Late Mrs Ezenna Receives Grand Farewell From Children

Late Mrs Ezenna Receives Grand Farewell From Children

- By Ingram Osigwe.

The late Mrs Comfort Mary Nkechinyere Ezenna, the matriarch of the Ezenna family of Owerre Akoka, Ideato North LGA, Imo state, and mother of the Chairman, Orange Group, Sir Tony Ezenna( Ijele Akokwa) who died November last year aged 88 was on Thursday, the 15th of January,2026 laid to rest at the Ezennas' country home after a funeral mass at St. David's Catholic church, Owerre Akokwa.

Indeed, Sir Ezenna and his siblings- Monk Okey,Mrs Georglyn Chinwe, Mrs Chika Mgbemena,  Mrs Ngozi Nwanna, Ernest Ezenna and Kelechi Ezenna- spared no cost to accord their late mother a grand, befitting farewell.

The the well attended three- day carnival- like funeral which climaxed with a Thanksgiving mass on Sunday, January 18, 2026, attracted an array of important dignitaries within and outside the country including Imo state governor, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma, former governors of the state, Ikedi Ohakim and Emeka Ihedioha, former Anambra state governor and presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 presidential election, Mr Peter Obi; Member representing Ideato North/South in the House of Representatives, Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, former member of the House of Reps, Hon. Jones Onyeyiri, Senior Special Adviser( SSA) to the Abia state Governor on Special Duties, Dr. Betty Emeka- Obasi, Chairman, United Airline, Chief Obiora Okonkwo, sports administrator and CEO Hensen Trust Group, Dan Ngerem. 

Other important personalities that graced Mrs Ezenna's colourful and grand funeral were business mogul and a Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party( PDP) in Anambra state, Chief Chris Ubah, former Imo state Commissioner for Planning and Economic Development, Professor Ngozi Anyikwa, Secretary to Imo state Government, Cosmas Iwu, Chief of Staff to Governor Uzodinma, Nnamdi Anyaehie.

Also in attendance were Senators Osita Izunaso, Sen Ndubueze Patrick, Enyinnaya Abaribe and Victor Umeh; Prof. TOC Ndubuizu – 1st Vice Chancellor Imo State University (IMSU), Jide Iwuanyanwu, Imo state Commisioner for special duties, Dr Chika Abazu, Speaker Imo House of Assembly, Rt Hon Chike Olemgbe, Dr. Ngozi Njoku – Former Imo State Commissioner for Women Affairs-, Chief Chukwuma Maduchukwu (SAN),  Amb. Greg Mbadiwe, Hon. Dr. ThankGod Ezeani, CEO, Ekulo Group, Chief Emma Bishop Okonkwo, Chairman & Co founder of Seplat Energy PLC, Dr ABC Orjiakor, CEO, Westfield Energy Ltd, Chief Henry Okolie -Aboh, Chief Chris Igwe, Chairman, Mainland oil and Gas, CEO Sweet home Bathroom Ltd, Chief Amobi Ikeh, CEO Legacy Auto, Chief Okey Ezeibe, Barr. Chijioke Nzekwe (Former Imo state Commissioner for Culture & Tourism), Chief Longers Anyanwu, Chief Abraham Otti( Mighty Mighty) Former Imo state Deputy Governor,Chief Jude Agbaso, 

Prince Obinna Okwara, Dr. James Okoroma (Acting Chairman African Democratic Congress (ADC) Imo State), Chief Vin Mgbemena, Ace actor & Comedian Okey Bakassi, Chief Okey Dike, Chief Felix Fezel Ezeamama,High Chief Ifeanyi Ojimba, CEO, Transtel Group, Lady Ngozi Udokoro, Chief Okwudili Otti, CEO, Caltec Group, Chief Celestine Ebubeogu, Chairman, Tiger Foods,Pharm( Barr) Azubuike Okoronkwo, High Chief Fabian Onwuachu, Chairman,Obi's cabinet Akokwa, Owelle Chukwudi Ofoedu, High Chief Chijioke Awalite, Chief Chika Ukaigwe, CEO De Heavens Group, CEO of Panda Hotels Yaba, Chief Willle Obi, Hon Odera Onwudiwe, MC Cogency, Dr Obinna Okpara,MD, Ron Logistics and Supporting services Ltd, Bar Okey Muomalu, Chief Obinna Umunna, CEO,Patricklingo Pharm Ltd, Chief Uche Onwuelingo, CEO, Don Pee Wine & Beverage Ltd, Dr Onyeka .C Ogbatu, CEO UTEC Ltd, Chief Uche Anazodo,Chairman, Koil Nig Ltd, Chief Luke Okeke, Hon Stanley Ibeagwa, CEO Istanco Multi Links ,Chief Azubuike Umunna, Chief Emma Agbarusia Ginika, Hon(Chief) Chukwuemeka Eze Chinemeze and gubernatorial aspirant of the All Progressives Congress, APC in the 2025 Anambra governorship election, Chief Val Ozigbo.

