The Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu has condoled with the Atuoke royal family and the people of ORIA NA UGAA EZIAMA NTIGHA community over the death of their father and king, EZE ANTHONY ASHIEGBU ATUOKE.
In his condolence message during a funeral service conducted in honour of the deceased by the Apostolic Church Eziama Ntigha District held at the GROUP SCHOOL, Eziama Ntigha in Isiala Ngwa North LGA, Gov. Ikpeazu said he received the news of the demise of the monarch with great shock.
The Governor represented by his Chief of Staff, Chief Okey Ahiwe described the late EZE ANTHONY ASHIEGBU ATUOKE as a first class humanitarian, conflict resolution and management expert, philanthropist and community leader who brought about numerous developments to his ORIA NA UGAA community and Ntigha clan in general.
The State Chief Executive further charged the first son of the royal family to sustain the existing peace in their family and the sterling qualities their late father was known for while praying God to give them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
In their goodwill messages, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Christopher Enweremadu, the PDP flag bearer for Isiala Ngwa North and Isiala Ngwa South Federal Constituency in the 2023 general elections, Prof. A.C.B AGBAZUERE urged the bereaved family to be strong and courageous, describing death as an inevitable to mankind.
Contributing, the Chairman, Isiala Ngwa North traditional rulers council, Eze Dr Uche Aliche, lauded the late EZE ATUOKE for his outstanding leadership prowess in ensuring relative peace in his community, pointing out that he will be greatly missed.
In a tribute earlier, the first son of the deceased, Prince Christopher Atuoke while describing his father, EZE ANTHONY ASHIEGBU ATUOKE as an embodiment of wisdom, kindness, peaceful and a true community leader, also appreciated the Governor and all that came to identify with them.
Aged 75, Late EZE ANTHONY ASHIEGBU ATUOKE is survived by wives, children, grand children and a host of other relations.
The Commissioner for Works, Elder Bob Ogu, Chairman Abia State Traditional Rulers Council, Eze Joseph Nwabeke, Traditional Rulers from Isiala Ngwa North LGA among other notable personalities attended the funeral while the Governor’s representative also condoled with the Nduagu family of Osusu in Isiala Ngwa North LGA over the demise of their mother, MRS ROSE ANYANWU NWAWUZI NDUAGU.