By Ori Martins
In his avowed readiness to play politics of inclusiveness in order to reach out to all of the low, middle class as well as the elite in the society, the erstwhile Imo State governor, The Rt Hon Emeka Ihedioha, CON, KSC, attended the funeral rites of Chief (Barr) Chuka Odom’s father, Late Sir Tobias Odom (KSJI), JP, at Okwu in Ikeduru LGA. Odom was a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The burial was, to put it succintly as captured by the Odoms, “A celebration of life”. And so, Ihedioha radiated and glowed to full capacity.
The requiem was at St Bredan Catholic Church, Okwu, while the reception was observed at the school field, opposite the Odoms’ Country Home.
The presidential candidate of the LP in the last general election, His Excellency, Peter Obi, alongside Ihedioha, was among the dignitaries that attended the burial mass.
At the gorgeously decorated reception arena, Ihedioha who witnessed the interment, energetically strolled – in and charmingly showed love in solemn magnitude to virtually all other guests who had come to identify with the bereaved family.
Socially inclined and culturally savy, Ihedioha exchanged pleasantries with ex governor, Chief Ikedi Ohakim. Both men were in lively mood all through their staying together.
Ever playing up conviviality as a means of fostering unity and promoting peace, the former deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, shared moments with the serving Imo State deputy governor, Lady Chinyere Ekemaru and his husband, a SAN, just as he put ears together with other personalities like the chief of staff to Governor Hope Uzodimma, Chief Anyaehie, the SSG, Chief Cosmas Iwuh, the member who represented Ikeduru and Mbaitoli Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, The Rt Hon Henry Nwawuba and his wife, as well as the immediate past deputy governor, Prof Placid Njoku.
He equally displayed his classic traditional sagacity by embracing and teasing Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, the former chairman, South East Council of Traditional Rulers.
A politician with clout, character and vision, Ihedioha who holds the chieftaincy title of Omenkeahuruanya in view of his hallmark achievements since 2003, did not hesitate in his jive with the other political class at the event who are not in anyway lesser in magnitude, scope and structure.
Thus, he greeted the ADC chairman in the state, Prof James Okoroma, and also waved at the national vice chairman of the party who also doubles as the South East zonal chairman, Sir Bon Unachukwu.
Ihedioha had a tete a tete with Hon Uche Onyeagucha, had a handshake with Dr Vin Udokwu, Chief Henry Ekpe, hugged Chief Ben Mere, Sir Richmond Osuji, Chief Paschal Uzor, Chief Ike Ibe and Hon Chikere Okereke.
Of course he had nice time with the Odom Family members, particularly Chuka and Louis – the latter being the executive director at Zenith Bank Plc.
The cosy reception centre was electrified and ultimately more glamorous when the group managing director/chief executive officer, Zenith Bank Plc, Dame (Dr) Adaora Umeoji, OON, sauntered into the enclave. It was one of the gracious moments of the occasion, and an amazing way to wave an eternal goodbye to Pa Tobias Odom whose spiritual slogan must have been: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have kept the faith”, 2 Tim 4:7.
