Abayomi Susan
The ancient town of Isuofia stood still in solemn reflection as Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, joined family members, traditional rulers, religious leaders, dignitaries and residents to bid a final farewell to the late traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Lt. Col. Christopher Moghalu (Rtd.), whose life of service, faith and cultural stewardship left an enduring mark on the people.
The Pontifical Funeral Mass, held at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Isuofia, was presided over by His Eminence, Peter Ebere Cardinal Okpalaeke, who led mourners in celebrating the remarkable life of a monarch widely admired for his unwavering commitment to peace, community development and the preservation of the rich cultural heritage of Isuofia.
According to the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Christian Aburime, Governor Soludo paid glowing tribute to the late monarch, describing him as an “Iroko” whose 88 years were defined not by their length but by their extraordinary impact on humanity.
“We don’t just live; we live to matter. And when it is all done, it is not how long but how well,” the Governor said.
Reflecting on the monarch’s character, Soludo described him as a man of integrity whose commitment to truth, community building and service distinguished his reign.
“He was a man of his word—we share that similarity. He was a builder of people, community, church, faith, tradition and culture,” the Governor stated.
Governor Soludo also recalled the late monarch’s deep passion for education, describing it as one of the qualities that left a lasting impression on him.
He recounted how the monarch personally visited him after he adopted Amorji Primary School, Isuofia, to express appreciation for the intervention and to share his own lifelong efforts in encouraging educational advancement within the community.
Offering words of reassurance to the people of Isuofia as the community prepares for a new chapter, the Governor expressed confidence that the transition would be peaceful.
“God brought peace to Isuofia after twenty years, and I assure you we will have this transition in peace. The greatest way to honour this Iroko is to uphold the values he lived and stood for,” he affirmed.
Delivering the homily, Cardinal Peter Ebere Okpalaeke reminded the congregation that Christians grieve with hope because of Christ’s victory over death.
“We do not mourn as those without hope. Our hope rests in the victory of Christ over death. A baptised child of God journeys to heaven; he does not truly die,” the Cardinal said.
He praised the late monarch for successfully harmonising his Christian faith with his traditional responsibilities, describing him as a shining example of how cultural heritage and religious conviction can coexist without conflict.
“The departed traditional ruler demonstrated that one can preserve cultural heritage without compromising faith. He lived that conviction admirably,” Cardinal Okpalaeke observed.
The Cardinal further stressed that the Church and traditional institutions serve complementary roles in advancing human development, noting that both remain vital pillars of society.
Turning to the forthcoming succession process, he appealed to the people of Isuofia to preserve the peace that characterised the late monarch’s reign.
“I urge everyone to allow the selection of his successor to be guided by peace and unity. Let the process never become a source of division or hatred. Preserving the peace he cherished is the greatest honour we can pay his memory,” he said.
The funeral also reflected the late monarch’s influence beyond the traditional institution. Representing the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Osita Okoye paid an emotional tribute, crediting the late monarch with playing a defining role in his military career.
“What I am today, he contributed about ninety per cent. He ensured that I gained admission into the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1990,” the senior military officer recalled, describing the late monarch as an exceptional mentor and nation-builder.
As Isuofia prepares for the formal Ofala Ceremony scheduled for January 5, 2027, tributes continue to pour in for a monarch remembered as a symbol of peace, integrity, selfless leadership and community development.
Though the community mourns the passing of one of its most revered sons, his enduring legacy of faith, education, service and cultural pride will continue to inspire generations and guide Isuofia’s future.
