On January 8, 2025, St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Uzii, became a gathering point for heartfelt tributes and prayers as parishioners and clergy joined the Ikenta family to bid farewell to their patriarch, the late High Chief Patrick Onwuebuoke Ikenta. The funeral, a deeply moving and spiritually uplifting event, drew a large assembly of priests, religious men and women, and lay faithful from across the Diocese of Orlu.
The solemn funeral Mass commenced at 10:00 a.m., presided over by the Bishop of Orlu Diocese, Most Rev. Augustine Ukwuoma, with dozens of concelebrating priests. The church was filled with an atmosphere of reverence and reflection as the faithful gathered to celebrate the life and legacy of Chief Ikenta, a man remembered for his virtues, faith, and service.
A Homily of Reflection and Inspiration
Rev. Fr. Basil Okeruo, the homilist, delivered a profound and thought-provoking sermon on the sacredness of life. Drawing from Scripture, he reminded the congregation that human life is a unique gift from God, marked by the divine image and destined for eternal communion with the Creator.
Fr. Okeruo emphasized that the true purpose of life is to love, serve, and worship God, and ultimately to return to Him in heaven. He urged the faithful to emulate Christ’s sacrificial love and to live with a good heart, ensuring their actions align with God’s will. “Our words, deeds, and even our omissions will be the basis of our judgment,” he stressed, challenging all present to lead lives that reflect God’s love and goodness.
He also highlighted the importance of honoring the dead through prayers, sacrifices, and the Holy Mass, urging the faithful to avoid excessive merriment during funerals. “While celebration of life is good, it is through spiritual acts like prayer and sacrifice that we can truly support the souls of our departed loved ones,” he explained.
Celebrating a Life of Virtue and Service
Reflecting on Chief Ikenta’s life, Fr. Okeruo described him as a man of great virtue, a philanthropist whose generosity knew no bounds. “He was simple, humble, and full of good deeds,” Fr. Okeruo said, adding that Chief Ikenta’s life exemplified Christian values of love, humility, and service to others.
Chief Ikenta was celebrated not only as a devoted family man but also as a selfless servant of the community and the Church. His contributions to the parish and his acts of charity, both financial and personal, left a legacy that will be remembered for generations.
Final Farewell and Words of Gratitude
The Mass continued with the Eucharistic celebration and concluded with the final prayer of commendation, led by Rev. Fr. Joseph Enwerem, entrusting Chief Ikenta’s soul to God’s eternal care.
In a heartfelt vote of thanks, the parish priest, Rev. Fr. Collins Iwudibe, expressed deep gratitude to all who attended the funeral, noting Chief Ikenta’s remarkable impact on the parish. “He was a pillar of support, whose generosity and love for the Church were evident in his actions,” Fr. Iwudibe remarked.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Sir Onyeka Ikenta, the eldest son of the deceased, conveyed profound appreciation to the clergy, religious, and parishioners who stood by the family during their time of grief. “Your prayers, sacrifices, and presence have been a source of immense comfort to us,” he said.
Bishop Augustine Ukwuoma also delivered a tribute, describing Chief Ikenta as “a beacon of faith, service, and love” whose life left a positive mark on the community. He urged all present to emulate his legacy and live lives rooted in faith and compassion.
A Solemn Burial
The final rites at the gravesite were marked by solemn prayers and hymns, as the faithful committed the remains of High Chief Patrick Onwuebuoke Ikenta to the earth, entrusting his soul to God’s eternal care. The gathering dispersed with a sense of gratitude for having witnessed a life lived in faith and service and with a renewed commitment to follow the example he set.
The funeral of High Chief Patrick Ikenta was not just a farewell but a celebration of a life that inspired many to live with purpose, humility, and love for God and neighbor. His memory will remain a blessing to his family, the parish, and the entire community.
