Traditional Ruler of Ibiasoegbe Community is Dead

By Samuel Torlumun

The traditional ruler of Ibiasoegbe autonomous community in Oru-West local council of Imo State, His Royal Highness, Eze Denis Ezinne Onyebuagu, Ezeoha II of Ibiaaoegbe is dead.

Eze Onyebuagu, aged 80 died after a brief illness in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The late Eze Onyebuagu, ascended the throne in 2004.

The traditional prime minister of the community, Chief Clifford Onwu, said arrangements are in top gear to give the departed royal father a decent and dignified burial.

The late Eze Onyebuagu was born in October, 1943 into the family of late Nze Akubueziokwu and Lolo Obodoaghanwa Onyebuagu.

He began his education at the St Paul’s Catholic School, Ibiasoegbe. After his primary education, he proceeded to St Peter Claver Junior Seminary, Okpala for his post primary education.

Following his brilliant performance in the January, 1960 London GCE, the young Onyebuagu was retained by his school as a teacher.

After a brief stint, he proceeded to Bishop Shanahan Teacher Training College, Orlu for further studies. After his graduation from BSTC, the late Eze Onyebuagu taught briefly at Comprehensive Secondary School, Awonmama and Abbot Secondary School, Ihiala.

His quest for further studies propelled him to seek admission into the then University College Ibadan. Though the Nigeria-Biafra civil war cut short his studies, he later went back to complete his studies and graduated with a B.Sc degree with Honours in Sociology, in 1971. The late Eze Onyebuagu, later proceeded to Massachusettes in the United States of America (USA), where he obtained a Masters degree in Management from Hult International Business School.

In 1975, he joined the services of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka as an Administrative Officer I. He spent 28 years at the prestigious citadel of learning and rose to the rank of Registrar.

While in the services of UNN, the late Eze Onyebuagu, held various positions capping his university administration career with the post of substantive Registrar.

At various times, he was Head, University Tenders Board, Secretary to Council and Senate, positions he held until his retirement in 2003.

His career as university administrator climaxed when he was elected into the Governing Council of UNN, representing the Congregation.