Family members, friends, associates, and well-wishers gathered on 1st May, 2026, to pay their final respects to Chief Alexander Chukwuemezie Ozobu (Onyenweuwa I), a respected businessman, philanthropist, and community leader whose life was marked by service, discipline, faith, and enduring impact.

Born on 20th August, 1930, Chief Ozobu was widely known for his humility, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to humanity. From his early years, he distinguished himself through discipline and determination, virtues that shaped his journey in business, family life, and service to society. His life story reflected resilience, strong moral values, and a deep reverence for God, earning him admiration far beyond his community.

The solemn rites began with a lying-in-state, where family members, close associates, and sympathizers gathered in reflection and reverence to honour his memory, paying tribute to a man celebrated for his integrity, humility, and steadfast commitment to uplifting others.

This was followed by a burial mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, where prayers were offered for the peaceful repose of his soul. Clergy, family members, dignitaries, and members of the community joined in celebrating a life devoted to faith, family, and service, offering heartfelt reflections on the enduring legacy he leaves behind.

Speaking on the life and legacy of their father, his son, Mr. Chibuike Alexander Ozobu, described him as a pillar of strength, wisdom, and discipline, noting that his legacy of hard work, compassion, and steadfast leadership would continue to guide the family and all who knew him.

His daughter, Chinwe Obi Ozobu, reflected on her father’s deep love for family and community, describing him as a caring father whose generosity, warmth, and guidance touched countless lives, adding that his memory would remain a source of inspiration for generations.

Also speaking, Tochukwu Ozobu spoke emotionally of her father’s enduring values of faith, humility, and service, describing him as a beacon of honour, compassion, and purposeful living whose impact will continue to resonate far beyond his lifetime.

In an emotional tribute, his second daughter, Okeke Frances Ogochukwu, described her father as a truly good man whose life was deeply rooted in faith and devotion to God. She recalled that while building his business interests in Kano, Chief Ozobu developed a deep appreciation for the disciplined prayer life of Muslims, learning from their commitment to worship and, in turn, becoming even more devoted to his own prayer life, never missing his moments of prayer and thanksgiving to God.

She expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who came to stand with the family during the burial rites, praying for God’s blessings and a safe journey back home for all who travelled to honour their father’s memory.

Following the church service, interment rites were held, after which family members received condolence visits from in-laws, friends, associates, and well-wishers who came to sympathize with the family and celebrate the remarkable life of the departed patriarch.

The occasion also featured rich cultural displays and colourful masquerade performances, reflecting the community’s deep cultural heritage and serving as a fitting celebration of a life that touched many across generations. The vibrant displays added a unique traditional dimension to the solemn gathering, blending mourning with remembrance, honour, and celebration of a remarkable life.

Chief Alexander Ozobu will be remembered not only for his accomplishments in business and leadership, but also for his fatherly guidance, philanthropy, devotion to God, and unwavering commitment to uplifting others. Though he has departed, the values he embodied and the lives he touched remain a lasting testament to a life truly well lived.