The traditional institution was not left out in the funeral as a number of traditional rulers  registered presence. These include HRH Eze( Amb) Damian Emeka Obianigwe, Ezeoha, Obi of Isi Ihite-Owerri, HRH Nnanna L. Emechebe, the traditional ruler of Owerri-Akokwa,HRH Eze Kingsley Ifeanyi Anyaoha(Ojukwu 111), the traditional Ruler of Umukegwu-Akokwa,

Nkume Jude P. E. Anyikwa,(Osuachara the 3rd), the Ononankume & traditional Head of Umueziama, Umuezeaga, Akokwa.

A devout Catholic during her life time , the late Mrs Ezenna's funeral mass was officiated by two Bishops- Most Rev. Augustine T. Ukwuoma, Catholic  Bishop of Orlu Diocese and Most Rev. Valerian M. Okeke,  Archbishop of Onitsha Diocese with over 100 Reverend fathers and many monks. It should be noted that one of late Mrs Ezenna’s son,Okey is a Monk.

A lot of musical bands,cultural groups and masquerades thrilled the guests all the through the burial celebrations, Worthy  of note is the spirit filled performances by Monpere's Classical Band led by Director

Chukwuebuka Anacletus Ogbonna. 

It was indeed a worthy goodbye for Late Mrs Comfort Ezenna.

*****

Osigwe is Media adviser to Sir Tony Ezenna and MD, Full page communications Ltd.

Colour, Class, Glamour In Lagos As Tony Ezenna Stages Epoch Wedding For Son

Colour, Class, Glamour In Lagos As Tony Ezenna Stages Epoch Wedding For Son

By Ingram Osigwe

The guests were high and mighty in the society. And from all walks of life they massed in Lagos. They came to honour, rejoice and felicitate Sir Anthony Ezenna( Ijele Akokwa), Chairman/CEO of Orange Drugs as he staged a lavish wedding for his son, Ernest Ugochukwu Ezenna. The event will arguably go down in history as one of the most well-attended flamboyant social events held in Lagos in recent times.

Indeed, Saturday, the 10th of August 2024 is a day people living or transacting businesses within the Falomo, Ikoyi and Victoria Island axis in Lagos will not forget in a hurry as captains of industry, business Executives, manufacturers, professionals, the diplomatic community, religious clerics, traditional rulers, celebrities, politicians among others swarmed the areas for the Ezennas.

The society wedding kicked off at the Church of Assumption, Falomo where Ernest and his beautiful bride, Adaobi Amanda Nweke were joined in a holy matrimony in a mass co-celebrated by over 20 priests and five Bishops including the Archbishop Emeritus of Owerri Catholic Archdiocese, Archbishop Anthony Obinna, the Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha Archdiocese, Archbishop Valerian Okeke, the Catholic Bishop of the Sokoto Dioceses, the charismatic Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah, Catholic Archbishop of Lagos Archdiocese, Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins( represented), Catholic Bishop of Orlu Dioceses( the home Dioceses of the Ezennas), Bishop Augustine Ukwuoma, Very Rev. Fr George Ehusani of the Lux Terra Leadership Foundation, Abuja among others.

Delivering the homily at the solemn service shortly after Ernest and Adaobi were joined man and wife, Bishop Kukah urged the newlywed not to allow a third party into their affairs but to always strive to settle their differences themselves amicably.

He emphasized the place of prayer in marriage and implored them to make God and prayer the foundation of their union.

On his part, Bishop Ukwuoma who gave the vote of thanks on behalf of the clerics, described the Ezennas as a focused and Goldly family who has steadfastly served God and humanity. While praying for a happy and successful married life for Ernest and Adaobi, he admonished them never to depart from the ways of God but to make Him the centre of their marriage.

