The death has been reported of Igwe John Ositadimma Umenyiora, the Ezedioramma 1 of Ogbunike and Okpala Iguedo in Anambra State.
The late monarch’s family and his Ogbunike community in Oyi Local Council of Anambra State said he died on April 28, after a brief illness.
The formal announcement of his death on May 8 was presided over by the Regent of Ogbunike and Aka Eze (Traditional Prime Minister), Chief Anene Osadebe (GON), and was attended by the late monarch’s cabinet members and other relevant stakeholders at the Round Palace.
Chief Osadebe announced that details of the monarch’s last Ofala festival will be communicated in due time.
“We are working together with the Umenyiora family to ensure everything goes well.
“Already, we’ve communicated the Anambra State Government and other relevant authorities. But very soon, details will be made public,” he said.
Igwe Umenyiora was crowned in December 1976, according to Chief Osadebe, and played a vital role in the development of the community in his 44 years on the throne.
The chief said the late monarch single-handedly built the Ogbunike Town Hall, Oyeolisa Market and Ogbunike Boys Secondary School (now Cave City Secondary School) in the community.
The 79-year-old deceased is survived by his wife, Lolo Ijeoma Umenyiora, and his children, including Ogo Umenyiora, Okwudili Umenyiora of Dilly Motor, Osi Umenyiora, a former American Football defensive end who played in the National Football League, and others.
