Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu

The death of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu is a low point for all of us. As we mourn his passing, we must not be lost on the significance of his immensely active and trail-blazing life. For living a worthy life that positively touched so many in our land, we must, as we mourn, also celebrate his life.

Emeka Ojukwu had become in many respects an institution that was reckoned with by all and sundry, both friends and foes alike. He was a man of charisma, courage and intellect who used his prodigious endowment and uncommon circumstances in the history of his country to positively affect human lives, especially those of his generation. The Ikemba, as he was popularly called, was, according to a Greek proverb, “a truth spoken before its time”. Although the proverb says that a truth spoken before its time is dangerous, I believe that the truth Ikemba spoke and symbolised in Nigeria for over four decades now, is a lesson that should guide and illuminate the path to the political arrangement for the survival of our nation as an enduring and more stable democratic entity.

The news of the death of Dim Emeka Ojukwu struck me not just on account of the fact that his exit means a huge void in the lives of the many Nigerians he touched with his iconic persona, but also because he was a personal friend. All his entire life, Emeka Ojukwu was nimble and dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in whatever he engaged himself. He was an accomplished socialite and raconteur, witty administrator, consummate soldier, astute politician, and unmistakeable patriot. He was also a dignifying epitome of stoicism, having endured his years in exile with complete equanimity and resilience that saw him excelling in his family’s tradition of hard work and industry.

Even in death, Emeka Ojukwu’s presence looms and remains larger than life. As a complete exercise in courage and doggedness, the Ikemba was a lodestar, and will remain one especially for many of the present generation. He personified service and commitment to his people, Ndigbo. That is why he will continue to dwell in their hearts and minds. He will also dwell in the hearts and minds of many across the length and breath of Nigeria for whom he was a rare symbol of courageous leadership and political perspicacity.

With Emeka Ojukwu, death has only but taken the flesh, not his ideas, nor his ideals, nor his inspirational symbol and his high-minded benchmarks. There is no doubt that many of this generation will for long glory in his antecedents, and remain proud heirs to his esteemed legacy.

Adieu Ikemba Nnewi, Ezeigbo Gburugburu, the People’s General.

Adieu the great warrior for justice, equity, and fairness in our country.

May your soul find eternal rest in the bosom of The Almighty.