By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun yesterday, described the death of Eze’ndigbo in Ibadan and Oyo State, Dr. Alex Anozie as a rude shock and disbelief .
Oba Balogun in a condolence message through his Personal Assistant (Media), Oladele Ogunsola, said the exit of the Eze Ndigbo was a personal loss.
The Olubadan stressed that late Dr. Anozie was a very peaceful and peace loving personality, who used the virtue to ensure good neighborliness between his Igbo community and their Yoruba hosts.
Oba Balogun maintained “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”.
According to Oba Balogun, the late Eze’ndigbo, faced a lot of challenges, but bore all with calmness, humility and sense of purpose and these accounted for his success and ability to lead his people for that long.
Stressing that”as painful as his sudden exit may be, coupled with the fact of the loss of his wife last year, the Olubadan urged the children to be of good cheers because of the good legacies left behind by their departed father.
“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”, he said.
Oba Balogun added, ” To the Igbo community, I share your pains and grief over the loss of a rare gem. A bridge builder and a leader that 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 neighborliness which he professed”.
Commiserating with the generality of the people over the exit of the Igbo leader in Ibadanland, Olubadan equally remarked that the exit would be felt by them, especially those who enjoyed his optical services and said it was an act of God which no mortal had power over. *Let’s all thank God for the life of the man and pray for the repose of his peaceful soul”.
New Nigerian recalled that the Ezendigbo of Ibadan land and Oyo state, Dr Alex Anozie died in his sleep at the age of 74 years at his home in Ibadan.
His remains has been taken home ahead of preparation for his burial at his home town Igboukwu, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The late Ezendigbo of Ibadan and Oyo State was President of Non Indigenes Traditional Council of Ibadan and Oyo State (NITCIOS) besides being a founder of Ndieze In diaspora.
