Tributes

 Where do I start from? Living with you for over 5 decades. You left nothing undone. You gave me a fulfilled life. You took me around the world to places like Israel, South Africa, USA, France, Britain, Italy, and Germany, just to mention a few; plus more than 13 States in Nigeria. You took me to Obudu Cattle Ranch for our honeymoon and that became our yearly tradition until our old age. 

What can I do without you? You showed us the right way to live a Christian life through your example of piety. You were committed to your patients. You were committed to your duty when tradition called you to take up the mantle of your father. You were an icon to all who knew you and your goodwill to all friends and enemies alike was unmatched. You were a friend of the handicapped, the widows and orphans. As an employer for over 40 years you never owed your staff a dime. 

You are a rare gem for your good deeds are too numerous to pen down. I know that you are in Heaven receiving your reward. We shall all reassemble in the love and glory of God. 

Adieu my beloved husband. 

Ever Yours.

Ugoeze Maria Onukogu

 Love leaves a memory no one can steal, but death leaves a memory no one can heal. But heal we must .     

Dad you were everything to me ; My protector, My security blanket, My teacher, My spiritual guide; My Father. Yes, you were a true saint. 

Your love and faith in God was unmatched all throughout you life. 

Your commitment to your duties to your family, your medical profession, your traditional role was second to none, despite all the challenges directed at you. 

Your generosity and kindness to your fellow man, and to the poor inspired me. 

You lived like you died. Like a saint.                      You were the best father I could have ever had. 

Continue to watch over us from heaven, and rest in the bosom of the Lord until we all meet again. 

We will always keep you in our hearts. Good night daddy; you wonderful, beautiful man.                      

Your loving Son.                   

Prince Kemakolam Onukogu

Dad I am left with trying to find the words to describe you. As a child I always looked up to you and wanted to be just like you. I observed you and copied a lot of your mannerisms. During Mass for instance if you rested your hands behind your back, I would do the same; and I borrowed a lot of your expressions. 

I remember you teaching me how to ride a bicycle. You steered me while I pedaled but I didn't want you to let go. Despite my fear of falling I was fine when you did let go because I trusted you completely. I knew that you would never let me fall and you would never let any harm come to me. 

God asks that we have a filial love towards Him. Through you Dad, I understood what that meant because you you poured yourself out into us, your children; and as a result we trusted you, adhered to you and loved you completely. We are who we are today because of you and indeed the greatest gift that you have given us, your kids, is love because we grew up in a loving and peaceful home. 

The love between you and Mom has always been something to behold; and that love also extended out to your family and your community. Most of all Dad, you have had an uncompromising love of God. From your charity and kindness towards others, to your daily prayers and recitation of the Rosary. From your daily attendance of Mass and reception of the Holy Eucharist, to your reverence for the Sabbath day; you have given us an example of how to live a life of the perpetual and filial love that God demands of us. 

As an adult you were still teaching me lessons Dad. Despite a life of distinction as a medical doctor and traditional ruler, you still lived a simple life. You did not pursue the level of ostentation that we see nowadays. You bore life's trials and tribulations like a champion and you never wavered on your principles. In your latter years, your strength of spirit prevailed over some of the ailments that come with age; and you carried on with your traditional duties and medical practice without complaint and with the diligence that you always had. You were an example for us all. You were the eternal optimist with an indefatigable spirit; and your faith carried you until the end. 

I know that the angels have carried you up to Heaven. 

Rest In Peace. 

Your son Chiedu

Footprints in the sands of time

The raging tide cannot overrun it

Footprints in the sands of time 

The howling winds cannot overblow it

Footprints in the sands of time 

The bleaching sun cannot overshadow it

Footprints in the sands of time 

The evening shade cannot overcome it

Footprints in the sands of time 

Our Lord is here, the hour is near 

Footprints in the sands of time 

A race is run, the legacy is done 

Footprints in the sands of time 

The journey home has just begun

Chiedu

People know you as a leader, a healer, but to me 

You are my hero

My mentor 

My moral compass

My shelter

My dad

Nothing was unachievable in your eyes. Even when I was tired of the journey, you encouraged me to achieve greater heights. You have been my guiding light, your love for the practice of Medicine inspired me to follow in your footsteps.

You taught me the power of prayer and faith in God. Your faith in God was unshakeable despite all that trials and tribulations that came with life. 

