Senator Umeh, Deacon Olalere, Alh. Owolabi Condole APGA National Chairman over father's death

 **SENATOR UMEH, DEACON OLALERE, ALH. OWOLABI CONDOLE APGA NATIONAL CHAIRMAN OVER FATHER'S DEATH**

By Wole Adedoyin

The former National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Senator Dr. Victor Umeh, OFR, alongside the immediate past National Vice Chairman (Southwest), Deacon Samson Segun Olalere, and the incumbent National Vice Chairman (Southwest), Alhaji Owolabi Suraj Olanrewaju, have expressed deep condolences to the National Chairman of APGA, Barr. Sylvester Ezeokenwa, over the passing of his father, Chief Sylvester Ezeokenwa, the Ezeudo of Umuchu.

In a heartfelt condolence message personally signed by Senator Umeh and made available to the press, he described the late Chief Ezeokenwa as a committed, principled, and dedicated founding member of APGA, whose loyalty to the party was unshakable. He noted that Chief Ezeokenwa was the Chairman of APGA in Onitsha South Local Government Area from 2003 to 2015 and played a pivotal role in making APGA a formidable force in that region.

Senator Umeh recounted his close working relationship with the deceased, stating that, “He worked with me throughout the period I served as the National Chairman of APGA beginning from 2005. Alongside Late Chief Patrick Ezenduka, he provided the indefatigable support that made APGA unbeatable in Onitsha South LGA.”

The Senator also highlighted Chief Ezeokenwa’s moral uprightness and dedication to justice, stating that he was “a devout Christian who stood against any form of compromise to what is right.” He praised the late elder statesman for his trustworthiness and his unwavering belief in the ideals of APGA.

Recalling fond memories, Senator Umeh added, “He recommended me for the conferment of the Chieftaincy title of Okaaomee of Umuchu by the Igwe Ezechukwu and His Royal Cabinet of Umuchu. I found him honest and unyielding in matters of trust and commitment to justice. I have therefore lost a loyal friend, ally, and brother.”

In his condolence message, Deacon Samson Segun Olalere described the death of Chief Ezeokenwa as a great loss not only to the Ezeokenwa family but also to the entire APGA structure. “Papa was a rare gem whose legacy of service and sacrifice will continue to inspire all of us in the party. His life embodied humility, integrity, and compassion. He has gone to rest, but his ideals will live on,” Olalere said.

Alhaji Owolabi Suraj Olanrewaju, the current National Vice Chairman of APGA (Southwest), also offered his sympathies, describing Chief Ezeokenwa as “a man of uncommon wisdom and courage, whose contributions to the growth and stability of APGA remain indelible.” He urged the bereaved family to take solace in the impactful life Chief Ezeokenwa lived and the enduring legacy he left behind.

The three party chieftains prayed for the peaceful repose of the soul of Chief Ezeokenwa and urged the Ezeokenwa family, the people of Umuchu, and the entire APGA family to bear the loss with fortitude. They called on all members of the party to honour the late Chief’s memory by remaining steadfast in promoting unity and justice, which he stood for.

The All Progressives Grand Alliance has indeed lost a pillar, a statesman, and a trailblazer whose name will forever be remembered in the annals of the party’s history. May his courageous and gentle soul rest in perfect peace.