By Olivia Obijiaku
The Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Ubah Sani has described the late Ezeigbo Zazzau, His Highness, Igwe (Sir) Vitus Ibe Unogu (KSM, JP), as one who consistently promoted peaceful coexistence between people of different ethnic backgrounds. He made this known at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Pastoral Center, Graceland, Zaria, Saturday, March 14, 2026, during the Last Ofala of the deceased traditional ruler of Ndigbo in Zaria and environs, who died on December 22, 2025, at the age of 77.
Late Eze Vitus Ibe Unogu
Speaking through his representative, Mr. Fabian Okoye, the governor who was unavoidably absent at the ceremony, also disclosed that Igwe Unogu’s leadership strengthened community cohesion, upholding the dignity and aspirations of Ndigbo. The governor consoled the bereaved family, the Igbo Community Association (ICA), Zaria Kaduna State and those whose lives were touched by the exemplary leadership of the departed and humane disposition, praying that God may grant eternal rest to the deceased.
Onowu leads Igwe Cabinet to pay condolence to the bereaved family
In the same vein, he conveyed his deepest sympathies to the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmadu Nuhu Bamali, the Zazzau Traditional Council, and the Emirate, intimating that the late Eze related with the Emirate with wisdom, loyalty, and respect, contributing meaningfully to peace, stability and inter-communal harmony within the historic city of Zaria.
“Late Eze Vitus Ibe Unogu was not only a traditional ruler but a bridge builder.” Gov. Sani asserted. “Throughout his reign, he demonstrated uncommon commitment to the unity, welfare, and progress of the Igbo community in Zaria, providing guidance and stability. His leadership strengthened community cohesion and upheld the dignity and aspirations of his people.”
“As Sarki Igbo of the Zazzau Emirate, the late Eze distinguished himself as a tireless promoter of peaceful coexistence. He worked assiduously to foster mutual respect and harmonious relations between the Igbo community, other ethnic nationalities, and the host community of Zaria. In this regard, he embodied the true spirit of Kaduna as a cosmopolitan state and a mini Nigeria, where diversity is embraced as a source of strength.”
Igwe Anieke arrives the venue of the event
Representing the Emir of Zazzau, Amb. Bamali; Sabon Gari District Head, Alh. Ahmad Bashir Aminu (Dan Barhim Zazzau) and the Emirate Council, Sarkin Kurama, Chief Isyaku Tanimu prayed for the happy repose of the deceased. He called on the Onowu, Chief Ephraim Umeasiegbu, to ensure a peaceful transition of power, tasking him on transparency and good leadership.
Sarkin Kurama was accompanied by Barwan Dan Barhim Zazzau, (Barwan Sabon Gari Zaria), Hon St. Heart Chidozie Ogu (JP); Sarkin Bassega, Chief Daniel Menegba Bassega; Sarkin Marwa, Chief Anderson Mutun Marwa; Sarkin Babarawa, Chief Mustapha Shettima Babaruwa; Sarkin Kagoro, Chief Jacob Bako Kagoro; Sarkin Adara, Chief David Bawa Adara; Sarkin Mwagjavul, Chief Bulus Pofi Mwagjavul; Sarkin Koro, Chief AA Danturake; and Sarkin Ngas, Chief Matthias Jan’s Ngas.
In an interview with Stadt Newspaper, the President General of ICA, Chief Levenson Akahalu, expressed sadness over the demise of Igwe Unogu, consoling that he was a wise and patient man who represented Ndigbo in Zaria well at the Emirate Council. He admonished Igbos in Zaria to understand one another and remain united. “He was a good man whom good things met. This is why, though it has been a long while since Ndigbo had this type of gathering, it became possible because he was a good man. Before he was made the Igwe, he did a lot as the President General of Igbo Community Association. We are pained because he left us, but God’s will has to prevail.” Chief Akahalu intimated.
On his part, Hon. Ogu, described the deceased as a father in deed, asserting that the late Igwe sought peace, to the point that he was sometimes misinterpreted, because he could relinquish personal possessions for peace. “Indeed, he was humble, a man who believed in the upliftment of the Igbo Community Association. While, we pray for the repose of his soul, we also pray that God will bless the Igbo Community in Zaria with another person, who will, if not surpass what he stood for, should at least maintain the standard he set.” Barwan Dan Barhim Zazzau capped.
As part of activities marking the ceremony, condolences were paid to ICA, Zaria, the bereaved wife, Lolo Nnenna Unogu (Ugoeze) and family, by different people and groups, including Igbo Community Association (ICA), Igwe Cabinet; Zaria, the six states of Abia, Anambra, Delta, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo; Ezeigbo Kaduna, Igwe Engr. Sylvanus Anieke; Igbo Community Kaduna; Graceland Community, Ozondu Football Club; Zaria; Peoples’ Club, Kaduna Branch, traditional of Yoruba Community; other traditional rulers; individuals and groups.