The wedding ceremonies later shifted to the Convention Centre, Eko Hotel & Suites for a classy, colourful reception which was chaired by the former Minister For Information, Chief Nnia Nwodo and skillfully compered by the ace comedian, Okey Bakassi and MC Orange. Sponsors of the marriage, Chief & Mrs Charles Anudu, CEO Swift Networks and Candel Company were on hand to identify with the couple.

Guests were lavishly treated to choice foods, wines and soul-stirring musical renditions at the reception amid glitz and glamour. The ambience of the hall became electrified with thunderous applause when the award-winning, talented musicians, Chinedu Okoli better known by his stage name Flavour N'nabania and Chibuzo Nelson Azubuike Ezege, who is known professionally as Phyno mounted the stage to serenade guests with some of their famous songs, songs that drew the new couple and their parents to the dancing floor.

Among the guests and array of VIPs and guests who graced the church wedding and reception respectively were the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 presidential election, Peter Obi, His Excellency, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State represented by the Secretary to the State Government(SSG), Cosmas Iwu, Member representing Imo West Senatorial District in the Senate, Senator Osita Izunnaso, Member representing Imo North in the Senate, Senator Patrick Ndubueze, member representing Anambra Central Senatorial District in the Senate, Senator Victor Umeh, member representing Ideato North and South in the House of Reps, Hon. Imo Ikenga Ugochinyere, Hon Uchenna Harris Okonkwo representing IdeMili North/ South in the House of Reps.

Others include former Aviation Minister, Osita Chidoka, Deputy Speaker of Imo state House of Assembly, Hon. Amara Iwuanyanwu, Chairman of the Coscharis group, Dr Cosmas Maduka, Chairman/CEO Erisco Foods, Dr Eric Umeofia, Vice President, Ekulo Group of companies, Lady Ngozi Okonkwo, 

Chairman/ CEO, Embassy Pharmaceuticals, Pharm Nnamdi Obi, Chairman/ CEO, Tomez Group, Chief Tony Ezeani, MD, Fidelity Bank, Lady Nneka Onyeali-Ezeikpe, Chairman/ CEO, United Airlines, Dr Obiora Okonkwo, former governorship candidate in Anambra and chieftain of the Labour party, Valentine Ozigbo, governorship candidate of the Labour party for Lagos in last year's election, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, His Royal Majesty, the Obi of Akokwa, His Royal Majesty

Eze (Sir) Ikenna C. Okoli

(KSC) (MSI) (Okoli V.)

Agbakwuruibe III (who was the Royal father of the day) , Asian and European business partners and associates of Sir Ezenna.

Also among the dignitaries who witnessed the epoch wedding were also the Co- founder of Seplat, petroleum, Chief ABC Orjiakor, Chairman, Chicason Group, Chief Tony Chukwu, CEO, JI Ejison Group, Chief Joseph Ukeji, Chief Alexander Okafor,(Chicason),Former House of Reps member, Rt Hon Jones Onyereri PH.D, Attorney Okey Dike,CEO,Integrated Fisheries Co. Ltd, Chief Chineme Iheaku,King of Luxury in Nigeria and CEO, Julian’s luxury, Chief Julian Osula, Mayor of Abacity, Ide John Udeagbala, Director Embassy Pharmaceuticals, Vice Chairman Amuwo Odofin LGA,Lady Maureen Ashara, Hon Ngozi Udokoro,Chief Chidi Obi,  CEO of Don Pee Wine and Beverages Ltd, Dr Onyeka Ogbatu,  Chief Obinna Ashara, Chief Charles Ahize, Emperor Chris Baywood Ibe, Former member of PDP Board of Trustees, Chief Chris Eselu Uba, Chief Obinna Uzor( Gocuz)Chairman Cubana Group,Chief Obinna Iyiegbu, Celebrity Bar man, Cubana Chief Priest,CEO of Dozzy Oil, Chief Daniel Chukwudozie, CEO of Mainland Oil, Chief Kevin Onyebara, Chief Emma Udokoro,Mr Emenike Agu, Chief Chris Igwe, Former Nigerian Ambassador to Congo, Chief Greg Mbadiwe, Chief Fezel Felix Ezeamama, Chief Pele Ezeanyim, Hon ThankGod Okeke, Dr Clement Anozie, Commissioner of Transport Imo State, Hon Chika Abazu, Ikenga Umuchu, Chief Abraham Otti, Ikenga Ogberuru, Chief Henry Orabuchi.

