The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun has said the sudden death of the head of the Igbo community, Eze’ndigbo in Ibadan and Oyo state, Alex Anozie came as a rude shock and disbelief to him.
He said the exit of the renowned optician was a personal loss.
Oba Balogun, in a condolence message through his personal assistant (media), Oladele Ogunsola, on Thursday, September 28, described the late Anozie as a very peaceful and peace-loving personality, who used the virtue to ensure good neighbourliness between his Igbo community and their Yoruba hosts.
Recalling the celebration of his 26 years’ leadership of the pan Igbo socio-cultural group last June during which he (Olubadan) commended him for the way he had been piloting the affairs of the group, Olubadan said: “The Igbo community has lost a rare leader who would always be remembered for his advocacy for oneness of Nigeria irrespective of tribe, language and religious differences.”
The late Eze Ndigbo, according to Olubadan, faced a lot of challenges, but bore all with calmness, humility, and a sense of purpose adding “these accounted for his success and ability to lead his people for that long.”
As painful as his sudden exit may be, coupled with the fact of the loss of his wife last year, Oba Balogun urged the children to be in good cheer because of the good legacies left behind by their departed father.
He said: “I urge you to feel happy because you have a father to be proud of. Dr. Anozie lived very well and was at peace with his maker going by his disposition to fellow beings.
“To the Igbo community, I share your pains and grief over the loss of a rare gem. A bridge builder and a leader who was compassionate and full of ideas for the well-being of all. I urge you to remain steadfast and committed to the ideals of peaceful coexistence and good neighbourliness which he professed.”
Commiserating with the generality of the people over the exit of the Igbo leader in Ibadanland, Olubadan further said that the exit would be felt especially by those who enjoyed the deceased optical services, noting that it was an act of God which no mortal had power over.
He added: “Let’s all thank God for the life of the man and pray for the repose of his peaceful soul.”
