Page 33 - Burial Brochure of Late Okoli Mr Bennett U

ORDER OF BURIAL SERVICE FOR
LATE MR BENNETT U. OKOLI (KOMA)
AGED: 70 YEARS

Tribute To My Beloved Father In-law

his is to salute the courage and life of my father in-law, late Mr. Benne Uwaezuoke Okoli
(Igwe-agba-utu) popularly known as Koma, whose sojourn on earth ended a er the
TBiblical year of 70 as appointed unto man. Psalm 90:10.
Benne was born and raised as a Catechist son. His father of the blessed memory, Late
Catechist Emmanuel Iniegbu indeed was a beacon of light and a catalyst to the Iniegbu family
made up the present Okoli, Ekwueme, Gbogu and Ezenekwe families in Ezioko-Oko. He laid down
rules and part to educa on and emancipa on of the en re family from poverty. In his words “The
first son must not go to College in order to help to train others”.
Benne Okoli during his life me narrated to me how he survived various stages of life. He
hardly forgets where he was coming from. He noted that it was Late Empire Nwosu that saw him
through the Teachers training college. And it was Dr. Alex Ekwueme that sent him abroad.
The process to travel abroad was nearly marred by enemies of progress if not for the
interven on of Late Chief Albert Emuwa of Amawbia (Ide's personal assistant) and Dr. Alex
Ekwueme himself. Benne first Passport was torn at Ide's office in order to frustrate his travel
and even when he finally made the journey they seek his deporta on. Yet God's hand was on him.
He kept to heart the par ng words of Ide. “Don't disappoint me”.
As soon as Benne survived the challenges of Coming to America, he quickly requested
Ide's permission for him to help other Oko indigenes to come over to USA. Hence at the last OPU
held in Atlanta Georgia where Ide was honored, it was affirmed that apart from Ide, Benne was
next in line to help other Oko ci zens come over to USA regardless of family membership.
Benne while alive con nued to ponder why God decided to bless him with 3 girls and 2
boys each from his two wives. Who will believe that Benne (Koma) will quit smoking? Indeed
the later days of Benne were be er than the former. God also gave him ample chance to
prepare for his death. During this period he was among the pioneer member of the Anglican
Church of Christ Newark NJ.
Benne was planning for a big Church thanksgiving service when the last health issue that
led to his Sunset came up.
I will always appreciate the deep respect Benne had for me. He remained grateful to
God that a Priest is his son in-law and look forward to having one of his own sons becoming
ordained.
I will forever treasure all my moments with you full of humor and deep learning. You were
a real man and all your friends and enemies cannot but salute your courage.
Adieu Igwe-agba-utu!
Adieu Koma!
Adieu my beloved father in-law!

Venerable John I. Onuorah++ (SON IN-LAW)

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