By Izunna Okafor, Awka
Arrangements have been concluded for the funeral rites of Late Chief Agunwa Anaekwe, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives in Nigeria’s 3rd National Assembly, who passed away earlier this year.
According to an official statement jointly signed by the Chairman of the National Burial Committee, Distinguished Senator Osita Izunaso (OFR), and the Co-Chairman, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, the funeral will hold in the late statesman’s country home, Adazi-Ani, in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, on Friday, October 17, 2025.
The elaborate two-day burial ceremony will begin on Thursday, October 16, 2025, with a series of valedictory sessions in honour of the late lawmaker, who was widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most cerebral parliamentarians and an advocate of democratic ideals.
According to the statement, the first event, a Valedictory Session at the National Assembly, Abuja, will hold at 9:00 a.m., followed by another Valedictory Session at the Anambra State House of Assembly, Awka, at 2:00 p.m..
Later that day, a third Valedictory Session will take place at the Igwe’s Palace, Adazi-Ani, at 4:00 p.m., to honour his contributions to the community and his service to humanity.
The day’s events will culminate in a Vigil Mass and Wake-Keep at his country home in Adazi-Ani at 5:00 p.m., where family members, political associates, friends, and well-wishers are expected to pay their last respects to the departed statesman.
On Friday, October 17, 2025, the remains of Late Chief Agunwa Anaekwe will lie in state at his country home from 9:00 a.m., after which a Funeral Mass will be held at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Adazi-Ani, at 11:00 a.m.. The interment will follow immediately at his residence, where he will be laid to rest.
The Burial Committee, in the statement, expressed gratitude to Nigerians from all walks of life who have continued to identify with the Anaekwe family since the announcement of his passing. They also invited the general public, particularly his political associates, former colleagues in the legislature, and friends of the family, to attend the burial ceremonies and honour the legacy of the late Speaker.
Chief Agunwa Anaekwe, who served as Speaker of the House of Representatives between 1998 and 1999, was remembered for his remarkable contributions to legislative development, his principled leadership, and his role in stabilizing Nigeria’s return to democratic governance.
