CHIEF ROMANUS ONYEKACHUKWU EGBAI LAID TO REST AMIDST TRIBUTES AND PRAYERS
By Loveth Okolie
Boji-Boji, Owa hosted the solemn and dignified burial ceremony of late Chief Romanus Onyekachukwu Egbai, who passed away on November 25, 2024, at the age of 58. The well-respected philanthropist was laid to rest through a series of events that spanned three days, drawing family, friends, and dignitaries from far and wide to pay their last respects.
The burial rites began on Friday, December 27, 2024, with a Service of Songs held at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Boji-Boji, Owa. The service was marked by emotional hymns and prayers as attendees reflected on the life and legacy of Chief Romanus. In his homily, Rev. Fr. Henry Ogonwa, a visiting Priest reminded the congregation of the inevitability of death, describing it as “a necessary reality that we can’t run away from.” He urged everyone to live meaningful lives, emphasizing that life is fleeting and precious.
SEE ALSO: CHAMBERLAIN, BRAIN BEHIND BILL FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE, UTE-OKPU
On Saturday, December 28, the funeral Mass was also held at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. The church was filled to capacity as mourners gathered to bid farewell to Chief Romanus. Rev. Fr. Steve-Mario Isioma Edward, who delivered the homily, called on the congregation to “live ready,” stressing the importance of spiritual preparedness for the afterlife. He highlighted Chief Romanus’s contributions to the community and commended his dedication to the church and his family.
After the church service, the remains of Chief Romanus Egbai were laid to rest at his residence, Eruemulor Street off Owa-Ekei Road by MTN Mast, amidst a solemn and emotional gathering of family and close friends. The final prayers were said at the graveside, marking the end of the earthly journey of a man described as a pillar of the community.
Following the interment, a grand reception was held at Owa Model Secondary School, along Owa-Ekei Road. The event was a blend of solemnity and celebration as tributes were read by family members, friends, and colleagues who shared heartfelt memories of the late chief. Uncle Chuks and his musical band from Idumuesah were on ground to thrill the people with good music.
Several dignitaries graced the occasion, praising Chief Romanus for his unwavering commitment to the development of his community and the lives he touched during his lifetime. Some of the dignitaries present at the event were members of Umunede Progressive Union (UPU), Port Harcourt branch, Dynamite Club Ute-Okpu, G15 of Ute-Okpu, Ute-Okpu Development Union (UDU) Port Harcourt branch, G10 Club Lagos branch, Friends and Well Wishers from Port Harcourt, Chief Godwin Ogadi (Ugochukwutumonye of Ute-Okpu), Sir (Hon.) Dunkwu Nnamdi Chamberlain PhD (Deputy Chief of Staff to the Speaker), AIG Godwin Aghulor, G.M. Ofuokwu (UDU Lagos branch) and many others too numerous to mention.
Speaking with the press after the reception, Mr. Jeff Uti, a member of the Dynamite Club of Ute-Okpu described late Chief Romanus Egbai as a man of the people who was selfless when it concerned his people. In his words “late Romanus left a vacuum that will be difficult to fill, he had a heart for his people, we will miss him dearly.”
The ceremonies were concluded on Sunday, December 29, with a Thanksgiving Service at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. It was a moment of reflection and gratitude as the family of Chief Romanus gathered to thank God for his life and the support received during their time of grief. During the service, Rev. Fr. Kingsley Idehen prayed for strength and comfort for the bereaved family, urging them to remain united and continue the legacy of their beloved patriarch.
Late Chief Romanus Onyekachukwu Egbai is survived by his wife, Mrs. Rita Nkonye Egbai, and their two daughters, Favour Romanus and Flourish Romanus. He will be remembered as a devoted family man, a man of faith, and a beacon of hope for his community. His passing marks the end of an era, but his impact they say will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.