Also in attendance were Chief Jeff Ukachukwu, Chairman KenBarth Pharmacy, Chief Mike Orji, Barr. Ike Onwuchuluba, Lady Georgelyne Chinwe (UGOSIMBA), Chief Isreal Orjiekwe,Pharm Steve Okoronkwo, Barr Okey Muomalu,Lady Rosemary Uneanya, Chief Okwudili Otti, Barr Chijoke  Nzekwe(Strongman), Mrs Chika Mgbemena, Akuenwebe na Akpo, Chief Jude Onyebuchi, Engr Chikata Egboluche , Chief Chuks Ibemere, Chief Chike Izuagba, Chief Tony Obinugwu, Chief Chijioke Awalite, Chief Francis Chukwudebelu, Chief Sam Ihionu, ZEOF Couture Boss, Hon Vitus Ebiliekwe,Barr Jideofor Ezeofor, Princess Kelechi Oghene,Nnukwu Agu, Hon Odera Onwudiwe, Chief Pamela Anyikwa, Chief Charles Ezenduka,Lady Maria Ihionu, Chief Ifeanyi Okpara, Mrs Ngozi Nwana, Chief Emma Eziokwu, Sir Isreal Egwuonwu, Chief Sam Anyanwutaku,Hon Love Udensi , flutist and former president of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, PMAN, Tee Mac.

There were also Barr Adaku Akwiwu, 

Chief Chris Emenike(Christojas) 

Engr Chijioke Achigbu( Akashia), Hon Chidi Nwaogu, Chief Emma Konac Aniakor, Hon(Prince) Obinna Okwara,Okaka Urualla, Chief Ambrose Nwosu, Chief Sam Nwosu, Owelle Chukwudi Ofoedu, Chief Willie Obi, Barr Zutty Ekwueme, Pharm.Ernest Ezenna,Chief Joseph Okonkwo,Chief Azubuike Umunna, Chief Uche Offor, Chief Kennis Udokoro and Chief Joe Otiora,Lady Clara Okoro, Mr Bona Egboh, Barr Manda Eze -Echesi, Engr Ukoh Umah,CEO Onekobo Technologies Ltd, Hon Justice Emeka Uzoma of the Imo State Judiciary,Chief Chika Ukaigwe, Chief John Great Nwankwo, Prince Kingsley Opurozo, Chief Austin Okafor, Chief Tony Obiniugwu,Chief Jones Mbadugha, Mr Musa Mbithason,Dr Chizubelu Ejiogu, Chief Emmanuel Ginikanwa (Agbarusia Gburu Gburu na Akokwa),Chief Emeka Okoye, Mr Adrian Egonu,Mrs Nkonye Egonu,Mr Babtunde Akanni, Mr Rufus Ohiowere, 

Mr Hilary Ajuebon, Arch Paul Okwaraoha, Chief Model Ezeamama, Chief & Dr( Mrs) Jude Ringo Okeke, Mr Collins Steve Ugwu, Dear Body Cosmetics CEO, Ifeanyi Ogbunibala, Chief Ogoo Umeh, Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuka, Chief Stevenson Mbajiekwe, Mr Tony Okoye, Sir Orji Okoy, Chief Ifeanyi Okpara, Dr Amarachi Alilionwu, Chief John Ihebighi,Chief Ifeanyi Okafor and Chief Mike Umeh,Dr Mike Izuogu,Chief Curtis Ekwebelem among other prominent individuals.

In far away Hanover, Maryland, United States of America Ugochukwu and Adaobi had late June tied the knots traditionally, known in the Igbo culture as ngba nkwu nwayi ( wine carrying of a bride).

While Ernest, handsome and unassuming, is the son of Sir Ezenna, Adaobi, a quintessentially beautiful lady, is the daughter of another accomplished personality in the society, Chief Paul Nweke, a professional health worker in the US.

The array of dignitaries that graced both the traditional and Church wedding, observers say, underpinned the influence of the couple’s parents in society.

Many of the dignitaries – business associates and partners of the father of the groom- flew in from different parts of the world for the weddings in Nigeria and the US.

Ingram Osigwe is the media Adviser to Sir Tony Ezenna.