The family of the late Chief Ogbuefi Clement Nwagbogu Ilobanafor, the Esesuo Agbara I of Ozegu, has announced the schedule of funeral activities for their patriarch, who passed away on June 22, 2025, at the age of 93.
Chief Ilobanafor, a respected elder statesman and community leader, was renowned for his humility, wisdom, and lifelong dedication to the development of his community in Ozegu, Enugwu-Inyi, Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State.
He was widely celebrated for promoting unity, peace, and progress, earning deep admiration and respect from across the country.
Since his passing, tributes have continued to pour in from friends, colleagues, and dignitaries within and outside Nigeria.
Among those who have sent their condolences are the Ywom Traditional Council, Garkawa District of Mikang Local Government Area, Plateau State, under the leadership of His Royal Highness, AIG Bashir E. Makama Dabup III (psc+ Rtd), the Mwo-Ywom of Garkawa; Dr. Adedayo Olugbade Ajayi, Director General of Afe Babalola International Study Centre (ABISC); Pharm. (Prof.) Lere Baale, Chief Executive Officer of Business School Netherlands and President of the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy, alongside his wife, Mrs. Ife Baale; and Pharm. Elechi Oyim, National Chairman of the Association of Hospital and Administrative Pharmacists of Nigeria (AHAPN), among several others.
In a statement issued by the Ilobanafor family, the funeral activities will commence on Monday, January 5, 2026, with a Christian Wake-Keep at his compound in Umueke Ozegu, Enugwu-Inyi, Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State, beginning at 5:00 p.m.
The event will provide relatives, friends, and well-wishers an opportunity to share fond memories and testimonies of the late Chief Ilobanafor, who was highly regarded for his service and leadership.
A Requiem Mass will hold on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, Enugwu-Inyi Parish, Inyi Town, Oji River Local Government Area, beginning at 10:30 a.m.
The service will be followed by funeral rites and a reception at his family compound, where guests will gather to honour and celebrate his life and legacy.
The final Thanksgiving Mass will take place on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, Enugwu-Inyi Parish, Inyi Town, by 9:00 a.m.
The thanksgiving service will mark the conclusion of the burial ceremonies and serve as a celebration of Chief Ilobanafor’s faith, achievements, and enduring influence.
The Ilobanafor family has invited relatives, friends, and associates to join them in celebrating the remarkable life of their late patriarch, describing him as a man of integrity, kindness, and exemplary leadership whose legacy will continue to inspire generations.
Written by Niran Odufayo