Onitsha South Bids Farewell to Chief Sylvester Ezeokenwa, Celebrates His Legacy of Service to APGA

 

ONITSHA SOUTH BIDS FAREWELL TO CHIEF SYLVESTER EZEOKENWA, CELEBRATES HIS LEGACY OF SERVICE TO APGA

 

By APGA Press Corps

As preparations intensify for the final burial rites of Late Chief Sylvester Anyarue Chukwuma Ezeokenwa, the father of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa, the people of Onitsha South Local Government Area have organized a solemn lying-in-state ceremony at the Onitsha South Local Government Secretariat in honour of the departed elder statesman.

In keeping with the APGA philosophy of onye aghana nwanne ya (be your brother’s keeper) both in times of joy and sorrow, Hon. Chief Benjamin C. Obidigwe, a former member of the House of Representatives who represented Anambra East and West Federal Constituency in the 9th Assembly, joined thousands of party faithful from Onitsha South in paying their final respects to the late Chief Ezeokenwa.

Before his passing, Chief Sylvester Ezeokenwa played crucial and instrumental roles in the growth and success of APGA in Onitsha South. He served diligently in various leadership capacities, helping to secure the party’s electoral victories within the council and beyond. His contributions to the party’s progress remain an enduring part of APGA’s history in the area.

The decision to hold this lying-in-state at the council secretariat was a deliberate move to acknowledge and celebrate his selfless service in promoting grassroots leadership and advancing participatory democracy in Onitsha South. His leadership legacy, according to stakeholders, is deeply woven into the fabric of the party’s successes.

Speaking at the ceremony, Hon. Obidigwe recounted his longstanding relationship with the late Chief Ezeokenwa, describing it as cordial, impactful, and instrumental in shaping many political and communal milestones. He lamented the loss of a rare gem, describing the deceased as a sincere and selfless politician, a father figure, and a servant of the people whose departure has created a significant void in the APGA family.

Obidigwe further urged the children of the deceased, especially the APGA National Chairman, Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa, to take heart and find solace in the fact that their father lived a life of purpose, impact, and legacy. He prayed for God’s grace to strengthen the family through this period of mourning and for the departed soul to find eternal rest.

In his own remarks, Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa expressed profound gratitude to the leadership and people of Onitsha South, APGA members, and the Anambra State Government for honouring his father in such an elaborate and dignified manner. He noted that his father’s legacy of service, humility, and love for humanity would remain a guiding light for him personally and for the party.

Barr. Ezeokenwa reaffirmed his commitment to upholding his father’s values of loyalty, sacrifice, and dedication, assuring that APGA would continue to honour the memory of those who gave their all for the party’s success. “The reward for this love and honour will manifest in our collective victory and unity as we approach the coming elections,” he said.

The lying-in-state event was a solemn but inspiring reminder of the impact one life can have through service, leadership, and commitment to community and party ideals. The funeral rites will continue with a Requiem Mass on Friday, July 19, 2025, at Immaculate Heart Parish, Fegge, Onitsha, before his final interment in his hometown of Umuchu.

May the soul of Chief Sylvester Anyarue Chukwuma Ezeokenwa rest in perfect peace.