Erstwhile National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP) and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze has expressed sadness over the death of one of his close relatives who led an impactful and exemplary life, Osuji Orienta Chuku Orie.
In a statement made available to the media, the APC Chief joined family, friends, loved ones and the entire people of Ebonyi to grief the passing of the rare gem whose death he said, sent shock waves across his spines and has kept him perpetually astonished.
“I join Ebonyians and entire mankind to mourn an impactful Uncle whose death is not only a shock but one of those incidents that takes time for one to comprehend”.
Expressing his lamentation at the loss of Osuji Orienta Chuku Orie, Chief Eze described the deceased as an epitome of humanity, a philanthropist per excellence, a phenomenal influencer, an extraordinary teacher, outstanding Entrepreneur, a fearless soldier, a committed community/political leader, avowed statesman and dogged Fighter /philosopher.
“His passing at this period is a collosal loss not only to me but to all those who were privileged to have crossed his golden path”.
HIS BIRTH AND EARLY LIFE.
Osuji Chief Orienta Chuku Orie was born October 30, 1935 into the family of Ogbonnae Orie (aka Orie Nwayaru) of Umuanoke, Umuokpara, Umuobuna, one of the major villages in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
ORIENTA WAS INSTALLED “OKENWA UBURU” IN RECOGNITION OF HIS ROLES IN THE SECURITY OF UBURU & SAFETY OF LIVES OF NDI UBURU
Orienta while he served, faced the same challenges that confront leaders of today in Uburu. That he was able to remain resolute in his rejection of a life of dishonesty and unjust gain with their alluring promises of material ease and comfort, is an example he has left for the present and future generations. His unflinching commitment to noble conducts should constantly remind us that good conducts are the ornaments that beautify society; and that staying committed to them is the society’s only guarantee for sustainability*
HIS SERVICES TO HUMANITY:
1. He served Uburu meritoriously as a councillor in the 60s and Supervisory Councillor for Education and Agriculture in the 80s and left legacies of growth and transformation.
2. He provided the first set of literature as a personal donation towards the setting up of a library in Uburu Secondary School in 1982.
3. He was instrumental in the deliverance of ndi Uburu on several occasions from bandits, criminals and belligerent neighbours
4. He was a statesman who helped Uburu to successfully negotiate through some of its most turbulent moments.
5. He lived and worked for a safe and secure Uburu.
6. He epitomized the legend of Uburu’s capacity for self defense against aggression
7. His last assignment was president general of Etiti Uburu Autonomous Community and member Uburu Traditional Council
8. Wherever he served, he left a legacy of integrity, selflessness and honour.
Until he took his last breath at exactly 11:00 AM, on Friday, August 30, 2024, Orienta was the President General of Etiti Uburu Autonomous Community and member Uburu Traditional Council. He was the living legend of Uburu’s resilient struggles and highly celebrated victories over existential challenges. Yes, he aptly epitomized what undoubtedly is an honour-laced legend; effectively bridging for us ndi Uburu of today, the knowledge gaps between the heroics of our heroes of antiquity and the statesmanly exploits of more contemporary patriots, which not having been well documented, is available only in traditional folklores. Apparently, we have lost the opportunity that we had while Orienta lived, to glean from his rich experiences, and document for this and future generations, a very critical part of our past.
As the sun has set finally for this noble warrior statesman and philosopher par excellence, Uburu patriots I’m sure are grappling with the sad realization that as a collectivity, we have not done enough to document for its historical value, the accounts of the struggles that shaped modern Uburu. Alas, when he slept for the last time, Orienta took with him to eternity, a substantial chunk of Uburu history; a very significant portion of which he had personally contributed generously in making.
TRIBUTES:
- FROM HIS FIRST SON, REV. DR. NESTOR NZERIBE ORIE
According to him, The man Orienta Chuku Orie, is not only my father; he was my teacher, mentor, role model and hero. I could boldly assume also, that to many of us here, and many more who are not here presently, Okenwa Uburu, Orienta Chuku Orie’s phenomenal influence as a teacher, entrepreneur, soldier, community/political leader, statesman and philosopher have impacted our lives in many positive ways that will yet endure.
As his first son who witnessed quite a lot of his activities, I find his legacy of sacrificial, honest service to humanity quite a challenge to sustain.
However having been impacted by his sense of diligence and impeccable integrity and how knowing much those virtues set him apart for honour in a world of moral compromises. I certainly have no choice than to commit myself fully to ensuring that his legacies are sustained.
