Vanguard Newspaper addict buried with current edition of Newspaper in Anambra
An 83 year old man Mr Peter Chuka Nwalie Ojekwe (aka Jimmy London) who died recently in Onitsha had a current edition of Thursday, 11th December, 2025 Vanguard Newspaper and a copy of the Holy Bible enclosed inside his coffin before his remains were buried same day after a funeral service at the St Stephen Anglican Church, Onitsha.
His child Mr Nworah Ojekwe, a lawyer, who spoke with me over this issue said his late father was in love with the Newspaper (Vanguard)and that he had a regular vendor who supplied him the Newspaper (only Vanguard) for decades until his last days.
According to Nworah, his father who retired in the year 2000 from a diplomatic service in Rio de Janeiro literally struck an infinite bond with Vanguard Newspapers and believed that it was the only source of authentic News and analysis of socio/political and economic issues in the country.
Even in the burial brochure,the family wrote a small caveat saying “For those who knew our father well,you would know that if you planned to visit him,you were certain to find a current copy of the Vanguard in his sitting room.His daily ritual was simple.
After reading it,he would pass it on to anyone else who wanted to read it”. The late Ojekwe had interests in other classical literally works like Shakespeare,Things Fall apart by Chinua Achebe,the Holy Bible, My Odyssey by Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe among others.
The late Mr Peter Ojekwe’s friends are of the opinion that the management of Vanguard Newspapers Limited,immortalizes him as he did not only spend fortunes in dedicated reading of the Newspaper but died and was buried with the last edition of his last earthly journey.
His bosom friend, Akunne Chuka Odiakosa who lamented the passing of Mr Ojekwe said many of his friends enjoyed his companionship because he had the grasp of authentic local and international News which he read in the Vanguard Newspapers.
According to him,late Ojekwe was a socialite and loved the customs and tradition of Onitsha community where he hailed from. The late Mr Peter Ojekwe’s funeral was like a mini carnival.Relatives,friends and sympathizers came from far and near to pay last respects to him.
The American Quarters Community came out in their numbers so were various cultural troupes and even the rare Ijele masquerade. Former Delta State Commissioner of Police CP Ikechukwu Aduba, former spokesman of Nigerian Army,General Eche Chukwuma, renowned Onitsha socialite Akunwafor Peter Omekam, Hon Justice Ozoh and many other dignitaries turned up in solidarity with the family to pay last respect to the deceased.
His twin brother,Sir Paul Ojekwe mourned his departed brother with equanimity as he was condoled by friends and sympathizers.It was not clear whether Igbo billionaire and renowned philanthropist Chief (Engr) Arthur Eze attended the burial as was being expected.
Chief Eze was said to have started his early life at the Ojekwe family in Onitsha and that the family was very protective of him then. He had surprised them with a visit years ago.
Earlier during the burial service,the presiding priest Venerable Ifeanyi Azubike had commended the peaceful and purposeful life of late Mr Peter Ojekwe.
He urged Christians to imbibe good character and do only those things that would lead to eternal life in heaven since all worldly things would one day pass away.
The late Mr Peter Ojekwe is survived by his widow Mrs Obiageli Ojekwe and his children Barr Ngozi Ojekwe-Youdiowei,Barr Denise OJ Peter,Obinna Ojekwe and Barr Nworah Ojekwe.He had five grand children.
Onitsha veteran master of ceremonies,Comrade Nwolu Odiamma officiated on the occasion.
