Former Governor of Abia State and Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has mourned the passing of the Paramount Ruler of Ebem Ujuruezie Ancient Kingdom, HRH Ezie Ukoha Kalu Ukoha, JP, who died at the age of 89.
Kalu in a statement he personally signed on Wednesday, described the passing of the revered monarch as a painful loss to Ebem Ohafia, the entire Ohafia community and Abia State, noting that the late traditional ruler lived a life of service and devoted several decades to the peace, unity and development of his people.
The Senator recalled the monarch’s long reign on the throne, describing him as a respected royal father whose wisdom and commitment to the preservation of the customs and traditions of Ebem Ohafia earned him the respect of his people and beyond.
“I received with sadness the news of the passing of HRH Ezie Ukoha Kalu Ukoha, JP, the Paramount Ruler of Ebem Ujuruezie Ancient Kingdom.
“Only a few months ago, we celebrated his 89th birthday and 35 years on the throne. Today, we mourn the passing of a respected royal father who dedicated a greater part of his life to the service of his people.
“Ezie Ukoha was a man of peace and wisdom. His commitment to the unity, progress and preservation of the rich traditions of Ebem Ohafia will remain part of his enduring legacy.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, the Council of Chiefs and Elders, the Ebem Ohafia Development Union and the entire people of Ebem Ohafia.
“At this difficult moment, I pray that the Almighty God grants his family and the entire Ebem community the strength to bear this great loss. May his soul rest in peace,” Kalu said.
Kalu noted that the late monarch’s 35 years on the throne represented an important chapter in the history of Ebem Ohafia, adding that his contributions to the traditional institution and development of the community would be remembered for generations.
He urged the people of Ebem Ohafia to take solace in the monarch’s long life, his years of service and the legacies he left behind.