(2) FROM CHIEF EMMANUEL I. OBASI JP THE IMMEDIATE PAST PRINCIPAL SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR OF EBONYI STATE AND CURRENTLY SPECIAL ADVISER TO THE GOVERNOR OF KOGI STATE ON FEDERAL PROJECTS IMPLEMENTATION
In his remarks and condolences, Chief OBASI a political strategist and a grassroot mobilizer highlighted thus, “OUR HERO, WARRIOR, PATRIOT AND PATRIARCH IS GONE, RE: LATE HERO OSUJI ORIENTA CHUKU”
He further stated, “I received the news about the demise of Chief Orienta with great sadness, not because I considered him immortal but because I had earnestly wished that he stayed much longer to savour the dividends of his sacrifices to Uburu and Ndi Uburu. Painfully, his demise was a proof that this world is not our final destination, for frail creatures and passersby are we all.
Late Okenwa Chief Orienta Chuku, Osuji of Uburu, Honourable Councilor, warrior, patriot and patriarch of Uburu, lived a very fulfilled life. And no one could be in doubt about his contributions to the survival and existence of Uburu today. He is our hero indeed and will be missed for a very long time to come.
(3) TRIBUTE TO LATE HON.ORIENTA CHUKWU ORIE, A PATRIOT BY HON. HUMBLE OJUKWU NJOKU
I write to pay a special tribute to the legacy of Hon. Orienta Chukwu Orie, a patriot whose dedication to public service and community development has left an indelible mark on our community, Uburu.
Hon. Orienta Chukwu Orie was a pillar of strength and champion of the people. In the late sixties, we were told how Hon. Orienta mobilised the group which neutralised bandits that were terrorising, kidnapping and killing illustrious sons of Uburu.
I came in contact with Hon. Orienta in 2001 when I joined a small group of politicians led by Onyibe Arusi Nwodi and Hon. Chaka Nweze, who were struggling to provide an alternative political platform in Uburu. Hon. Orienta Chukwu Orie, as a patriot, was one of the elders and the face of the struggle.
With unwavering commitment and unrelenting passion, Hon. Orienta championed causes that improved social, political and cultural lives inthe Uburu Community.
We celebrate your life, legacy and contributions. May your memory inspire future generations to emulate your patriotism and dedication to the greater good of our community.
Adieu the great patriot.
(4) FROM THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF NIGERIA
The Church wrote through Elder Sunday Onu the Session Clerk and I quote, “Until his death, he was the President General of Etiti Uburu Town Union, a renowned Political Leader. He was also a devout member of the Church and participated actively in all the Church activities despite his old age.
Though his demise was sorrowful, we are encouraged by the fact that he has made Heaven so we should not mourn as those who do not have hope, for your father lived to a ripe age of 84 years and transited to the world beyond where there is neither suffering nor sorrow.
Dearest, though he left a vacuum too difficult to fill, but let us bear in mind that the Almighty God shall fill the gap and be our guard, our adviser, our refuge and our greatest consoler.
We all should remember also that death is a transition from mortality to immortality and from corruptibility to incorruptibility and that our father has gone to be with his maker and to wear a CROWN for his worthy legacies and the good works he did while on earth.
(5) In his tribute, Osuji Okoro Obasi & family highlighted, “I, Uwadiegwu Okoro offers my deepest condolences to you and the entire family on the passing away of your father, Late Hon. Chief Chukwu Orie Orienta.
Late Hon. Chief Chukwu Orie Orienta was a renowned elder whose deep sense of patriotism and love for the peace and growth of Uburu and Ohaozara in general has left deep impressions in the hearts and minds of the people of Uburu.
He inspired so many people, and I’ve always admired his kindness, integrity, and generosity.
He was a great and special man whose legacies towards the growth and development of Uburu can never be forgotten in the anals of history of the people of Uburu. surely, he will be greatly missed.”
(7) TRIBUTE FROM UMUOKPARA TO HON.ORIENTA* .
Life is a mystery and that is why we couldn’t understand the departure of our Daddy when we needed him most for his history and pieces of advice. Sir, Umuokpara wish you well as you join the ancestors where those who did well stay. We, your people will continue to practicalise the good things you imbibe on us. O su Uburu buru your departure has created a vacuum in our heart and your legacy will never be over emphasized. Rest on Chief, Rest on, O Su UBURU BURU, Rest on, the Hero of our time.
