Speaking during the interview with news men at his Palace the royal father disclosed that the situation that led to her death was more tragic because the people of Okpanam didn't hear of her illness before, only to hear of her sudden demise.
According to him, She was a mother to all, She made my coronation successful even encouraged me to relocate down to Okpanam from Lagos to rule the good people of my community.
"She was also among those in the forefront to ensure my enthronement as the Ugoani of Okpanam Kingdom was a success that is why her death was a huge loss to me " he said
Speaking further the monarch said initially, we didn't believe the story of her death but about 5:30 pm, 16th February 2024, a delegation of the Obi Dunkwu family encompassing. MSS, Ofulue Nwokocha, Ogbueshi Emeka Ijei, Oyekwere Dunkwu and the Omu"s son, Afamefuna Dunkwu came to break the news to the Ugoani in Council.
"At that time, Ugoani added, most chiefs and well wishers who got wind of the unfortunate death had gathered in my Palace requesting to know if it is true before the members of her family confirmed the sad news to us"
The royal father said, members of the Omu's family came to the palace and explained the Council of Chiefs that the reverend Omu before her death left a standing instructions that her corpse should not be taken to the montuary and she should be buried within the period of 48 hours.
According to him, he promised them the full cooperation of the council and good people of Okpanam, provided, they do the needful and are prepared to fullfil all that is associated with her position as the Omu of Okpanam and they promised to comply to the fullest and made the necessary attornment to the palace and relevant quarters of Okpanam Kingdom.
His word, "When an Omu dies, we consult the gods to determine the circumstances of her death that is our tradition and it was successful done by our people"
"And, to give the Omu's family maximum support as promised by the Ugoani in Council, I and the chiefs began to summon the necessary rites to perform the needful for her to be buried as requested. Special thanks to the Diopka of the people of Ogbeosagi for their cooperation to ensure that the deadline is met" The monarch added.
"let me appreciate the Ezedibia of Okpanam Kingdom, Chief Abua Ntoka, who did not sleep for the next 48 hours to ensure that all the rituals are performed accurately"
"Also, I want to thank Chiefs of Okpanam Kingdom, Ugoani in Council and members of the community who stood their ground and ensure that Omu goes home in a hitch free manner"
He added, Let me not forget to mention members of my family for their wonderful cooperation during this trial period, with a promise to carry everyone along when time is up to celebrate her life.
Expressing deep pain, the monarch urged the general public to disregard the rumour going round in and outside Okpanam, regarding her death adding that, it is the handwork of mischief makers because she has gone to rest and God will continue to grant her gentle soul eternal rest in his bossom, Amen.