Political leader and a former commissioner in Anambra State, Chief Maja Umeh, has been laid to rest in Amichi, Nnewi South local government area of Anambra State. Until his death, Chief Umeh served as a member of the Board of Trustees of the All Progressives Grand Alliance – APGA and was also a Life Patron of the party. For years, he was a stabilizing force behind several political truces. The funeral, which attracted several political, business, and faith leaders of diverse textures, was a demonstration of Chief Umeh’s deep connection with people on the merit of their humanity.
Delivering his homily at St. James Catholic Church, Amichi, the Catholic Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Bishop Jonas Benson, described the late Chief Umeh as a good and dedicated man. “Chief Maja Umeh was a good man. He was dedicated and demonstrated his love for God and mankind. I knew him when he was Chairman of the Parish Council in Kaduna. I knew him. He was a faithful man,” the Bishop said, while he cited several instances of many good deeds of Chief Umeh that showed his commitment to God and man.
Former governor of Anambra State, and LP’s Presidential candidate in the 2023 Presidential Election, Mr. Peter Obi, was at the funeral. The National Chairman of APGA, Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa was at the funeral. Several Anambra State Government officials were present, including the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, who represented the governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo. The Speaker of Anambra State Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somto Udeze. Members of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Johnbosco Akaegbobi and Hon. Chuddy Atuchukwu, representing Nnewi South Constituency 1 and 2. The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu. Commissioner for Industry, Christian Udechukwu, Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Felix Odimegwu, as well as several former commissioners and House members. Political Adviser to Soludo, Dr. Alex Obiogbolu, among others.
Uzu Okagbue, the Deputy Governorship candidate of the Young Progressive Party – YPP, was in attendance and described the late Chief Umeh as a man of character and conviction who believed that the younger generation of political leaders must be given the stage for Anambra to thrive. According to Okagbue, Chief Umeh was an honourable man who never played politics with truth, right, and justice. “He was always clear about what the truth is, what is right and just, and he was always courageous to say it,” Uzu said.
Anambra South senatorial by-election aspirants on the platform of APGA, Chief Akai Egwuonwu, Chief Patrick Ubajiaka, and Chief Ebuka Onunkwo, were all in attendance. However, until his death, Chief Maja Umeh’s preferred aspirant for the Anambra South senatorial by-election is Chief Akai Egwuonwu. On his choice of aspirant, Chief Umeh was clear and emphatic, insisting that Akai remains the best option for APGA and the Anambra South senatorial zone. Chief Egwuonwu had described the late Chief Maja Umeh as “a father to many”, and his death as a “great loss.”
Chief Maja Umeh departed a few months ago at 64 years old, and he is survived by his wife and son.
Ebuka graduated with a second-class upper-division degree in Political Science from the University of Calabar in Nigeria. He furthered his education by obtaining a Master's Degree in Political Science with a specialization in Government and Development Studies from Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Nigeria. His academic background and professional experience have equipped him with a deep understanding of political dynamics and governance issues.
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