It was an emotional outpouring of love, solidarity and respect in Okpai Oluchi, Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta State, as prominent political leaders, dignitaries, traditional rulers, family members, friends and associates gathered to bid farewell to late Mama Janet Ezechi, mother of the member representing Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi.
Among the dignitaries who attended the funeral ceremony was the Minority Leader of the 9th House of Representatives and APC candidate for Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Godwin Elumelu, OON, who joined other political leaders and well-wishers in honouring the deceased and commiserating with the Ezechi family.
Mama Janet, fondly known as “Ileoge-Ekwuofu,” died on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at the age of 98, following a brief illness. She was a devout Christian, devoted mother and respected community leader whose life was marked by service, faith and commitment to her family and community.
Born on January 16, 1928, to Chief Uzor Iwegbu of the Umugbeleme Family and Chief Mrs. Onyolu Ebinum of the Umuosile Family, both of Umu-Ifulu Quarter, Okpai Oluchi, Mama Janet lived an enduring life of love, sacrifice, motherhood and community service.
The funeral rites attracted an array of prominent personalities, including Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by the Chief Strategist to the Governor, Dr. Festus Okubor; former Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, and his wife, Dame Edith Okowa; the wife of the Deputy Governor, Ezinne Catherine Onyeme; Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, OON; serving members of the National Assembly; traditional rulers; clergymen; political associates; friends and other well-wishers.
Their presence underscored the wide circle of relationships and goodwill built by the Ezechi family over the years, as dignitaries came together to celebrate the life and legacy of the deceased.
At the funeral service, the officiating minister, Apostle Emmanuel Ndugbu of Emmanuel Chapel, Asaba, in a message titled “Don’t Abuse Privilege,” admonished Christians to live responsibly and make meaningful use of the opportunities entrusted to them by God.
He reminded the congregation of the inevitability of death and the need for everyone to live a life worthy of emulation and remain prepared for eternity.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Rt. Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi expressed appreciation to the dignitaries, political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, friends, associates and well-wishers who travelled from different parts of the country to honour his late mother.
He particularly appreciated Governor Oborevwori, Senator Okowa, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu and the numerous members of the National Assembly and other distinguished guests for identifying with the family at its moment of grief.
According to him, the presence and support of the dignitaries had brought comfort to the family and demonstrated the bonds of friendship, solidarity and goodwill that transcended political and social boundaries.
Mama Janet Ezechi is survived by seven children, including Mrs. Julie Uzoalu, Mrs. Nwanyibuife Obiosa, Mrs. Stella Omenogor, Mrs. Anwuli Onyema, Mr. Victor Ezechi, Rt. Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi and Mr. Stephen Ezechi, as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and other relatives.
The family described the late matriarch as a pillar of love, prayer, wisdom and strong community values, whose remarkable life and enduring legacy would continue to inspire generations.
Her death, they said, had created a significant void in the family and community, but her memories and the values she upheld would remain indelible in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
