By Karen James
The final interment ceremony for former Nigerian Senator Ifeanyi Ubah took place on Friday in his hometown of Nnewi, marking a poignant farewell to the prominent political figure who passed away unexpectedly on July 27, 2024, at the age of 52. The ceremony drew notable figures from both government and the business sector, reflecting Ubah’s significant impact on the nation’s political landscape.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led the tributes, describing Ubah’s death as a “sad loss for the country.” His sentiments were shared by attendees, including former presidential candidate Peter Obi, Chris Ngige, a former governor of Anambra State, and Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe of Abia and Osita Izunaso of Imo State.
Despite the somberness of the occasion, the ceremony was not without controversy. Prior to the burial, supporters of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) issued threats, asserting that the burial would be obstructed due to Ubah’s alleged role in the repatriation of Nnamdi Kanu, the group’s leader. However, IPOB later distanced itself from the threats, emphasising its focus on other pressing matters.
Ubah leaves behind his wife, Uchenna Ubah, and their five children, who are now faced with the daunting task of navigating life without a devoted husband and father. Colleagues remembered him as a loving family man and a passionate advocate for his constituents.
As Nnewi filled with mourners honouring Ifeanyi Ubah’s legacy, it was a reminder of the complexities that often accompany public life in Nigeria—where political alliances, community sentiments, and personal tributes intermingle in the public arena.
