Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has called for strict adherence to the laws governing burials and award of chieftaincy titles in the state.
The Governor reinforced the call during the funeral mass of Rev. Fr. (Prof.) Stephen Chukwujekwu, who passed away on December 21st, 2023 at the age of 68 years old. The event took place at St. Patrick Cathedral, Awka.
Soludo described the late priest as a brother, friend, and former colleague, expressing personal and professional grief.
He offered condolences to the family and the church, commending their compliance with the state’s burial law.
The Governor used the occasion to applaud the growing awareness and compliance with the burial law among Anambra citizens. He announced the distribution of booklets containing the law’s full details to all communities and emphasized its strict enforcement.
Soludo emphasized the importance of respecting laws, stating that without obedience, even religious principles like the Ten Commandments would be moot.
He condemned the sale of chieftaincy titles by traditional rulers to individuals with questionable wealth, citing the negative impact on younger generations’ perception of success.
To combat this, Soludo declared that henceforth, traditional rulers must seek government approval and demonstrate merit before conferring chieftaincy titles.
Earlier, Rev. Fr. Eugene Anyonwanyi’s homily reminded listeners of our ultimate return to God and the importance of living upright lives like the late Rev. Fr. Chukwujekwu, who was described as a meticulous and faithful servant of God.
The funeral mass was attended by prominent figures, including APGA National Chairman Barr Sly Ezeokenwa, Senator Victor Umeh,
Commissioner for Health Dr Afam Obidike, Chief of Protocol Chinedu Nwoye Glamour, Former Vice Chancellor Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Prof. Fidelis Okafor, Catholic Archbishop of Awka Bishop Paulinus Chukwuemeka Ezeokafor, Monseigneurs, Reverend Fathers, Reverend Sisters, Traditional Rulers and others.
_Report from Press Secretary office_