You were the best father one could ever ask for. 

Words cannot adequately express what you mean to me. 

I still hear your laugh, your voice when saying rosary in the evenings, singing hymns, exchanging ideas, joking around with us, calling me by that special name reserved for only you... 

I pray that you are in heaven with all the Holy Angels and Saints of God. 

You will forever live in my heart, until we meet again. 

Love, 

Adaku.

God looked at your strength,  

and saw you’re tired. 

God looked at your heart,  

and saw you’re joyful and fulfilled. 

He looked at your soul,  

and saw you’re ready. 

In allen dingen, danken wir Gott. 

If we could, we’d make you stay. 

God took the best when your heart stopped. 

Now it beats amongst the saints. 

God calls us one at a time. 

You heard your name, 

and left us memories. 

You’ve gone to join our brother, Eugene and our parents 

A place where we all want to be 

Christmas memories 

of Beethoven and the symphonies. 

Memories of a dedicated Catholic 

the Holy Eucharist and the Rosary 

the Angelus and Hour of Mercy 

second nature to you. 

Every Friday, traversing smooth and rough roads  

to catch up amongst other tasks. 

Multiple countries and cities, you’re always there. 

You looked out for everyone, brothers, family, nephews and nieces 

everyone got the best of you as a physician, Christian, Eze, family. 

You spoke little, demonstrated more 

what a fine gentleman should be; Ezeudo 

A man of his words and full of wisdom; Ekwueme 

A physician and an athlete 

You took care of your mind, body and soul 

You made all men equal, those to who you ruled; 

clearing the path old history muddled. 

Kindness, wisdom, and love of God defined your leadership. 

With God you needn’t prove your authority.  

Character unwavering in stormy weather 

Onye Chukwu tere mmanu 

Onye Chukwu goziri, ogoziela ya 

Unruhig liegt der Kopf, der die Krone tragt 

Du hast deines mit Anmut,  

Wurde und Gottesfurcht getragen. 

Man war immer ruhig, 

Paddelte aber kraftig drunter. 

An apple never falls far 

You fought quite a few battles 

With unruffled feathers 

Now you’ve gone to be with Okia 

We all have beautiful memories 

Just like the 10 men and the elephant 

You’re the wall to shield some, the trunk to lean on, the rope for climbing. 

You gave us beautiful memories 

The smile, the silence, the wisdom, the kindness, the equality, the spirituality, the physician, the man, the Eze. 

Your lights will never dim 

Good night, His Royal Majesty 

Good night my dear brother 

Gute nacht, onkel Eze 

Na dann bis spater 

where we all will rest in Christ 

I. B. Onukogu & Family

You heard the band of Saints say, "let us go to the house of God" and you quietly joined them after receiving allthe sacraments of the Catholic Church.

In life, you carried your cross following Christ crucified.

"Blessed are those who are persecuted in the cause of uprightness, the kingdom of heaven is yours."

I am sure that you are resting in peace in the presence of God Almighty.

Farewell galant Knight of Saint Mulumba. You'll forever be remembered.

Dearest Eze, Dr. A.I. Onukogu; you have departed this realm, but have left us holding on to the deep reverence and love we have for you. This journey you have taken is inevitable, and we will ultimately follow your steps as we have always looked to you in this realm as our trail blazer. We have always  eschewed your achievements and your steadfast devotion to our dear Lord under the banner of our dearest mother, Mary.  The holy apostle, St. Andrew must be proud to be your patron saint and will delight to receive you on arrival in that kingdom where our Lord has prepared several mansions for us. Our revered Eze, this realm shall always remember you for your unique goodness and your accomplishments, including as Chief Internist at Albany Med., while residing in Delmar, and your several presentations in Tropical Medicine before the American Medical Association. However long it takes, we shall hold tight to that cord of love and compassion that you handed to us, and pray that we will merit to join you in the Lord's kingdom. May the good Lord enbalm you with His graces as He welcomes you into His kingdom, and allow you to pray and intercede for us here on earth. In paradisum deducant te Angeli 🙏. 

Yours always,

Tony-Pascal.

 Tribute To A Rare Gem 

We are all in transit passing through earth to an eternal destination. The big question is are we ready? Dad, it gladdens my heart that your exit wasn't abrupt in the sense that you knew, talked and prepared for it. 

