By Onuchukwu Hamilton
The burial ceremony of late Inspector Melody Linus Okebata(Ome Oji 1 of Izombe)last Friday 23rd August, which turned into a kind of carnival, leading to the voluntary closure of personal shops and markets for just that day, has unveiled a historical record that may not be obliterated from the socio-cultural archives of Aborsh Autonomous Community , Izombe, in Oguta LGA as the entertaining unique presentations, from the Nigeria Security Officers at the occasion are also another historical chapter.
The notable personalities and soco-cultural groups at the burial ceremony of the late octogenarian, were the State Governor’s aides, Officers of the Imo State Police Command especially the Tiger Base Unit, Officers from the Military base, Officers of the Civil Defence Command, the Federal House Members for Isu/ Njaba/ Nkwerre/Nwangele Federal Constituency, Barr. Harrison Nwadike, the Federal House Member for Oguta/ Ohaji and Oru West Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Eugene Dibiagwu, the Cabinet members of the traditional head of Land, the members of Igwemaduka Social Club of Nigeria, the Izombe Central Union, Aborshi Umunwanma Obeabor Ndiulokwu, the representative of Oguta State Constituency, Hon. Engr. Gilbert Nwosu and others, too numerous to mention here.
The late retired police inspector who died at the age of 86, after a brief illness, married his beloved wife and were blessed with well performing Children and relatives. His Corpse, which was deposited at the Imo State General Hospital Mortuary, Umuguma, was on that day, wheeled to the Traditional Rulers Palace and to Emmanuel Anglican Church Izombe for a requiem Mass before he was finally buried in his family compound.
During the Church Service, the Officiating Priest, and serving Bishop on the Lake, Most Rev. Chijioke Otti preached on the theme that warned people to repent for the time is coming when we shall give account of the life on earth. He made references to John 5:23, 28 & 29, Hebrews 9:27 and Luke16. He acknowledged that the late Pa Okebata lived a good life and equally admonishes that the Children should maintain the good legacy of their father.
According to the late octogenarian’s son who is also a serving police officer, Mr. Chika Okebata, their late father was in many social organizations for effective service to the community. He had a sound academic background, he served as a Biafran Soldier, and later joined the Nigeria Police Force(NPF). As a member of the NPF, he served in different states, especially the Mopol18 in Abia State. While in Imo State Government House , he served as a pilot one to Rear Admiral Allison Mmadueke, Commodore Amadi v Ikwueche, Navy Commodore Anthony Oguguo, Chief Evans Enwerem, Navy Captain James Aneke and Colonial Tanzo Zubairo.
The ocassion ended peacefully as people were well entertained by different cultural dancers, delicious meals and quality drinks.
