Umahi, Otti Condole with Ikpeazu, Ironsi, Okpara’s Families over Death of Matriachs

Governor Dave Umahi has condoled with the Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu and the families of the late former military head of state, General Aguiyi Ironsi and late Premier of the former Eastern region, Michael Okpara over the passing of their Matriachs Dame Victoria Aguiyi Ironsi and Lady Adanne Okpara recently.

In separate condolence messages to Ikpeazu and the two families, Umahi said “I received with the deepest sympathies, the sad news of the death of our matriarchs and legendary mothers, Dame Victoria Aguiyi-Ironsi, wife of the first Military Head of State of Nigeria, Gen. Johnson Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi, and Lady Adanna Okpara, wife of the Premier of the defunct Eastern Nigeria, Dr. M. I. Okpara who were respectively called to glory on August, 2021 at a bracket age of 97 years.”

He described the Late Dame Victoria Aguiyi-Ironsi “as a first lady of quintessential charisma who showed deep commitment to national unity and integration both in the husband’s Unitary government and in her private life.”

Umahi pointed out that “Late Lady Adanna Okpara was a pillar of support to her husband’s governance principles. She was a strong believer in the husband’s philosophy of ‘pragmatic socialism’ and ‘green revolution’ as a panacea for national development.”

He noted that although “we shall miss these graceful women of inestimable dignity, we are consoled by the quantum of fond memories that radiated in their lives and times. May their gentle souls rest in the bosom of the Lord, Amen.

“At this moment of grief therefore, I most heartily convey the heartfelt condolences of the government and people of Ebonyi State to the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Her Excellency, Mrs Aisha Buhari, the wife of my dear brother and Governor of Abia State, Her Excellency, Mrs. Nkechi Caroline Ikpeazu and the families of Late Aguiyi-Ironsi and Late M I Okpara”, he stated.

Meanwhile, renowned economist and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Alex Otti, has expressed shock over the demise of two prominent Abia women, saying they were “quintessential women, who were role models”.

According to Otti, the deceased were “quintessential women and role models whose exemplary conducts of courage and tenacity amid trials and tribulations inspired many women to hold their heads high and aspire to succeed”.

The ex-bank chief noted that “the fact that these two illustrious daughters of Abia took a glorious bow within 24 hours and at the same age of 97, showed the special kind of bond that held them”.

He said that the deaths of the former first ladies “also revealed in a special way the full accomplishment of their mission on earth, hence their decision to exit when the ovation was loudest”

Otti lauded the women for the rare loyalty and virtuous conducts with which they upheld the legendary memories of their iconic late husbands. He therefore, enjoined their respective families to ensure they uphold those beautiful legacies they have left behind.

While he sent his deepest condolences to the families of Michael Okpara and Aguiyi Ironsi, as well as the government and people of Abia state, Otti also prayed God to grant the beautiful souls of the late first ladies eternal repose.