The usually quiet town of Ohuhu in Abia State was a gathering of political big wigs today, Saturday, December 18, 2021, as Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu and his deputy; Former Governor of Abia State, Senator T. A. Orji; Former Vice Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Mr Peter Obi; Senator representing Abia-South Senatorial District, Enyinnaya Abaribe; Former Senate President, Adolphus Nwagbara; Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development of Nigeria, Uche Ogah and many others, gathered to pay their last respects to Adanma Okpara, the deceased wife of the late famous Dr Michael Okpara, Premier defunct Eastern Region.

The burial service which was held at Williams Memorial Grammar School, Afugili, Ohuhu was presided over by the Prelate of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Dr Samuel Chukwuemeka Kalu Uche. Speaking during the burial service, the Prelate described late Adanma as a strong force of support behind her late husband.

“Late Adanma was a virtuous woman who stood with her husband through thick and thin. She raised her children in the fear of God and impacted many lives positively,” Dr Kalu said.

Addressing journalists, different political leaders paid tributes to the deceased, describing her as a great Igbo matriarch.

For his part, Peter Obi said that though she did not know her personally, great testimonies from others showed that she was a strong pillar of support from whom her husband drew the strength for his political exploits. In his words, “The economy of the Eastern Region experienced an unprecedented growth under late Michael Okpara and one can infer that such success was due to the unwavering support he received from his wife, Adanma. As we thank God for her life, we pray God to console her family and all who mourn her, and grant her eternal rest.”

The first son of the deceased, Uzodimma Okpara, appreciated all who took out time to come and pay their last respects to their late mother. He thanked in particular, those who came from outside Abia State to mourn with them and prayed God to bless and lead everyone back home.