……As Cardinal Okpalaeke Says Late Igwe Balanced Faith, Culture with Distinction.
Emmanuel Ikpeama.
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has paid glowing tribute to the late traditional ruler of Isuofia, Igwe Lt. Col. Christopher Moghalu, describing him as an outstanding leader whose life of service, integrity and commitment to education left an enduring legacy for the community and the state.
Governor Soludo spoke during the Pontifical Funeral Mass held at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Isuofia, where family members, community leaders, traditional rulers, government officials and dignitaries gathered to bid a final farewell to the revered monarch.
The funeral Mass was officiated by the Catholic Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese, His Eminence, Peter Ebere Cardinal Okpalaeke.
Paying tribute to the late monarch, Governor Soludo described him as an “Iroko” whose 88 years of life were measured not by longevity but by the remarkable impact he made on humanity.
“We don’t just live, we live to matter. When it is all done, it is not how long but how well,” the governor said, adding that the late monarch was “a man of his word” who devoted his life to building people, strengthening the community, supporting the Church and preserving the rich traditions and culture of Isuofia.
The governor particularly praised the late royal father’s passion for education, recalling how the monarch personally visited him to appreciate his intervention at Amorji Primary School, Isuofia.
According to Soludo, the late Igwe shared his lifelong commitment to encouraging young people to embrace education as a pathway to personal and community development.
Speaking on the future of the community following the monarch’s passing, the governor assured the people of Isuofia that the process of selecting a new traditional ruler would be peaceful.
He noted that the greatest honour the community could pay the late monarch was to uphold the values of peace, unity, service and development which he championed throughout his reign.
Earlier in his homily, Cardinal Peter Ebere Okpalaeke reminded mourners that Christians grieve with hope because of Christ’s victory over death.
He said the late monarch demonstrated that faith and culture could coexist harmoniously, describing him as a traditional ruler who remained steadfast in his Christian faith while faithfully preserving the customs and heritage of his people.
“The Church does not seek to destroy traditional institutions but complements them. Both the Church and society have important roles to play in promoting the development of humanity,” the Cardinal stated.
He also appealed to the people of Isuofia to ensure that the selection of the next traditional ruler is conducted peacefully, warning against allowing the succession process to become a source of division or hostility.
Cardinal Okpalaeke urged the community to preserve the peace cherished by the late monarch, describing it as the greatest tribute they could offer in his memory.
The funeral also highlighted the late Igwe’s influence beyond his kingdom.
Representing the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Osita Okoye paid an emotional tribute, revealing that the late monarch played a decisive role in shaping his military career.
According to him, the late Colonel facilitated his admission into the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1990, adding that the late monarch contributed immensely to the person he had become.
As Isuofia prepares for the formal Ofala ceremony scheduled for January 5, 2027, tributes continue to pour in for the late Igwe Christopher Moghalu, whose legacy of leadership, peace, education, faith and selfless service is expected to remain a guiding light for generations to come.
