According to the Book of Ecclesiastics chapter three verse one, there is time for everything that happens under the earth. Thus, there is time to be born and time to die, time welcome and time to say goodbye.
This points to the demise of an iroko, the late Chief Cornelius Chima Obele, Ashiakponnu the first of Nanka in Orumba North Local government area of Anambra State who passed on at the age of 82.
Born in February 1940 into a respectable family of the late Mr Julumuanya and Mrs Felicia Obele of Enugwu Village Nanka. The late Chief Obele had a twin sister who died at tender age.
Although his early life was not eventful, his disposition was gentle but firm, modest but courageous, cheerful yet reserved, active and perservering . That was why when he lost his father during his primary school days, he still enrolled in an evening college in Onitsha, and attended University of Nigeria, Nsukka -a great feat in those days. He was a determined man devoid of arrogance, who started his first business in Gboko, Benue state as a chemist.
Soon after the Nigerian Civil war, he relocated to Onitsha and started and sustained a motor business in the late 70’s with the trade name ‘Obele and Sons Motors’ at Oguta road for many years.
Chief Obele was a valuable assest to his community, Nanka which manifested when he became an active member of Nanka Progressive Union, NPU and Ositadimma Development Union, ODU. While in these two organizations, Chief Obele played a vital role during the distribution of electricity in Nanka. As a result of his patriotism and philanthropy, the traditional ruler of Nanka community conferred him with the chieftaincy title of Ashiakponnu one of Nanka.
In the religious circle, Ashiakponnu was not found wanting as he was an active member of St John’s Anglican Church, Fegge Onitsha and St Matthews Anglican Church, Nanka, his home church. He never took any of the church activities for granted.
As a living embodiment of the patriotic spirit whose truthful and philanthropic voice was heard in times of peril, distress and want, the late Chief Cornelius Chima Obele invested a knight of Saint Christopher.
Chief Obele got married to late lady Comfort and they were blessed with seven children although one of them has also passed on to glory.
Sadly, Chief Sir Cornelius Chima Obele, a man of peace, love and truth epitomized in his life philosophy ‘Eziokwu bu ndu’ is no more.
Service of songs holds today Thursday 5th January 2023, at seven o’clock in the evening at his residence at Enugwu, Nanka village, while tomorrow Friday 6th January, his body will leave St Joseph Mortuary, Adazi by 6am to be followed by Lying in state by 7am and the burial service by 10am in his compound. Interment and condolences follows immediately after. On Sunday January 8, 2023, there will be an outing service at St Mathews Anglican Church, Enugwu, Nanka.
So, as the late Chief Obele goes home, his life will always be remembered as a perfect gentleman to everyone he came across. The late Chief Obele was a man who loved his family, Nanka community, the church and his creator.
Above all, the late Chief Cornelius Chima Obele was an apostle of peace, truthfulness, kindness and philanthropy and that is why the people of Nanka will, with tears swelling in their eyes, unite to mourn the loss of this great man and benefactor of the community.
The late Chief Cornelius Obele who will begin his last journey tomorrow Friday January 6th is survived by Mrs Chinelo Ukadike, Mrs Ukamaka Oforjebe, Mrs Ngozi Ezeonwudiwe (Daughters), Mr Emenike Obele, Mr Ejimnkonye Obele and Mr Ibeabuchi Solomon Obele (Sons), Reverend Mrs Alice Nwankwo (Sister) Dr Sir Dan Obele (Brother), nephews, nieces, cousins daughters and sons in-law, grand children and many other relations.
Adieu, Ashiakponnu Nanka! Good Night, Eziokwu bu ndu! Rest in peace, gallant Knight, Sir Cornelius Obele!
Written by NWOZOR NWOZOR
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