Many reactions have trailed the sad and sudden death of  Lolo Ugoeze Sally Kanu, mother of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, but none is as striking and touching as the declaration by the Kanu family that Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra state was the only governor that cared for them, especially their aged parents, through all their challenges. The family stated that Governor Obiano, though mindful of the sensitive circumstances but moved by rare benevolence and the spirit of Igbo brotherhood, braved the odds to help them in their time of need.


Speaking on behalf of his father,  Eze Israel Okwu Kanu and the entire Kanu family when a group of Biafran war veterans paid them a condolence visit, younger brother of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, IPOB leader, Prince Emmanuel Kanu expressed the family’s gratitude to Governor Obiano over what he described as the Governor’s empathy and care for the family over the years. According to Prince Kanu, they were  grateful to Governor Willie Obiano for his kindness towards their  parents noting that  In all they have  passed through, he remains the only governor that asks after their parents’ wellbeing and has been there for them despite their stance which often conflicts. 


He noted that  Governor Obiano has proven yet again that he is as compassionate as he is forthright noting that  his sobriquet Akpokuedike which means ‘when a warrior is summoned’ is evident in his readiness and willingness to respond to any situation deserving attention especially where it concerns humanity.Prince Kalu pointed out that it would have been difficult to believe that after frowning on activities of IPOB which threatened to disrupt the peace and security of Anambra state, that Governor Obiano could reach out magnanimously in the APGA spirit of ‘onye aghana nwanne ya’, to care for and extend kindness to the family of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, even to his aged parents, he observed clearly demonstrated   love , unity and brotherliness , stressing that  good neighbourliness means  lending a helping hand despite differences, political and otherwise.

He said Governor Obiano, has proven his mettle beyond doubts regretting that the delicate nature of the IPOB imbroglio and the shadow it cast on the Kanu royal family caused many to abandon themas many feared that associating with them would jeopardize their political standing. Prince Kanu expressed satisfaction that very few including Governor Obiano  remained and  in the face of daunting challenges, proved himself a warrior and a caring leader indeed.


He recalled that so it was when Governor Obiano hosted Ozoemezina, a funeral rite for the passing and eternal rest of restless souls lost in the Biafra civil war. It was yet another delicate and extremely sensitive issue that no south-eastern government dared touch even with the longest prong but Obiano braved all the odds again to organize and fund a final funeral rite for  kith and kin if Ndigbo Chief who remained till then wandering souls, long lost in the sad, yet historic and survivalist war.
Describing Governor Obiano’s sorrow at Lolo Ugoeze’s demise, President of the Biafran War Veterans, Major Emmanuel Udemezue said that the governor was still struggling to come to terms with the realities of the deceased  departure, who he said the Governor  had become very attached to. Major Udemezue who was accompanied by the Liaison Officer of the Governor to the War Veterans, Comrade Arinzechukwu Awogu, also said that Governor Obiano has been saddened by Ugoeze’s sudden demise and has requested them to convey his condolences to the family.

No related posts.