…as Bianca, Obi, others attend requiem mass in London.
London – Nigerians resident in the UK on Saturday held a final requiem mass for late Chief Odumegu Ojukwu ahead of the departure of his corpse to Nigeria today.

Wife of the deceased, Mrs Bianca Ojukwu and Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State were among the worshippers at St George’s Cathedral, Westminster.

In a speech on the occasion, Obi described Ojukwu as a great Nigerian who strove for justice at all times. He said he was humbled and overwhelmed by outpouring of goodwill for the deceased by all segments of the Nigerian society and the International community.

The governor, therefore, charged Nigerians to emulate the late Ikemba of Nnewi by promoting the ideals of social justice and selfless pursuit of equity which he lived for.

During the mass, Rev. Fr. Prof. Ike Obiorah, in his sermon, said all societies needed people who promote social justice as Ojukwu did in order to progress.

He called on Nigerians to contribute meaningfully to the society and avoid the dominant culture of “nihilism” that was gradually taking over most societies.

Obiorah recalled the sacrifices Ojukwu made for the good of his people, and declared that the spirit of Biafra would not die as long as injustice continued in the country.

In her remarks, Bianca said the continuous outpouring of goodwill that had followed her husband’s death had always moved her to tears. She expressed gratitude to God for his life and to Nigerians for the show of love and best wishes.

On his part, Ojukwu’s son, Emeka Ojukwu Jnr, expressed gratitude to God for the kind of life his father lived and to all those who stood by the family, including the Anambra State governor, since Ojukwu’s death.

Some Nigerians present at the service include Mrs Salamatu Tafida, wife of the Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK, Governor Obi’s wife, Mrs. Margaret, Chief Victor Umeh, Dr. Tim Menakaya and Sen. Ben Obi.

Others are Gen. Isaac Obiakor, Ojukwu’s Chief of Staff, Prince Bob Onyema, 83-year-old Phil Philip, the pilot that flew the last plane that brought relief materials to Biafra under Joint Christian Aids, and his wife, Jean Philip.