(8) TRIBUTE FROM STRATEGIST OBI JERRY LAWRENCE*
It’s a privilege to have lived during the twilight era of your patriarch, whose heroic tales captivated my childhood. The retelling of his daring resolution to sacrifice himself for our community’s preservation, as shared by the Scion of Chuku Ories, coincided with the swan song moment of our beloved Adu Community Treasure, Chief Osuji Orienta Chuku Orie (FIMB).
Whether heroes are born or made, Chief Osuji embodied both ends of the equation. His larger-than-life persona was forged from a reality that sounds like a fairy tale. He stood tall when others faltered, and his bravery demystified the seemingly insurmountable challenges.
With his passing, we lost not only a man but also a community icon, a pride, and the David who conquered the Goliath of our time. Chief Osuji was a champion of peace, who understood the philosophy that “he who wants peace must be ready for war.”
I wish your patriarch a peaceful journey to the great beyond. While his heroics remain unparalleled, and his demise a community loss that affects us all, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Chuku Orie family, particularly the children, grandchildren, and frontline relatives.
May you find solace in the fact that, although life is ephemeral and death inevitable, our consolation lies in the promise of a pleasant eternity with Christ and the Saints. May Chief Osuji’s legacy of heroism, community service, and humanity be passed down as a cherished heirloom.
Rest in Peace, Pride of Adu!!!
(9) Memorial from CommonWealth of Israel to Late Hon* . *Chief Osuji Orienta Chukwuorie (FIMB)
Al-elReginald Ekeanyanwu the
International Coordinator CommonWealth of Israel reacted thus:
I never met or got to know Hon. Chief Osuji Orienta Chukwurie in person, but I have gotten to know his son Dr. Nestor Chukwuorie Nzeribe; who I know to be a man who dearly loves God and who would go to any length to serve the interest of humanity.
When I was added to the friends of Dr. Nestor Nzeribe page for this burial and I carefully read the glowing tributes paid to the late Chief by those who knew him, it dawned on me that this man, who could so truly raise his son to honor the tenets of justice that he upheld, was a man of great integrity. He was a man to be honored and celebrated!
I know of only one man in the Bible that God bragged that he could trust to do such: Papa Abraham, the father of faith! The Lord declared that he knew that Abraham would cause his household to do justice and righteousness! For me, this is a very significant similarity between patriarch Abraham and the late Hon. Chukwuorie!
We shall surely meet again in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ!
(10) The family of Late Ogbuebor Say Akpu Okoro remarked thru Dr. Evans Okoro
“Late Chief Orienta was a great man and will continue to live in the memories of those who love him.
Please accept our deepest condolences.
May God give your family the fortitude to bear the loss.
(11) TRIBUTE TO OGBOM BY HIS GRAND SON, BARR MARK NZERIBE
Dear Papa,
It is with a heavy heart that I pen down this, it will take a while for the thought of you not being around to clear from my head.
I tried as much as I could and as a man would, to handle the news of your death, it was something I least expected and never prepared for, because you sounded strong each time we spoke on phone and often assured me that everything will be fine but death had to cut short that hope.
Papa, I grew up knowing and loving you as my Grandfather, you cherished, loved, cared and only wanted what’s best for me, this you emphasised each time we were together or spoke over the phone.
You were a man loved, respected and cherished by his people as a result of your integrity and heroic deeds. As a young man you stepped forward when others drew back. You held the torchlight of hope and championed the redemption of your people.
Dear Grandpa, you were full of knowledge, you were a historian par excellence and often consulted by your people to break ties and clarify knotty issues of the past.
You were a man of excellence whose life emitted truth, justice and integrity. You never wished anyone evil or participated in an evil confederacy, I grew up to know you as a man who never envied others, you were contented with what you have.
Papa, your life is an inspiration to many and I can keep writing on and on about you, continue to rest in peace, till we meet again to part no more.”
CONCLUSION
While still brooding under shock over this loss and ruminating on how best to convey my state of heart at the moment, the living word of God in Ecclesiastes 3:1, came to mind, “To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven; time to be born, and a time to die;” in the essence, every mortal shall surely answer this same call some day, but the time appointed for each remains riddled in uncertainty.
Chief Eze extended his condolences to the deceased’s immediate family and encouraged mourners to grieve with understanding of the sure word of God that ‘it is appointed unto man to die’ and bear the loss with all sense of equanimity.
As we entomb his remains to Mother Earth on Friday, April 25, 2025, I enjoin all those directly or indirectly affected by his demise to bear the loss with equanimity.
May his great, heroic and patriotic soul rest in perfect peace in Jesus Name
