Reporting Odogwu to Bishop Ezeokafor

We just concluded the Requiem Mass for Chief Samuel Agunwa Odogwu, father of Dr. Emeka Odogwu, at St. Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Amanuke.

His Excellency, who will join us later from Lagos, was ably represented by Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna and me.

Something remarkable happened during the vote of thanks. When Emeka, the first son, rose to appreciate those present, he went beyond a mere formal expression of gratitude. He narrated, with deep emotion, the ordeal his late father endured during his lifetime – the sicknesses he battled, and even near-death experiences. From his narration, one could deduce that Chief Odogwu was indeed blessed with good and dutiful children who spared nothing in caring for him.

Emeka recalled that there were times when his father was in crisis, and no matter the hour, they would rush home to be by his side, to reassure him of their surpassing love. From doubts about whether he would live to see 70, he went on to live until 86, finally falling like a rripe pawpaw from its tree.

He emphasised that he made sure his father’s needs were met while he was alive, and that he celebrated him – at 84 – while he could still see and enjoy it – what we call “ikwa na ndu.” As far as I was concerned, that day was my father’s real day of honour,” Emeka said.

I remember that day vividly. We were there to celebrate with him. It was a grand occasion -!who is who in Anambra attended: Peter Obi, Victor Umeh, Val Ozigbo, and many others.

Emeka also stated that he personally desired today’s funeral to be simple, just enough to fulfil cultural and Church requirements. Its more elaborate nature, he admitted, was at the insistence of his siblings who wished to honour their father in their own way.

I agree with Emeka wholeheartedly. This is how it should be. In fact, it echoes the teaching that the Catholic Bishop of Awka, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, has consistently propagated. I noticed that, in line with Bishop Ezeokafor’s guidance, today’s brochure contained only the Order of Service – no lengthy tributes, no needless flamboyance.

After listening to Dr. Emeka Odogwu, I resolved to “report” him to Bishop Ezeokafor. I expect that the Bishop will host him, commend him for this example, and perhaps even commission him to spread this message to others. If I were to summarise Emeka’s message in one sentence, it would be this: “Take care of the living, honour them while they are with you, and let burials be simple.”

I have since embraced this philosophy personally. I believe that burials should be primarily for those who are present to attend, and that no one should have to travel from Lagos or Abuja merely for the sake of burial rites. In fact, in the past month, I have buried two of my father’s siblings -!my aunt and my uncle – and many of my friends, including my boss, Mr. Peter Obi, will be hearing of it only through this write-up.

Honestly, burial should not be a time to harangue people unnecessarily. It should be solemn, dignified, and focused on prayer, thanksgiving, and consolation of the bereaved – not an occasion for excess or undue pressure on families.