The atmosphere at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Isuofia, was a poignant blend of somber reflection and triumphant hope as the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, the Isuofia community, among others, gathered for the Pontifical Funeral Mass of their late traditional ruler, Igwe Col. Christopher Moghalu.
The
ceremony, presided over by His Eminence, Peter Ebere Cardinal Okpalaeke, served
as a powerful tribute to a man whose life was defined by service, faith, and
the preservation of culture.
According
to the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, the governor led
the tributes and eulogised the late monarch, describing him as an
"Iroko" of the community whose eighty-eight years on earth were
defined by profound impact rather than mere duration.
"We
don’t just live, we live to matter. And when it is all done; it is not how long
but how well," Governor Soludo remarked. Reflecting on the late Igwe’s
character, he added, "He was a man of his words—we share that similarity
in common. He was a builder of people, community, church, faith, tradition, and
culture."
Aburime
affirmed that Governor Soludo particularly highlighted the late Igwe’s
unwavering commitment to education, recalling, "What touched me the most
was his devotion and commitment to education. When I adopted the Amorji Primary
school, Isuofia, he visited me just to pay tribute and appreciate that
commitment. It was then he related to me his personal efforts in encouraging
people to commit themselves to education."
Addressing
the transition, the Governor offered a message of reassurance to the people of
Isuofia: "God brought peace to Isuofia after twenty years, and I assure
you we will have this transition in peace. The only way to remember this Iroko
is to live up to those things he lived for."
In his
homily earlier, Cardinal Peter Ebere Okpalaeke emphasized the Christian
perspective on transition, noting, "We don't mourn as those without hope.
Our hope rests in the victory of Christ over death. A baptized child of God
journeys to heaven; he doesn't die."
The
Cardinal lauded the late Igwe for his ability to harmoniously integrate his
faith with his traditional role. "The departed traditional ruler shared a
faith that did not fear culture. One can preserve our heritage without
compromising his faith. He did it very well," he observed.
Cardinal
Okpalaeke further clarified the relationship between the church and traditional
institutions: "The church does not seek to annihilate the traditional
institution, but complements it. The church and society are not rivals; each
group plays a distinct role for the development of human society."
Addressing
the upcoming succession, the Cardinal issued a pastoral appeal: "I call
for peace in choosing his successor. Let the process never be a source of
hatred. Preserve the peace he cherished; this is the greatest legacy or honour
we will pay the late Igwe."
The
Governors Chief Press Secretary added that the funeral also served as a
testament to the monarch's reach beyond his immediate domain. Speaking on
behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, a representative Major General Osita Okoye,
emotionally credited the late Colonel for his professional trajectory.
"What I am today, he contributed 90 percent. He saw to it that I entered
the Nigeria Defence Academy in 1990," he stated, highlighting the late
Igwe’s role as a mentor and nation-builder.
As the
community prepares for the formal Ofala ceremony scheduled for January 5, 2027,
the overwhelming sentiment remains clear: Isuofia has lost a pillar of peace
and progress, but his legacy of devotion to the common good will continue to
guide the path forward.
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