Igwe Vincent Ilo, father of OSIWA Country Director, Jude Ilo,buried in Enugu

premiumtimesng.com

The officiating minister describes the deceased as a forthright man who detested bribery and did not believe cutting corners

The traditional ruler of Adu Achi, in Oji River Local Government area of Enugu, Igwe Vincent Onyekeu Ilo was on May 19 laid to rest in his hometown.

He was 83.

Until his death, Igwe Ilo was for 10 years the traditional ruler of Adu Achi, a position he assumed on March 26, 2006.

Before assuming the traditional stool of Adu Achi, Igwe Ilo was an accomplished educationist, who spent over thirty six years as a teacher and headmaster in various schools in Enugu State.

He retired from public service in 1987 as a Supervisor of schools in the education department.

Apart from being a teacher, Igwe Ilo was known as a peacemaker, a mediator and an advocate for social justice.

He was very active in community development associations as well as a committed member of the Catholic Church, where he served in various capacities, including as Vice Chairman of St Gabriel’s Pastoral Council, Adu Parish, Enugu state.

In a brief sermon delivered during the requiem mass held in his honour, the officiating priest, John Okoye, a reverend, described Igwe Ilo as a honest man, who was humble and very supportive of the community.

He also described the deceased as a forthright man who detested bribery and did not believe that someone had to cut corners to become successful or achieve great heights in life.

There were numerous condolence messages from different parts of the country.

Those who sent in messages included the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, the Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, Governor of Enugu state, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, and various ministries and departments of government.

Those at his internment said that was an indication of the popularity of the late Igwe.

After the requiem mass, which was well attended by sympathizers and friends of the family from different parts of the country, the body of the late Igwe was laid to rest in his palace in Adu Achi autonomous community in Enugu State after a word of prayer.

That was followed by a reception for guests and community members.

Igwe Ilo was survived by his wife of 53 years, Roseline, six children and many grand children.

Among his children are broadcaster, Vin Martin Ilo and Jude Udo Ilo, the Country Director of Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA).