The people of Ebem Ohafia in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State have announced funeral arrangements for their late Paramount Ruler, HRH Eze Ukoha Kalu Ukoha, JP, who passed away on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
Until his death, Eze Ukoha was the Ezieogo/Paramount Ruler of Ebem Ujuruezie, Ohafia, and Kpoke I of Ekeluogo Ebem Autonomous Community.
His passing was formally announced in a statement issued by the Central Executive Committee of the Ebem Ohafia Development Union Inc. (EODU) in conjunction with the Ebem Ohafia Council of Chiefs and Elders.
The community described the monarch’s death as a profound loss to his immediate family, the traditional institution and the entire Ebem Ohafia community.
According to the statement, the late traditional ruler devoted his reign to promoting peace and unity while preserving the customs, traditions and cultural heritage of Ebem Ohafia.
The community said his contributions to its development and traditional institution would remain an important part of his legacy.
In accordance with the announced arrangements, a Funeral Service in the sense of the Grail Message will take place on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
This will be followed by traditional rites by the Ebem and Ohafia communities on Saturday, November 28, 2026.
The EODU noted that further details regarding other traditional rites, ceremonies and funeral arrangements would be communicated to the public in due course.
The community leadership also called on sons and daughters of Ebem, popularly known as Umu Ebem, both at home and in the diaspora, as well as friends, neighbouring communities and well-wishers, to remember the bereaved family and the entire community in their prayers during the period of mourning.
It appealed to members of the public to respect the customs and traditions of Ebem Ohafia as preparations continue to honour and bid farewell to the late monarch.
The statement prayed for the Almighty Father to grant Eze Ukoha eternal rest and give his family, the people of Ebem Ohafia and all those mourning him the strength to bear the loss.
The statement, dated October 3, 2026, was signed by Chief Uduma Olugu Iroha, President-General of EODU; Mr. Kalu Ogboso Nnoke, Secretary-General; and Chief Kalu Iroha, JP, Palace Secretary of the Ebem Ohafia Council of Chiefs and Elders.
The Publicity Secretary of EODU, Chief Ifeanyi Okali (Okwuru Oha 1), was listed as the contact for further information on behalf of the Ebem Ohafia community.