It is a big flex that I was opportuned to have spent indelible moments with you. You are so affable and unique, yet sapient and judicious. 

This is my first time witnessing the transition of a beloved one. 

Our hearts are illuminated with gladness knowing that it is the transition of a Saint. Dad, keep resting until the Resurrection morning. 

Your daughter-in-law 

Onyi 

 Andy, 

I never expected to write this! 

We were in school together, attended the University College Ibadan until you went to Britain to continue your medical studies.  

You returned to be a Professor in the University College Ibadan Medical School. Your marriage to my beloved sister tied us more.  

Your care for the sick elderlies and kwashiorkor children through Holy Rosary Hospital in refuge at St. Columba’s College was remarkable. 

After serving in the Imo State Ministry of Health, you retired to establish your Uchendu Clinic. 

All these years I knew you to be robust in health, I never expected you would exit so soon.  

O death where is your sting! 

I believe it is the time God wanted you, for He had saved you from the hands of assassins.  

You were a highly qualified, well-seasoned, competent, diligent medical doctor whose practice was characterized by attentiveness, thorough examination, tenacity and prayer.  

You were my family doctor; I thank you above all for the care of my sister. 

You rendered services to the church when required. You responded whenever called to help in the Holy Rosary Hospital and were the Chairman of its Board when Bishop Unegbu appointed us members. 

You were a worthy Knight of St.Mulumba; giving medical advice and lectures to brother Knights. Here your attributes were loyalty, respect and dignity. 

As a traditional ruler, you served Obube Community nobly, handling issues with fairness and justice as much as you could. 

God has rewarded you with Extreme Unction; and you slept with the Body of Christ in your lips. 

May the Blessed Trinity admit and receive you in the Heavenly Kingdom. May the Angels and Saints welcome you. 

May Eternal Light shine on you. AMEN. 

Nze Bob Offurum (PhD). in-law

 Uncle Eze, My time spent with you in Owerri was time well spent. Your wisdom, humility and unfailing love is just inspiring to all who know you and came into contact with you. You had an open door policy and you really made people that came around you feel welcome. Your gentle demeanour leaves a lot to be admired for.

As the time has come for you to meet your maker I pray that along side our Heavenly Father and our Lord Jesus Christ that you intercede on our behalf, and may your soul rest in perfect peace. Amen

You will forever be remembered in our hearts.

Love always

Ada Osigwe 

Words cannot express the love and gratitude we feel to have been able to call you uncle and father. The love we have for you is so entwined with the love you and our dad Eugene have for each other.  

A pillar of faith, whose life personified strength, resilience, love. Every encounter with you, whether as your patient or as your niece/nephew, was an opportunity to experience a beautiful amalgamation of love, care, intelligence, wisdom, humor, strength of character and drive.  

You have taught us a lot by your love for nda Maria, Kem, Chiedu and Ada; your love for your sister and brothers, and your love for all. 

You have fought innumerable battles with such strength and grace. 

We thank you for showing us just by being, what a Christian and father should be. We  are so proud to call you uncle and father.  You have run the good race and are now with the Lord. 

Till we meet to part no more, rest on faithful warrior.

Late Chief Eugue Onukogu's Family

 In loving memory of Eze Udo I of Obube, HRH Eze Dr. A.I Onukogu, as we gather to honor a remarkable soul whose legacy echoes through the annals of time. With reverence and gratitude, we pay homage to a leader whose essence embodied the very principles of justice, fairness, and unwavering courage.
"Eze Udo I of Obube” was not merely a monarch; he was a beacon of wisdom, a pillar of strength, and a champion of equity and meritocracy. His gentle demeanor belied a formidable spirit, one fortified by an unyielding commitment to truth and righteousness. In a world often clouded by materialism and political maneuvering, he stood resolute, untouched by the allure of wealth or the trappings of power.
As a child, I fondly recall the privilege of basking in the company of this revered leader, surrounded by the aura of wisdom and respect that enveloped him. His presence was a source of solace and inspiration, a testament to the enduring power of integrity and moral fortitude.
Throughout his reign, "Eze Udo I of Obube" ruled not with an iron fist, but with a compassionate heart and an unwavering dedication to the principles of justice and fairness. His decisions were guided not by the dictates of wealth or status, but by a profound sense of duty to his people and an unshakeable allegiance to the truth.
Today, as we bid farewell to this noble soul, we do so with hearts heavy with sorrow yet buoyed by the knowledge that his legacy will endure for generations to come. Eze anyi, "ga nke oma" – go in peace, our beloved king. Your memory will forever be cherished, your legacy forever revered. Rest in eternal splendor, knowing that you have left an indelible mark on the tapestry of our lives.
 

