New York [RR] AWKA–According to credible reports reaching RepublicReporters New York, says, Odumegwu Ojukwu, left, taking an oath in 1967 to be the leader of the Republic of Biafra, just after it declared independence. Associated Press (AP).  The late Biafra leader, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu will be buried on February 2, next year, Anambra State Governor Peter Obi announced yesterday. Obi spoke to reporters after a meeting of Southeast governors in Enugu. According to him, although the funeral will begin in Enugu, the late Ojukwu body will be taken to his country home, Nnewi, for burial.

[PHOTO: late Biafra Leader, General Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukuw (1933 to 2011) to be buried FEB, 2, 2012]

Read full reports beneath on Dim Ojukuw:
According to the governor, a committee will be set up to discuss the burial.
He said all the Southeast and Southsouth states that made up the former Eastern Region as well the presidency will participate in the ceremonies.

On 2nd of February, 2012, the burial ceremony of Dim Ojukwu will take place in Enugu, after which his remains will be taken to his country home, Nnewi for internment

The ceremonies will begin in Enugu because it was the capital of the former Eastern Region, Obi said.

It was also gathered that Ojukwus remains will be taken to Zungeru, Niger State his birth place, and Lagos where he started his career.

Also yesterday, the National Executive Council (NEC) of the apex Igbo Socio-cultural Organisation (Ohanaeze Ndigbo), led by Amb. Raph Uwechue, visited the family of the late Ojukwu yesterday to condole with them.
They also addressed the Nnewi National Assembly and the traditional ruler of the commercial city, Obi Kenneth Orizu.

The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo told the family and the people of Nnewi that Ndigbo will only be happy if the Ikemba Nnewi is given a state burial.

Ohanaeze said Nigeria should honour the great height attained by Ojukwu by honouring him in a special way.
After signing the condolence register at the Ojukwu family home in Umudim, Uwechue said Ojukwu died when Ndigbo needed his leadership counsel the most.
The traditional ruler of Nnewi, Igwe Kennenth Orizu, said at his palace that Ojukwus death should bring unity in Igboland. He described his death as painful.
Former President General of Ohaneze Dr Dozie Ikedife said before the former warlords burial, the Federal Government should bestow national honour on him or stay off his burial.
The Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nduka Eya urged the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) to ensure that Ojukwus legacy does not die.
A younger brother of the late Ikemba Nnewi, Mr Sunday Ojukwu, praised Ohanaeze for respecting his brother, with their visit.
The Director of Information of MASSOB, Comrade Uchenna Madu, said the group took over the family house of Ojukwu to avoid any breakdown of law and order.
He urged the Federal Government and Obi to rehabilitate the Oba to Okigwe road and other Nnewi roads that are dilapidated before his burial.
Uwechue said:Ojukwu died for Igbo cause and we must give him every respect he deserves.
He never thought of breaking up Nigeria, but he fought in order not to allow the Igbo nation to be conquered by anybody, I resigned my position as Nigerias Ambassador to France to join Ojukwu in his cause to liberate Ndigbo. I was not sacked.
The former Prefect, Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments, Francis Cardinal Arinze has thanked Obi for the attention given to the late Ojukwu during his illness.
In a letter to the Governor, Cardinal Arinze promised to continue to remember the dead hero at Holy Mass so that he will have eternal rest.
He extolled the late Ojukwus intelligence, firmness of principles, love for his people, high qualities of leadership and courage to face challenges, noting that he occupies a significant place in the history of Nigeria.
The Catholic Bishop of Nnewi, the Most Reverend Hilary Paul Odili Okeke, said Ojukwus death end the earthly life of a legend.

Rev Okeke noted that the late Ojukwu, in spite of numerous challenges, remained the undisputed Igbo leader, the authentic rallying point of all Igbo people and one who had the interest of Ndigbo at heart, a patriot and an icon who led the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) with vision and courage.

Culled to RepublicReporters by The NATION Newspapers

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