Tributes as Inyi buries patriarch Ezete at 90
The quiet agrarian community of Inyi in Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State stood still in solemn reflection, as family members, traditional rulers, military officers, clergy and admirers
The quiet agrarian community of Inyi in Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State stood still in solemn reflection, as family members, traditional rulers, military officers, clergy and admirers gathered to bid farewell to Chief Eugene Ezete, the Okeatu I of Enugwu-Inyi, whose passing on at 90 marked the close of a remarkable era.
From the early hours of the funeral rites, the atmosphere blended grief with gratitude. Church hymns tolled softly as mourners filed into his compound where his last rites were performed. Weeks earlier, the nonagenarian held his 90th birthday reception there after a thanksgiving service at the community’s Holy Trinity Church.
Chief Ezete was widely described as a pillar of discipline, enterprise, faith, community leadership and uncommon generosity.
Among those who gathered in his country home to pay their last respects were those he offered scholarships to, established in business or sponsored oversees to pursue their dreams.
Leading the tributes for the late patriarch was his wife of over 50 years, Mrs. Theresa Ezete, alias Osodieme, who recalled fun moments with her husband.
She said he nurtured her with strength and trust, describing the loss as deeply personal.
She recalled how her husband did more than marry her; he mentored her into responsibility and confidence, trusting her enough to involve her in business decisions at a time such roles were uncommon for women.
In a moment that drew gentle smiles from mourners, she narrated how she once completed a building project in his absence and moved the family into the house without informing him. Rather than rebuke her, he later presented her with a new Peugeot 505 GR in appreciation.
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Even in his final days, she said, his humour remained intact. Nurses struggled to take his blood samples as he playfully dodged them; an enduring sign of resilience that stayed with him to the end.
For his children, Chief Ezete was an exemplary father whose values shaped their destinies.
Former Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Eastern Naval Command (ENC), Rear Admiral Kennedy Chukwuemeka Ezete (rtd.), described the late patriarch as the steady compass behind his personal and professional journey.
According to him, his father’s lessons on integrity, perseverance, honour and truthfulness formed the foundation upon which he built his career in the Nigerian Navy and his life beyond service.
Similarly, Navy Captain Chinwe Umar recalled her final conversation with him during his hospitalisation. Despite his frailty, she said his concern remained fixed on the well-being of his children.
“He asked if we were okay? When I said no, he simply replied, ‘please be okay.”
His older daughter, an Assistant Comptroller of Immigration, Patience Gbenoba, remembered him as a disciplined man committed to excellence, whose legacy would endure across generations.
Other children including Ifeoma Nwankwo, Anulika Onwuchekwe, Ihu Ogechukwu Blessing, Adaeze Ezete and Izu Ezete spoke of a father whose guidance was firm, yet liberating, allowing them to grow while remaining rooted in shared values.
Family members and in-laws also reflected on his quiet strength during Nigeria’s most turbulent years.
Walter C. Ezete recalled how the late patriarch provided shelter and protection to relatives during the Nigerian Civil War, while his son-in-law, Navy Captain Suleiman Umar, described him as a dependable father figure to many beyond his biological children.
Eunice Eby Ifeanyichukwu, who lived with him between 1967 and 1970, said she was treated like a daughter despite not being one by birth.
“He was wise beyond his formal education. He carried people along with dignity,” she said.
Beyond the family circle, tributes poured in from across Nigeria’s security and traditional institutions, reflecting the breadth of his influence.
Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, described him as a man of resilience, enterprise and strong faith, whose support for his children in national service contributed meaningfully to the country.
The Defence Headquarters, through Major General Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information (DDI) said his life demonstrated the enduring importance of values instilled within the family.
His Royal Majesty Igwe M.O. Mberedeogu of Enugwu-Inyi described him as a stabilising presence in community affairs and a promoter of peace and development across the town.
Similarly, the Peoples Club of Nigeria International and several professional bodies associated with his children praised his integrity, philanthropy and commitment to community progress.
