esther who stood her ground in defence of her people even when her life was in danger. They called her a “virtuous woman who stood by her husband during turbulence, and the ups and downs of his life.”
As her remains were interred in her spouse’s Green Garden Estate, Isiokpo, sympathisers talked about her good deeds and how she would be sorely missed.
Ugoeze Euphemia Adaku Offonze is survived by husband, eight children and many grandchildren.
