Lawmakers pay tribute to revered traditional ruler during plenary session
The House of Representatives was somber on Tuesday as members expressed deep sorrow over the demise of His Royal Majesty Eze Edmond Alisiobi Dim, also known as Eze Agbakwuruibe, the Obi of Obodoukwu in Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State.
The news of the revered traditional ruler’s passing was delivered to the plenary session by Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, the representative of Ideato North/South Federal Constituency. The late monarch, Eze Edmond Alisiobi Dim, breathed his last on Sunday, January 28, 2024, at the age of 82, leaving a void that the lawmakers described as a national loss.
Hon. Ugochinyere, emotionally delivering the sad news, shared details of the late king’s life, highlighting his birth on December 12, 1941, into the royal family of Eze Nnayereugo Jeremiah Dim in the present-day Obodoukwu community. The deceased, until his passing, held the esteemed position as the 10th Obi of Obodoukwu Kingdom.
Educated at St. Peters School, Akokwa, the late Eze Dim obtained his first school leaving certificate during an era when Primary School Education was highly valued, prior to the Nigerian civil war in the 1960s. His professional journey saw him briefly working with R. Umeh Company Limited in Onitsha, where he became a major distributor of Nigerian and overseas tobacco products. Later, he transitioned to the Daily Times Newspaper company before dedicating years of service to Bolingo Hotels Limited.
In 1990, Eze Edmond Alisiobi Dim ascended the Obodoukwu royal traditional throne, where he led with dignity and wisdom until his demise. The lawmaker requested the House’s indulgence to observe a minute of silence in honor of the late traditional ruler, in accordance with customary practices.
Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, who presided over the plenary session, led the lawmakers in paying their respects by observing a minute of silence in memory of the departed monarch. The House is awaiting further announcements regarding the funeral arrangements, in line with the Obodoukwu traditional rites, to bid a final farewell to the late Eze Edmond Alisiobi Dim.