Nine decades ago, exactly on 15th September, 1933, Edwin Chukwuma Nwankwo Okwuonye was born to the Late Mr. Lawrence and Late Mrs Nnebedum Okwuonye of Umueze kindred, Ogboagu clan, Ebenesi Okebuonoye village of Alor in Idemili South Council area of Anambra State.
His formative years started with his parents at lbagwa Nsukka, where he had memorable childhood experiences before his parents sent him to his grandmother in Alor where he completed his standard six at Central School, Alor. Being the first child of his parent’s eight children, he couldn’t further his education. He ventured into textile business at Onitsha Main Market after his standard six. He served the Late Mr. Anselm Nwosu of lde village, Alor.
After learning this trade and starting out on his own, Edwin decided to divest into transportation sector. He bought his first car, Morris Minor, which he used to ferry passengers from Upper lweka in Onitsha to lddo terminus market in Lagos. From this endeavour, he was able to cater for his siblings, parents and grandparents. He was optimistic and hardworking and continued to excel in every aspect of his life.
In 1962, Edwin married his heartthrob, late Pheobe Nkechinyere Okafor -Udah of Urueze -ide Village, Alor. They tied the knot at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Odoakpu, Onitsha.
Ten years later, Edwin Okwunonye was admitted into ldi Alor as ldi Ugokwe during the coronation of late lgwe Stephen Nwokoye Okonkwo, the Ezedioramma the first of Alor Kingdom. Idi Ugokwe Edwin Okwunonye represented his clan in the lgwe-in-council.
After a meritorious career in the transportation sector, Chief Okwuonye saw promise in the construction industry. He moved to Owerri, lmo State capital and established a block manufacturing factory with his younger brother, late Simon Okwuonye, and his friends: Late Chief Gilbert Okeke (Oshimili Alor), and the Late Chief Vincent Ojukwu (Idi Obinyelugo). They named the new business Deluxe Block Industry, DBI. The business flourished tremendously and he launched out on his own. His new business empire will
include Eddico Block Industry, Eddico Bread Industry and Eddico Plaza all located in Owerri. This business empire he built on the virtues of forthrightness and honesty will later become a household name in Owerri municipal.
In community development, Ichie Mkpume the second as the Late Chief Okwuonye was also excelled in community and public service, playing important roles in resolving many disputes, crisis and conflicts in the community, updating Alor native statues and laws and in enhancing public utilities in the community.
Apart from serving as the chief minister of Ogboagu clan in the Igwe-in-Council, Ichie Mkpume was a social and deeply religious man whose impact were also felt in these different spheres of life. He was a Life member and Patron of Peoples Club of Nigeria; honoured as Favoured Grandfather of Diocese on the Niger (Anglican Communion), first Chairman and Patron of Alor Development Union and member, lgwebuike Age Grade.
He was also richly blessed at home. In 2013, he celebrated his 50th marriage anniversary with his lovely wife, Phoebe, whom he fondly called “Lolo”, “Omenwa Ezinne” or “Golden mother” at St. Marks Anglican Church, Alor.
Chief Edwin Okwuonye, Iche Mkpume the second of Alor is survived by six children: Chukwuedozie, Obumnaeme, Chukwuma Junior, Uchenna, Obianuju and Okwuchukwu, seventeen grandchildren, two great grandchildren and five daughters in-law.
The funeral Ceremony of Ichie Mkpume the second begins today, Wednesday, September 20, 2023 with service of songs, at his residence, Ebenesi Okebunoye, Alor, by 7.00pm. Tomorrow, Thursday, September 21, 2023, by 8am, funeral service holds at St Mark’s Anglican Church, Alor, followed immediately by Interment and condolences. Other funeral rites and condolence visits by the Igwe in-Council, in-laws and well wishers continue on Friday, September 22, 2023, while thanksgiving and outing service takes place on Sunday, September 24, 2023 at St Mark’s Anglican Church Alor at 8.30am.
Ichie Mkpume the Second of Alor, Jee nke Ọma!
Written by HON. UCHE OKWUONYE
Comments are closed for this post.