Alumni announces death, burial rites of prominent Ebonyi traditional ruler

Government Secondary School Afikpo Old Boys Association (GSSAOBA) has announced the passing of second school captain and first indigenous (Afikpo-Born) captain, Arch. Ezeogo Ewah Elechi.

Until his demise in November 2024, at the age of 93, Architect Elechi was the traditional ruler of Ohaisu autonomous community in Afikpo North local government area of Ebonyi state.

The deceased traditional ruler and Isuoha 1 of Ohaisu also served as the Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University, Gusau (FUGUS).

In a statement made available to Blueprint in Abuja, Tuesday, signed by signed Mr Ginger-Eke, FNIPR, National Publicity Secretary, GSSAOBA National, the union said the late traditional ruler exemplified excellence, wisdom and a deep commitment to the cultural heritage of his people, apart from discipline, honour and service to humanity.

The statement read: “The Old Boys Association of Government Secondary School, Afikpo (GSSAOBA), formally announce the peaceful transition to eternal glory of our esteemed second School Captain and the first indigenous (Afikpo-born) Captain of our beloved Alma mater, Architect Ezeogo Ewah Elechi. He passed away on November 23, 2024, after a brief illness.

“Engr. Arc. Ewah Elechi, a first-class monarch and a distinguished alumnus, leaves behind a legacy of exceptional scholarship, leadership, and service. His contributions to Government Secondary School, Afikpo, and his chosen field of Architecture and Engineering remain unparalleled.

“Throughout his 93-year journey on earth, he exemplified excellence, wisdom, and a deep commitment to the cultural heritage of his people.

“As the second School Captain and the first indigenous Captain of GSSA, Architect Elechi personified leadership par excellence.

“His tenure as the Traditional Ruler of Ohaisu Autonomous Community, where he bore the title of Isuoha 1 of Ohaisu, was marked by honour, stability and a profound dedication to preserving the cultural norms and traditions of Afikpo. His influence extended beyond his community, impacting Ebonyi State and Nigeria at large.

“Ezeogo Elechi’s remarkable life was characterized by his unwavering commitment to service. He served on numerous boards and parastatals, shaping institutional reforms across various sectors. His last national assignment was as the Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University, Gusau, where he served with distinction until the completion of his tenure.

“The GSSAOBA takes solace in the fact that Ezeogo Ewah Elechi was a man of quiet strength, valour and steadfast support for our Alma mater. He embodied the values we hold dear—discipline, honour, and service to humanity. His legacy of leadership, humility, and brotherhood will continue to inspire generations of GSSA alumni.

“As we bid farewell to this great son of GSSA, we celebrate a life well-lived, full of purpose, compassion, and achievements worthy of emulation. We remember him not only for his titles and honours but for the depth of his humanity, the grace of his personality, and the wisdom he imparted to all who had the privilege of knowing him.

“The final passage rites for Eng. Arc. Ezeogo, Ewah Elechi will take place from March 14 to March 16, 2025, at the Government Secondary School, Airport Field, Afikpo. We urge all members of the GSSAOBA brotherhood, both at home and abroad, to join in paying their last respects to our revered first indigenous School Captain.”