Ukpo Community Mourns Ichie Dr. Eric Okunna, Husband of Prof. Stella Okunna
By Felix Oti Awka
The Ukpo community in Dunukofia local Government Area of Anambra state has been thrown into mourning following the passing onto eternal glory of a great patriot and icon, Late Ichie Dr. Eric Nwabuisi Okunna (Ichie Ononenyi).
Ichie Ononenyi, who was born on February 24, 1945, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2026, at the age of 81.
He was a great son and one of the leaders of Iruokokwu Ward of Akpu village, Ukpo, and a prominent member of the Igwe-In-Council, Ukpo, where he served as Chairman of the Council’s Committees on Health and Education. He was also a ranking member of the Uzodinma Age Grade, Ukpo.
Until his transition, Ichie Okunna was a renowned medical practitioner, a trained Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, and the Medical Director of Ristela Hospital and Maternity, Enugu.
He is survived by his beloved wife, a woman of many firsts, Prof. Stella Chinyere Okunna (Kpakpando Ukpo). Prof. Okunna is the first woman Chief of Ukpo Community, the first female Professor of Mass Communication in Africa, the first woman Chief of Staff to the Anambra State Government, and currently the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Paul University, Awka.
In a condolence message, Ichie Sir Dr. Izuchukwu Nwabueze (Ichie Chinemeze N’ Ukpo) described the late Ichie Ononenyi as a great patriot and an icon whose contributions to the health, education and traditional leadership of Ukpo will remain indelible.
The community prays for the peaceful repose of his soul.
