By Our Correspondent
It was eulogies galore and a celebration of the rich Igbo culture and tradition, as the late elder statesman and Nigeria’s former Permanent Representative at the United Nations, Chief Arthur Mbanefo, was buried in the ancient city of Onitsha on Saturday.
Among those who attended the colourful ceremony, which took place at Mbanefo’s ancestral home at Inland Town, Onitsha, were former governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi, Publisher of Vanguard Newspapers, Uncle Sam Amuka, Senator Bode Olajumoke, who represented Ondo North in the Senate from 2007 – 2011, Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, who led a powerful delegation from the University, and a delegation from the Ooni of Ife.
Venerable Emmanuel Ukpaeke, Vicar of Emmanuel Anglican Church, Inland Town, Onitsha led members of the church for a brief prayer where Chief Mbanefo lay in state in his ancestral compound and later delivered a condolence message to the family. Emmanuel church is where the Mbanefo family had worshipped since the coming of Anglican Church in the area.
Igbo culture was at its best as various groups, including the famous Ohafia War Dance, entertained the family members and guests.
Mbanefo’s only son, Arthur Jnr, spoke glowingly of his father. He said : “My father was my hero and confidant. He was born here in Onitsha in 1930 and attended St Patrick’s College, Calabar and taught at DMGS, Onitsha before he travelled abroad for further studies.
“He qualified as a chattered accountant and returned to Nigeria to practice. During the civil war, he was Biafra’s special envoy and was in charge of the purchase of aircrafts and other war items for Biafra. After the war, he went back to UK and returned to Nigeria after living there for some time.
“Although he was a private sector person, he later started doing things for government. He was involved in state creation and was chairman of many companies, including UAC. He also worked in various parts of Africa , including Kenya.
“Under President Olusegun Obasanjo, he was made Nigeria’s Permanent Representative at the United Nations. Even after leaving United Nations, he continued to promote peace in Africa.
“He came back and started writing books and donating them to universities, an action my father said, was very dear to him. He set up the Arthur Mbanefo Research Center at the University of Lagos where he also established a digital library.
“My father was Pro Chancellor to three first generation universities namely, University of Lagos, University of Ife and Ahmadu Bello University. He was indeed a nationalist.
“Right from my great grandfather, this family has been occupying the position of Odu of Onitsha, which was why he was Odu 111 of Onitsha. The title has been in this family for over 100 years.
“During his lifetime, oracles were consulted and it was found out that my father had roots in Oronmiyan, which is why he was not prostrating before Yoruba kings and he could enter any palace without prior announcement . This is why the Ooni of Ife is sending a delegation to represent him at the burial.”
He added that his family also has a great link with the Emmanuel Anglican Church Onitsha, through his grandfather. “My father was actually a Catholic, but my grandfather regularly worshipped at Emmanuel Anglican Church. He was also in charge of the building committee of the church”, he stated.
He said further: “Tradition is important to us, especially when one realizes that he is in it not by choice, but born into it. We have been everywhere. When I look back at my father’s legacies and what he did in 95 years, it is like 95 lifetimes. He was a unique individual. I cannot achieve half of what he achieved, maybe my sons can.”
Vice Chancellor of University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, who led a powerful delegation that included the Deputy Vice Chancellor and other top officials of the institution said: “, Arthur Mbanefo was our Pro Chancellor many years ago, but he never left us. In 2015, he built the Arthur Mbanefo Digital Research Center and on his 90th birthday, he donated it to the university. That center is one of the unique sites on campus.
‘More importantly, we could always go to him for advice and he had a special relationship with all of us in the university. Every year, we do an annual lecture for him and we intend to continue. His first memorial lecture will take place soon to continue to cherish the seeds he sowed in people’s minds in the University of Lagos. I’m very happy to be here to honour him”.
On his part, Senator Bode Olajumoke said:
“Arthur and I have been friends for many years. We both chaired Primadi Shipping Company and we are both shareholders. We were indeed very close. I believe he has gone to be with his maker. I’m here representing members of the board of Primadi Shipping Company. They could not be here , but they sent representations to show appreciation. He was the immediate past chairman and I succeeded him. May his soul rest in peace.”
Arthur Mbanefo’s first grandchild, Ifechukwu who is based in the United States of America said: “My grandfather was a great man. He served his country creditably in many capacities. He was there for me, giving me advice and I was always spending quality time with him. I will greatly miss him.”
At exactly 12 noon, traditional rites ahead of the interment of Chief Arthur Mbanefo began with Canon shots and assemblage of Onitsha titled men.
