The Oko community in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State has concluded arrangements for the burial and final rites of its traditional prime minister, Onowu Oko, Ichie Martin Ezeosim, scheduled for Thursday, October 9, 2025.
Ezeosim, who died at the age of 78, served as the traditional prime minister of Oko and was second-in-command to the town’s monarch, His Royal Highness, Igwe Prof. Laz Ekwueme, Eze Ijikala II. He was widely regarded for his remarkable contributions to the community’s development.The funeral rites will begin with a Christian service at his country home in Eziabo Village, Oko, followed by a ceremony at the Alex Ekwueme Civic Centre.
A burial committee chaired by Chief Larry Iloh, a member of the Oko Council of Chiefs, has been set up to organize the event, which will involve government officials, community leaders, and friends of Oko. Igwe Prof. Ekwueme, in his condolence message, described the late Onowu as a reliable and hardworking leader who made immense contributions to the progress of the town. He urged the committee to ensure that the community hosts befitting rites in his honour.The President of Oko People’s Union (OPU), Nze Sunday Nwafor, praised the late Onowu for his simplicity, bravery, and Christian values, which he said remain worthy of emulation.
Chief Iloh, in his remarks, assured that the committee would ensure a befitting farewell, noting that Oko community owes a debt of gratitude to the late traditional prime minister for his invaluable service.The announcement of his passing and burial was jointly made by Igwe Ekwueme and his cabinet, the OPU, and the Ezeosim family.