Eze Udo, you doubled as my husband's brother and father. My children's uncle and grandfather and my brother in- law and father in-law. 

You received me in the family as a daughter, sister and one of your own. 

It was during my close interaction with you in South Africa when I got the privilege to attend to you that I realized how big a personality you were and yet simple, gentle, and humble.  

You walked in the parks with us, followed us to Adanna's ballet dance competitions, Enyinna's football matches and poetry competitions. You reinforced the value of prayer in our family. Your love for Jesus and Mother Mary was clearly visible and contagious. You got us on board.  

You taught us how to sing, " My Shepherd is the Lord, nothing indeed shall I want " We sang it each day with you for the length of your stay with us. 

Your words of wisdom, "it does not matter what you do, but whatever you do, do it well" became our guiding principle and it taught Adanna and Enyinna the value of excellence.  

Eze Udo, we would love to have you forever, but the little time we spent with you as members of your family was worth the while.  

The memories we shared with you and the good virtues we learnt from you will remain forever with us.  

The thought of you will be evergreen in our hearts. 

Rest on our pillar. 

Dr Chioma, Joyce Onukogu 

Dear Eze, 

I have been told many times that a single person cannot have or do it all, but your life was proof that a person can indeed do it all and have it all in one life.  

You were truly a master of all things.  

You were a leader of the people, a father to many, a great doctor, an uncle, and most of all a true follower of Christ.  

Your life was filled with miracle after miracle which came from your strong faith in the Lord. 

I am truly honoured to have spent time with you during your passage on this earth and I hope to one day follow in your giant footsteps.  

I still remember the advice you gave me about my sleeping habits, “Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy and wealthy and wise.” I am yet to go to bed on time and wake up early but your message will always be at the back of my mind.  

The most notable advice you gave that I take with me everywhere is “Whatever you do, do it well.”  

I hope to do life as well as you did Eze.  

Thank you for the life you have lived Eze, until we meet again. 

Adanna Onukogu  

“Whatever you do, do it well.”  

“Prayer is powerful.” 

“Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” 

“Love God with all your heart.” 

These are the maxims I learnt from my uncle. These maxims, though mutually exclusive, tell one, cohesive message: Be bold and diligent young man, and above all, remember the Lord your God, all the days of your life. 

I have chosen to base my tribute on the life lessons and maxims Eze has given me, for these actions and values are what I will use to commemorate his life and honour him. 

Most of these short paragraphs are dated years ago, when Eze would come and stay with us in South Africa. I cherish these moments with upmost fondness. 

“Whatever you do, do it well.” 

I remember my mother always making Eze a cup of tea. She did it often, but on one specific day, after prayer, Eze laid his wisdom upon us, saying: “What ever you do, do it well.” This is a maxim I have carried throughout my life. These words ring in my ear like a loud bell, always alerting me that I have to give it my all, no matter what it is I’m doing. Whether in academics or my career, I hold Eze’s maxim on hard work as a core human truth, not just a piece of advice. Everything that Eze did, he did it well, and I will do the same. I aim to continue to make him proud. To shoot for the moon, and aim for the stars, with every part of my being. 

“Prayer is powerful.” 

We would pray the rosary every day. I was still a child back then and didn’t want to pray as much. However, that quickly changed when Eze made prayer a unique experience. He made it as though it was not only a duty, but something as necessary as breathing or eating. Through Eze, I learnt the power of prayer. He taught my sister and I the value of spirituality and the power of the Holy Rosary. My spiritual growth is a result of those countless evenings of prayer and meditation, a value I now hold as necessary as life itself. 

“Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” 

It may seem to be a no brainer, but the best medicine is good rest. In our lessons with Eze, he always repeated the phrase: “Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” This wisdom has always been just what the doctor ordered. Eze’s advice on good rest has been pivotal in my continued pursuit towards doing things well, complimenting one of the previous maxims. It is his secret to a long and healthy life. As a young man, it is a reminder to not take my youth for granted, but to take care of my mind and body, so that I will have the mental fortitude and energy to achieve great things, just as Eze did. 

