The drum beats for a hero twice: on his birth and on his death. So it is for Chief Sir James Obi Umezulora, Egbigwe the third of Uga who answered the call of his maker on Sunday 26th March, 2023.
He was born on 25th December, 1950 to the patriarch of Egbigwe dynasty, Late Chief Azaraza Dimanyichie Umezulora Umennuihe (Egbigwe the first) and his wife, Chinyere of Umuoru Uga in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State. James was the fifth child of his mother.
James was baptized in the Catholic Church and attended St. Peter’s Catholic Kindergarten School, Uga, Community School, Uga, Salvation Army Primary School, Uga and completed his primary school at St. James Central School, Uga. He gained admission into the prestigious Dennis Memorial Grammar School, DMGS, Onitsha and Merchant of Light Secondary School, Oba, simultaneously, but due to certain constraints, his desire for secondary school education was put on hold till his adulthood.
As an adult, he went back to school and enrolled at Campus Secondary School, Awada in 1996 and sat for his SSCE in the year 2000. He proceeded to Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka to study Business Administration through the Continuing Education Programme (CEP) and graduated in 2007.
Young James moved to Onitsha to trade in chain saws at Bridge Head Market, Onitsha in 1977. There, he thrived, dealing on importation and distribution of chain saws and accessories in Nigeria and other West African countries.
He was Liaison Officer between Uga Improvement Union, UIU and Hon. T. N. Umeukeje, who contested for the seat of the Federal House of Representatives for Anambra South in 1965. This role brought him to limelight. He would later become the President General of Uga Improvement Union from 2015 to 2018. His achievements as PG would only require a book to document. He received chieftaincy title of Egbigwe the third of Uga in 1995 by the then Monarch, Igwe Felix Ezenwugo Ezeobieri.
Egbigwe was converted to the Anglican Church as a child through his elder brother, Late John Umezulora (MacThunder). He was groomed in the Anglican Praying Association (APA) now known as Anglican Children Ministry (ACM). He was once a Branch and later General Leader of Fegge Zone, Onitsha from 1974-1984. He once won the best Sunday school student consecutively at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Odoakpu, Onitsha. He was also a vibrant member of the Anglican Youth Fellowship (AYF).
When he relocated to Awada, Obosi, he worshipped at St. James Anglican Church, Awada. He helped in planting Our Saviour’s Anglican Church, Ugwuagba, Obosi. He was a major financier of the church’ land and parsonage at Anglican Church of Annunciation, Awada, Obosi. He was the Chairman of the Building Committee of the new St. James Anglican Church, Uga and St. Luke’s Anglican Church, Umuoru Uga. Egbigwe donated his personal land and built Church of the Advent, at Obinikpa Umuoru, Uga and its parsonage.
He was invested Knight of St. Christopher (KSC) in 1996 as part of the pioneer set in Awka Diocese by the then Right Rev. M.S.C. Anikwenwa of blessed memory. Sir James was Bishop nominee to the Synod since 1986.
Egbeigwe married his heartthrob, Lady Gladys Azukaego Umezulora (nee Dimakunne) on 23rd August, 1981. Their marriage was blessed with seven children, though one died. Egbigwe trained his children in the fear of God and all of them are university graduates, doing well in their various walks of life.
For his achievements and contributions to the development of his community, the society, and the church, Egbigwe was honoured with countless awards and recognitions by many groups too numerous to mention.
His wife, Gladys; his children Uchechukwu, Chukwudi, Echezona, Chiedozie, Chinelo and Chiamaka and many people he impacted their lives will continue to mourn and remember him.
The funeral ceremony in his honour begins tomorrow Thursday 1st June, 2023 with a service of songs at his compound, Umuoru Uga by 4.00pm. On Friday, 2nd June, by 7.30am, his body will lie in state at Igwe’s palace while at 8.30am, it will lie in state at his compound. Burial service will follow at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, Uga after which he will be interred at his compound. Reception of guests and condolence visits continue afterwards and on Saturday 3rd June by in-laws and more friends. On Sunday, 4th June, outing service will hold at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, Uga.
Adieu, Egbeigwe! Adieu Onye eziokwu! Till we meet to part no more, Amen.
WRITTEN BY UCHE UMEZULORA
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