Abia’s Oldest Queen, Ugoeze Charity Olewengwa Laid to Rest in Grand Royal Burial
The great matriarch of the Olewengwa Royal Family and the oldest/longest-enthroned Queen in Abia State, Her Royal Majesty Ugoeze Deaconess Charity Ugbonma Olewengwa, fondly called Mother General, has been laid to rest amid an outpouring of tributes and a royal display befitting her status. She died at the age of 110.
The grand burial, held on Friday, November 14, 2025, has been widely described as the “Mother of All Burials” in Abia State.
Ugoeze Olewengwa was the wife of the late HRM Eze Dr. Philip Nwachinemere Olewengwa, the traditional ruler of Amasa Ancient Kingdom in Osisioma LGA of Abia State.
Her remains were released from City Gate Medical Services, Umuahia, and conveyed to her husband’s compound in a white Lincoln Escalade hearse belonging to Olive Funeral Services. The famous undertakers thrilled the crowd with dramatic pall-bearing displays before departure.
The long motorcade that accompanied it caused a gridlock along sections of the Aba–Port Harcourt Expressway and adjoining roads.
At Aro Ngwa Junction, thousands lined the route to welcome the Queen home, with cannon shots, royal chants, including the famous Ohafia War Dancers (Ikperikpe Ogu) and other colourful cultural troupes that put up spectacular performances.
When her casket was transferred to a horse-drawn chariot, the crowd erupted in wide jubilation, praising her children for giving her a high-profile burial and accompanying the procession on foot with songs and dancing until arrival at the royal compound.
The Brotherhood of the Cross and Star (BCS) received the body, followed by an open-air funeral service officiated by Amb. Dr. Endurance Ugoala, who urged the public to emulate the late Queen’s devotion to God and humanity.
In his funeral oration, the Chief Mourner, His Worship, Dr. Diamond O. Olewengwa, described his mother as “a spiritual pillar who inspired her children through her daily 5 a.m family devotion and weekly 6:00 am to 6:00 pm fasting and prayer sessions for the family and others.
He said that her life of peace, charity and Christian discipline shaped the values of her children, and the community.
“She was a woman of peace, love, humility, and integrity,” he said. “She was not discriminatory. She saw everybody as one and treated all equally with love and compassion.”
He thanked God for preserving her life up to 110 years and prayed for similar longevity.
Her eldest daughter, Princess Mercy Abraham, praised her as a “renowned philanthropist, adviser and inimitable Mother General,” who held several leadership roles in the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, including President of the Women’s Fellowship, treasurer and General Mother.
She described her as a rare gem and epitome of beauty whose legacy of faith and service would continue to be cherished by them.
The second daughter, Princess (Mrs.) Edna Egbu-Olewengwa, described her as “a pillar of strength and unmatched counsellor who fought a good fight of faith.” She assured that they would sustain her enviable legacies.
In a tribute titled “Queen Bows,” Elder Prince Hippolite C. Olewengwa called her an “Enviable Mother” blessed with wisdom, honour, master touch, good health, enviable children and longevity, adding that she would remain “a timeless legend whose prayers and principles will continue to inspire many.”
One of her daughters-in-law, Grace Diamond, described the Queen’s passing as an irreparable loss, noting that her love, prayers and wise counsel would remain indelible in her heart.
A son-in-law, Chief Chukwuma Christian Egbu (Nwadiora Nma I of Obinolu Ngodo Isuochi), thanked God for granting her a remarkable age and described her as a compassionate woman “full of joy and hospitality.”
Joining in the deluge of tributes, the Eze-elect of Obohia Ndoki Autonomous Community in Ukwa East local government area of Abia State, Chief Ugochukwu John Nduwuisi, said her death marked “the end of an era”. He described her as “a colossus and iconic woman whose godly devotion will remain unforgettable.”
The popular, handsome, amiable, urbane, eloquent, indefatigable and quintessential Eze-elect who attended the burial with a large entourage comprising the Obohia Council of Chiefs (Mbichiriezi) and others condoled the Chief mourner, His Worship, Dr. Diamond Olewengwa who he described as their long-time and trusted friend on behalf of the entire Olewengwa Royal Family.
He urged them to bear the irreparable loss with fortitude and be consoled by the fact that she lived a fulfilled Christian life. He thanked God for keeping her alive up to 110 years. He urged the family to remain united, noting that the Olewengwa Royal Mansion, which he described as Victorian in style, reflects royalty and heritage and could be seen now only in Europe.
Also paying tribute, the President-General of Amasa Progressive Union, Chief Godfrey O.C. Kanu (JP), hailed the late Queen as an embodiment of wisdom, compassion and hospitality. He commended her support for their late King, Dr. P. N. Olewengwa, the Ezeudo 1 of Amasa Ancient Kingdom, noting that “her life of service and longevity remain a blessing to the kingdom.”
The renowned Knight of St. Christopher (KSC) Labour Party Chieftain, and Chairman, Stakeholders Forum, Labour Party (LP), Osisioma LGA of Abia State described the deceased as a very beautiful woman with a heart of gold. He said that although she lived up to 110 years, “her passing has created a vacuum in the family and community,” urging them to draw strength from the exemplary life she lived. He noted that all her children are successful in their different fields. He said that one of them is a magistrate and expressed optimism that he would grow bigger in his chosen profession.
Immediately after interment, the atmosphere turned festive with unforgettable reception, drumming, dancing, and musical performances by both cultural troupes and live bands. Security was tight with the Army, Police and local vigilante groups ensuring order.
The high-profile burial attracted judges, magistrates, lawyers, traditional rulers, clergy, politicians, captains of industry among others. Massive radio/TV announcements, billboards and flex banners across Osisioma and neighbouring communities heightened public turnout.
According to Dr. Diamond Olewengwa, the elaborate burial was a token of appreciation to their beloved mother for raising them up in the fear of God and nurturing them to enviable heights in the society.
Although now laid to rest, Ugoeze Charity Ugbonma Olewengwa will be remembered for her deep spirituality, peace-building efforts, hospitality and great moral influence.
Born on September 14, 1915, she is survived by children, grandchildren and other relatives.
