By Ifeyinwa Ogwo
Anambra Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo honoured his late community Monarch, Igwe Lt Col. Moghalu (Rtd), Isu II of Isuofia, stating his impactful life. “He was a builder of people, the community, church, faith, tradition, and culture. He also valued education and contributed to law and order in our community”.
He made this remark during the funeral Mass of the late Igwe at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Isuofia on July 17.
On behalf of the government and people of Anambra State, Governor Soludo welcomed attendees, especially the Nigerian Army representatives, who travelled from afar to pay their respects. He consoled the Igwe’s family and the community, urging them to find comfort in the face of their loss. “Remember him for the things he loved doing.”
The governor announced that the stool of the late Igwe would not be vacant until after next year’s Ofala festival, scheduled for January 5th. He expressed hope that the next ruler would be a man of peace.
Earlier, His Eminence Peter Cardinal Okpaleke, Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese, comforted the family and community, noting that Igwe Moghalu lived a fulfilled life of service to the people, the church, the community, and Nigeria. “His faith was unwavering, even as he upheld our culture,” he said. “He advised not to mourn like those without hope, referencing 1 Thessalonians 4:13, which reminds us not to grieve hopelessly over those who sleep in death.”
He emphasised that the church and society are allies in upholding communal values. “The church seeks to support traditional institutions, not replace or undermine them. We are collaborators—church shapes consciousness, traditional institutions preserve identity, town unions mobilise resources, and government manages public affairs.”
Cardinal Okpaleke prayed for God’s forgiveness for Igwe Moghalu and stressed the importance of peaceful succession. “Disagreements may arise, but the process should not lead to hatred, discord, or violence.”
The Head of the Nigerian Army, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, who was represented by Major General Ositadimma Okoye, an indigene of Isuofia, thanked all military officers present at the funeral Mass. He mentioned that his own success is partly due to Igwe Moghalu’s support.
Ifeyinwa Ogwo is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