“Love God with all your heart.” 

This is by far the most important maxim of Eze, which is also the most important of the Ten Commandments in the Holy Bible. I truly believe, with all my heart, that Eze lived out this value in 

It is difficult to write a tribute about a man who fought silent battles with the most calm demeanor, whose wry smile held so much wisdom , a man of few words and great depth with a brilliant mind, a rare physician and a kind uncle. You carried your royalty with great humility, dignity and grace.

Uncle, you fought death to a standstill, surely our Mother Mary held you gently while you breathed your last , you have finished your race and now you dwell in the midst of angels singing all your favorite Latin hymns. 

You put God first in everything, you were indeed one of a kind.

I can’t easily forget how disciplined you were , nor your utmost surrender  and filial dedication to the daily mass , I still see you in my mind’s eye striding in your measured and brisk steps to morning mass daily without fail , irrespective of the weather or your health, or the look of adoration on your face while observing the chaplet  of mercy or watching you enjoy a bowl of mashed mangoes from your plantation with relish, these images will remain indelible in my memory of you.

You lived life to the fullest, your love for music, family and medicine will never be forgotten.

Indeed an iroko has fallen in the royal family of S.E Onukogu.

Laa na ndokwa.

You will be greatly missed.

Ulumma Onukogu(Niece).

 The eyes of the Lord are on those whose hope is on his unfailing love (Ps 33:18). 

The words of the Psalmist are a reminder that it is good to trust in the Lord always. As the Holy Scripture again reminds us of the Lord’s faithfulness: “has anyone trusted in the Lord and been disappointed? Or has anyone persevered in the fear of the Lord and been forsaken?” (Sirac 2:10). These words of Scripture capture what I knew and saw in the life and death of my great Uncle, HRH, Eze Dr. A. I Onukogu. He was a man who believed that God is always with those who feared him, in this life and in the next. This is because my uncle had faith that those ‘who believed in Jesus, even though they die are alive in Christ’ (Jn 11:25). 

We gather this day to say goodbye to a king who knew that life and death belong to the Lord. He trusted in the Lord in life and put his hope in Divine Mercy. I thank God for the life of a king whom many did not realize was king because of the simplicity of his dressing and lifestyle. 

Prior to his assumption of office as king, Dr. Andrew Onukogu was a simple man, a renowned physician who healed so many in our world. He devoted his entire life to the service of humanity as a medical doctor. Even in his sickness, he continued to serve and care for his parents. 

Eze Dr. Andrew I. Onukogu was a spiritual and prayerful man who led a life centered on the Eucharist. He was a lover and devotee of Eucharistic Adoration; a sign of his love for God. I thank God for a man who served Ngwoma and the world. As we gather to commend him to God, I pray that the Lord Jesus, whom he served in life, will raise him up and let his eternal light of glory shine on him forever. 

Rest in Peace, Uncle Eze. May you hear those comforting words from Our Lord Jesus Christ: “Come, you whom my Father has blessed, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Mt 25:34). 

May Christ welcome you into the company of the heavenly hosts. Amen. 

 Rev. Fr. Paschal Mbagwu 

Eze Dr. A.I. Onukogu, The Eze Udo I of Obube Autonomous Community and Ekwueme III of Owerri, you touched so many hearts in your lifetime. Your legacy is going to live on long after you and will ensure we remember all you accomplished. Thank you for being such an important part of mine and so many others' lives. Life may be fleeting but the love you shared with us will last forever. Thank you for being a part of our lives. You may have left this world but your spirit lives on in every single one of us. Thank you for the unforgettable memories that we shared. I will treasure them forever.

Personally, I observed you closely and saw the epitome of wisdom and greatness in you. In the olden days kingdoms were being conquered by war; in your time you conquered with love and wisdom. When Umuchoko village of old Obube was in turmoil and we came to you, you welcomed us against all odds with fatherly love and protected us.  Today we, the Umuchoko Village, not only place allegiance to you but will forever cherish your protection. Umuchoko is at peace today, because you stood for us. We pray that Almighty God will reward you and your family and your kingdom with everlasting peace as you have given unto us. Adieu, Your Highness.

High Chief Albert Ahanonu Arufuoaku. Chukwubuikem I of Umuchoko, Obube. 

Chairman Umuchoko Village