The Oko community in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State is preparing to lay to rest its revered traditional Prime Minister, Onowu Oko, Ichie Martin Ezeosim, in a grand ceremony scheduled for Thursday, October 9, 2025.
The announcement of his passing and burial arrangements was jointly made by His Royal Highness, Igwe Prof. Laz Ekwueme (Eze Ijikala II) and his cabinet, the Oko People’s Union (OPU), and the late Onowu’s family.
Ichie Ezeosim, who passed on at the age of 78, served faithfully as the second-in-command to the Igwe of Oko, and left behind a legacy of leadership, service, and development.
His Christian burial ceremony will take place at his country home in Eziabo Village, Oko, followed by a community-wide final rite at the Alex Ekwueme Civic Centre, where friends, dignitaries, and well-wishers are expected to gather in his honour.
A burial committee chaired by Chief Larry Iloh, a respected member of the Oko Council of Chiefs, has been constituted to oversee the arrangements and ensure a befitting farewell befitting of the late traditional leader’s stature.
Speaking on the loss, Igwe Prof. Ekwueme described Onowu Ezeosim as a dependable and visionary leader whose contributions to Oko’s progress were immeasurable. He called on the committee and the community to unite in celebrating a life of purpose and service.
The President of OPU, Nze Sunday Nwafor, also paid heartfelt tribute, describing the late Onowu as a humble Christian and courageous leader whose character and dedication will be deeply missed.
In his remarks, Chief Iloh assured that the committee is committed to delivering a ceremony that reflects the immense respect and gratitude the community holds for the late Onowu, inviting all sons, daughters, and friends of Oko to join in paying their final respects.
The burial promises to be a solemn yet celebratory occasion, a fitting farewell to a leader whose legacy will continue to inspire generations in Oko.