Chinazaekpere Chinwendu, Reporter
Ikwuano, Abia State| November 5, 2026 —
The Executive Mayor of Ikwuano Local Government Area, Dr. Anthony Nzeribe Nwaubani, alongside his amiable wife, Mrs Princess Nnenna Nwaubani, has joined an array of political leaders, government functionaries, associates and sympathisers from across political divides to pay their final respects to the late Chief Engr. Dr. Ernest Ibeabuchi Emeka Ebilah, MON, FNSE, fondly known as Onwa N'Agbara Oha 1 of Oboro.
The solemn funeral ceremony, held on Thursday, November 5, 2026, attracted an impressive gathering of dignitaries and well-wishers to the deceased's country home in Umudike Oboro, Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, where friends, political associates, community leaders and members of the public converged to honour the life and legacy of the departed elder statesman.
Among the notable dignitaries present were the Executive Mayor of Ikwuano LGA, Dr. Anthony Nzeribe Nwaubani, and his wife, Mrs Princess Nnenna Nwaubani; the Leader of the 7th Legislative Council, Ikwuano, Rt. Hon. Ejike Williams; the Ikwuano Coordinator of Abia Arise, Hon. Chinedu Emmanuel; the Abia Central Woman Leader of the Labour Party, Hon. Akachi Jacob; and the Chief of Staff to the Ikwuano Mayor, Chief Anthony Eberechukwu.
The gathering also witnessed the presence of members and representatives of various political parties, who came from different parts of the state and beyond to identify with the bereaved family and honour the memory of a man whose life touched many people across social, political and professional circles. Their collective presence displayed the capacity of the late Chief Ebilah to inspire goodwill and command respect beyond partisan affiliations.
In a solemn demonstration of compassion and solidarity, Mayor Nwaubani and the Mayoress, personally commiserated with the widow of the deceased, Mrs. Elema Ebilah, and the entire Ebilah family over the painful loss. They expressed their heartfelt condolences, acknowledged the emotional weight of the moment and encouraged the family to draw strength from the remarkable life, accomplishments and enduring legacy of their departed patriarch.
The late Chief Engr. Dr. Ernest Ibeabuchi Emeka Ebilah, who lived from 1942 to 2026, was celebrated as a distinguished personality whose life represented a legacy of service, professional accomplishment and community relevance. His honorific title, Onwa N'Agbara Oha 1 of Oboro, aptly reflected the esteem in which he was held within his community.
The funeral gathering was not only an occasion to bid farewell to a departed patriarch but also an opportunity for people across political, social and community divides to celebrate a life of significance, demonstrate solidarity with the bereaved family and acknowledge the enduring impact of an individual whose memory will remain cherished.
As family members, friends and associates mourn his departure, the late Chief Ebilah's legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the memories he leaves behind.
May his soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.
