By Don Peter Okoro
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Chairman for Nnewi North Local Government Area (LGA) and President General of Ebenator Quarter in Otolo Nnewi Anambra State, Hon. Tony Muodielo (Ogbuefi Chinemeze) has described his late mother-In-law, Mrs. Esther Ukatu (Nee Okwuosa) as a saint.
Mrs Ukatu was laid to rest on Friday, April 26, 2025.
Speaking with Don Peter Okoro shortly after the burial ceremony, Hon Muodielo who is the CEO of TONY KLASSIC BUILDING & ROOFING Company Limited said that his mother-In-law was very dear to his heart.
He disclosed that she took over as his mother as he lost his own mother way back in 2008.
He said: “She didn’t interfere in our marriage. She only gave us advice, unlike some mothers-in-law that try to become barriers and cause confusion in their children’s marriage. She was a very good role model.
“Words are not enough to qualify her. In fact, we lost an Angel in the guise of a human being.
“We are from the same area, just the neighbouring village and we all grew up together as family friends. Coincidentally, the day of her burial fell within the time my wife and I wedded. We wedded on April 30, 2005 and she was buried on April 26, 2025, which marks our 20th wedding anniversary.
“For the past 20 years, she has been a mother, a guide, an adviser and everything.
“My wife is a fantastic cook today due to what she learnt from her mother who was a very good cook. Today I enjoy my marriage because food plays a major role in making marriages to be sweet. I don’t like to eat outside except when it’s absolutely unavoidable.”
He recalled some beautiful moments they had together like when he used to drive a Toyota Corolla popularly called First Lady and used to take them around in it. He also recalled the time he was dating her daughter (now his wife ) when he was riding a Honda Bike called CUBE. He said he used to have an umbrella permanently fixed to the bike in case it rained and anytime he rode by, they would tease her that: “see o, your husband is passing” and she would be blushing as she came out.
He said his mother-in-law encouraged him at the initial stage of their courtship, because their father who later became his father-in-law was known to be a very strict man who did not entertain people around his daughters.
He said the efforts of her mother-in-law facilitated the marriage, adding that she was a very good and jovial person to stay around with.
Appreciating the people who came from far and near for the ceremony, he first of all thanked the Igwe Nnewi who was represented by Rt. Hon. Chukwudi Orizu and Chinedu Orizu.
He thanked the Obi Uruagu, the Obi Umudim and Obi Nnewichi. He was full of appreciation to Dr. Cletus Ibeto (Omekannaya), who came with his full entourage despite his busy schedule.
The Mayor of Nnewi North, Hon. Echezona Anazodo and his Deputy Hon. Mrs. Mercy Okoli; President General of Nzuko-Ora Nnewi, Prince Jude Osumuo; Mr Humphrey Ngonadi; Hon. Innocent Okoli; Archbishop Kene Ifepe from Canada; the Chairman of APGA Anambra State, Barr. Ifeatu Obi Okoye represented by the Chairman of all Chairmen Hon. Obimadu Egbe; House of Representatives Member for Ihiala, Hon. Dr Paschal Agbodike who sent a delegation; Chairman, Nnewi South, Ijele Utuh and a host of others were all there.
Mrs Muodielo, Ifenyinwa Maria Goretti on her part said that her mother was more than a mother to her.
She said she was a friend and a very dear sister, adding that she loved her children and her husband dearly.
She recalled that her mother always fought for her children’s right.
She said: “At times she would say ‘Ifenyinwa I’ll slap you oo’, but at the end she won’t even slap anyone.
“As the President of the Catholic Women Organization (CWO), her tenure was adjuged one of the best and when it was announced that she was no more, so many women wept bitterly.”
