By Victor Ononye
An 83-year-old Onitsha man, Mr. Peter Chuka Nwalie Ojekwe (popularly known as Jimmy London), who died recently, was buried with the current edition of the Vanguard Newspaper of Thursday, December 11, 2025, along with a copy of the Holy Bible enclosed in his coffin.
His burial took place on the same day after a funeral service at St. Stephen Anglican Church, Onitsha.
His son, Mr. Nworah Ojekwe, a lawyer, told me that his late father had an unusual affection for the Vanguard Newspaper.
He revealed that the deceased maintained a dedicated vendor who supplied him with the paper—and only the Vanguard—for several decades until his final days.
According to Nworah, his father, who retired in 2000 from diplomatic service in Rio de Janeiro, developed a lifelong bond with the newspaper.
He believed Vanguard was the only source of authentic news and insightful analysis on socio-political and economic issues in Nigeria.
In the burial brochure, the family included a brief note that read:
“For those who knew our father well, you would know that if you planned to visit him, you were certain to find a current copy of the Vanguard in his sitting room. His daily ritual was simple: after reading it, he would pass it on to anyone else who wanted to read it.”
The late Ojekwe also had deep interests in classical literature, including Shakespeare, Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe, the Holy Bible, and My Odyssey by Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, among others.
Friends of the late Mr. Ojekwe have called on the management of Vanguard Newspapers Limited to immortalise him, noting that he not only devoted significant resources to faithfully reading the paper but was finally buried with the last edition he received.
His close friend, Akunne Chuka Odiakosa, lamented his death, saying many people cherished Ojekwe’s companionship because he had a solid grasp of authentic local and international news—knowledge he acquired from reading Vanguard.
According to him, the late Ojekwe was a notable socialite who loved the customs and traditions of his Onitsha community. His funeral drew an impressive crowd and resembled a mini carnival. Relatives, friends, and sympathisers travelled from far and near to pay their last respects.
The American Quarters Community turned out in large numbers, accompanied by various cultural troupes, including the rare Ijele masquerade. Notable dignitaries in attendance included former Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikechukwu Aduba; former spokesman of the Nigerian Army, General Eche Chukwuma; renowned Onitsha socialite, Akunwafor Peter Omekam; Hon. Justice Ozoh; among others.
His twin brother, Sir Paul Ojekwe, received condolences with calm dignity as he mourned his departed sibling. It was, however, unclear whether billionaire philanthropist Chief (Engr.) Arthur Eze attended the burial as earlier expected.
Chief Eze is said to have started his early life in the Ojekwe household in Onitsha, a family that reportedly offered him strong support in his youth. He had paid them a surprise visit several years ago.
Earlier at the burial service, the presiding priest, Venerable Ifeanyi Azubike, commended the peaceful and purposeful life of the late Mr. Ojekwe.
He urged Christians to cultivate righteous living and focus on deeds that lead to eternal life, reminding the congregation that worldly possessions are transient.
The late Mr. Peter Ojekwe is survived by his widow, Mrs. Obiageli Ojekwe; his children, Barr. Ngozi Ojekwe-Youdiowei, Barr. Denise O.J. Peter, Obinna Ojekwe, and Barr. Nworah Ojekwe; and five grandchildren.
The funeral ceremony was anchored by Onitsha veteran master of ceremonies, Comrade Nwolu Odiamma.
