A Tribute to My Late Brother By George Ude Abara (Chief Okwu-ana-so-anya 1 Of Umu-Ihe, Akaeze)

Today, 29th January makes it exactly 17years that my late brother, Omezuo Peter Obasi Abara, began his journey to great beyond.

Late Omezuo Peter Obasi Abara, before his death was a well known regional farmer and an industrialist, who was awarded by the then Abia State Governor Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu with a certificate of Oke Oji (Giant Iroko), during the then Abia State. This position was given to him as he was recognised as the Best Farmer in the whole State and in Igbo land.

Omezuo, as you were fondly called by all, you left indelible footprints on the sand that nobody has ever fitted into since your demise, making it extremely difficult to ever stop crying about your departure, especially for me your younger brother. The tears wouldn't stop Omezuo!!

I recall how families from far and near would line up in front of your Ogbiti (Palace) every Nkwo Market Day, to receive from your bountiful heart. Widows and widowers, orphans and less privileges, even family heads of their own homes were not exempted.

Everyone who came to your Yam Barn always leave with a dropped jaw, your food storage warehouse is something beyond explanation. Yet, your Richest Aspect in Life was in feeding the community, giving to everyone including those traveling back to their bases.

Your Wisdom fetched you the title of Chief Judge within and outside the Akaeze community.

What case did you not resolve in that your Ogbiti court? Even cases government courts and police cannot resolve, were brought to you, seeking your immeasurable wisdom for a lasting resolution and intervention.

O! death, why? The vacuum your death created in our family will be deeply felt even in generations yet to come. The entire Ndibe Abara Ele of Okparaike kindred, Iketaku, Ihenta, Akaeze in Ivo, Local Government Area of Ebonyi State looks up to your exemplary lifestyle.

As one of your sons Engr Ogbonna Obasi wrote in his tribute; "Omezuo, the life you lived and the footprints you left on the sand of time will continue to be an inspiration to all of us". Another of your Son, late Perm. Sec. Sam Obasi in his words stated, "Our solace is that you came, you saw and you conquered".

You'll forever remain engraved in our hearts.

Rest on my Big-Brother!

Rest on Omezuo!!

Rest on Ogala Ji!!!

Rest on Ogbu Ebula Ji!!!!

Rest on Oke Oji!!!!

Rest on Nna!!!!!