By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The serene community of Isu-Awaa in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State was filled with reverence, solemnity, and celebration last week as family, dignitaries, religious leaders, and well-wishers gathered to honour the life and legacy of Lady Ezinne Eunice Nwabugwu Ibe (née Chime), fondly known as Black Indigo, Apụnanwụ, who passed on at the age of 90. The period also marked a ten-year remembrance service of the patriarch and her late husband, late Chief Benson Maduabuchukwu Ibe.
A devoted Anglican Lay Reader, Jerusalem pilgrim, music lover, super dancer, and astute businesswoman, Lady Ezinne Eunice Ibe lived a life defined by faith, resilience, generosity, and service, leaving an indelible mark on her family, community, and the wider society.
The four-day funeral ceremony, tagged “BLACK INDIGO GOES HOME,” took place from December 18th to 21st, 2025, at the Cathedral Church of Saint Mark’s, Isu-Awaa, and was a fitting tribute to a woman whose life was lived with purpose and distinction.
According to reports, no fewer than five Anglican Bishops graced the occasion, including the pioneer Archbishop of the Enugu Ecclesiastical Province and former Bishop of Oji River Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Amos Madu; the Bishop of Afikpo Diocese, Rt. Rev. Paul Udege; the Bishop of Eha-Amufu Diocese, Rt. Rev. Daniel Oliha; and the pioneer Bishop of Awgu/Aninri Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Afam Ugwu.
While the Bishops of Oji River and Nike dioceses were represented, over thirty priests from across the region also graced the occasion, further testifying of the far-reaching influence of Lady Ezinne Eunice’s life.
The funeral service was also graced by high-profile dignitaries, including Governor Peter Mba of Enugu State, Governor Alex Otti of Abia State; former House of Representatives member Hon. Toby Okechukwu; former PDP Chairman in Enugu State Hon. Ikeje Asogwa; former Aviation Minister, Chief Osita Chidoka; former PDP Publicity Secretary, Barr. Olisa Metuh, NUJ Chairman in Anambra State, Dr. Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, among other prominent political, business, and traditional leaders from across Nigeria and the African continent.
The Nigerian Ambassadors to Malawi and Uganda, Ambassador Ben Shida and Ambassador Sam Umara respectively, were also present, also reflecting the stature of the late matriarch.
Born in 1935 into the polygamous family of the late Chimengwu of Isu-Awaa, Lady Ezinne Eunice Ibe rose from humble beginnings through relentless hard work, faith, and determination. She was married to the late Chief Benson Maduabuchukwu Ibe (Chinenyeze I of Isu-Awaa), with whom she produced and raised eight children, including Emperor Chris Baywood Ibe, Executive Vice-Chairman of Baywood Group and Founder of Save Awgu Forum Enugu (SAFE).
Other surviving children are Mrs. Anayochukwu Ogoke, Mrs. Blessing Onuchukwu, Mr. Edwin Uchenna Ibe, Hon. Dr. Ugonna Reginald Ibe, Lady Dr. Juliet Nkem Ude, Engr. Schwarz Eziekwe Ibe, and Mrs. Vera Uzoamaka Adibe.
According to reports, late Ezinne Ibe is also survived by thirty-two grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and a network of sons-in-law and daughters-in-law, whole have also toed her life path of philanthropy and humanitarian services.
It was further gathered that, prior to the burial ceremony, in honour of her lifelong generosity, the Ibe Family, led by Emperor Chris Baywood Ibe, undertook a Christmas outreach, providing for 1,050 families across the twenty-one communities of Awgu LGA 1,050 bags of rice, gallons of vegetable oil, and packets of seasoning cubes.
While the selection of beneficiaries was overseen by coordinators from Save Awgu Forum Enugu (SAFE) to ensure fairness and transparency, the outreach was said not to be a display of publicity, but a true reflection of the late Lady Ezinne Eunice Ibe’s values, as well as a continuation of her commitment to feeding the hungry and helping the vulnerable.
These gesture also elicited joyful reactions from the beneficiaries who expressed immense gratitude to the benefactors, describing the act as a true, meaningful and dignified celebration of her legacy.
According to reports, the Ibe Family Event Arena in Isu-Awaa came alive on December 19th and the atmosphere was charged with quiet excitement, hope, and gratitude as buses transported beneficiaries from distant towns and rural communities alongside their packages. Some of the beneficiaries, including Mrs. Madueke Geraldine, Ifeanyi Okonta, Christiana Onwualia, and Leticia Ike shared their appreciation, emphasizing that the outreach gave dignity, joy, and hope to families that might have faced a bleak Christmas otherwise.
Adding their voices, some observers, such as Mr. Lukas Udeagbara, who’s former Executive Assistant to the Enugu State Governor, commended Emperor Ibe, describing the initiative as leadership through service and a reflection of compassion.
Before the interment, the funeral activities showcased the rich cultural heritage of the Ibe family and Isu-Awaa community. Traditional music, royal visitation, and cultural dance displays infused the proceedings with colour and vibrancy, turning mourning into a tribute to a life well-lived.
The praise worship and all-night vigil were also filled with hymns, prayers, and reflections that highlighted Lady Ezinne Eunice Ibe’s steadfast commitment to God, family, and community; while guests were also treated to heartwarming anecdotes, recounting her generosity, resilience, and unique personality, bringing smiles and tears alike.
Delivering his homily during the service burial service at the Cathedral, the Anglican Bishop of Awgu/Aninri Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Benson N. Chukwunweike (JP), reminded the congregation that every human life is finite and will ultimately be measured by deeds, not duration.
Citing Numbers 23:10, Ecclesiastes 7:8, and Hebrews 9:27, Bishop Chukwunweike urged believers to live righteously, exercise patience, and seek blessings only within God’s will.
With special reference to the biblical Judas Iscariot, the Anglican prelate further cautioned against careless actions that could tarnish a person’s reputation forever, while also emphasizing that how one finishes life is more important than how one begins it.
In another act of generosity, the Ibe family also pledged to construct a two-storey Guest House at Saint Mark’s Cathedral, Isu-Awaa, fulfilling a special request from the church.
Emperor Chris Baywood Ibe, who announced this on behalf of the family, also revealed that the foundation for the building would be laid in the first quarter of 2026, further cementing the family’s enduring support for the church and the community.
Following the burial service, Lady Ezinne Eunice was laid to rest at the family compound beside her late husband, in a ceremony marked by solemnity, respect, and celebration, and during which guests were also entertained with music, cultural displays, and fellowship, further highlighting her life’s vibrancy and the love she inspired.
Throughout the funeral and in a vote of thanks, Emperor Chris Baywood Ibe emphasized family unity and the importance of carrying forward his mother’s legacy of faith, service, and compassion. He also praised his siblings and wife for their solidarity and dedication in ensuring the success of the ceremonies, and encouraged the wider community to draw lessons from the family’s cohesion and commitment to purpose.
The Emperor further pledged their commitment to sustaining the great legacies of the matriarch, Lady Ezinne Eunice Nwabugwu Ibe, whom she said the people of Isu-Awaa, Awgu Local Government Area, and beyond will long remember as a woman of remarkable virtue, whose contributions to family, church, and community have left an indelible mark.
According to him, “Although, the Black Indigo Apụnanwụ may have departed, her spirit, values, and the lives she touched endure, ensuring that her memory remains a guiding light, both for us and for generations to come.”
