A Song Reborn: Onwenu’s Ode to Abibatu Emeka’s Legacy

…As Hon. Okeke, others pay tribute

By Ezurike Ugochukwu and Ambrose Nnaji

In a hall boasting a capacity for over five thousand, adorned with captivating banner images at every corner, one could hardly fathom that it was a solemn funeral service for Mrs. Abigail Abibatu Emeka (Nee Ojo). Alas, indeed the gathering was a testament to the virtuous woman she was, drawing a multitude who came to bid her farewell.

Onyeka onwenu at the service of songs in Lagos

On that poignant occasion, renowned Nigerian singer/songwriter, actress, human rights activist, and social activist, Onyeka Onwenu, graced the stage. She believed that the best way to honour this esteemed woman was to rededicate her beloved track ‘Ochie Dike’ to her, portraying late Abibatu as a warrior of old. Abibatu was celebrated as a woman of courage, attuned to the voice of God—caring, beautiful, strong, and a Godly mother.

According to Onwenu, Abibatu had transitioned to reunite with the love of her life, her late husband Rufus Emeka, and the greatest love of her life, Jesus Christ.

Onwenu admired how Abibatu’s children were raised, a testament to her saintly and inspiring character, reminiscent of her own resilient mother.
Such influences sustained them through their journey with the Lord Jesus Christ.

To Rt. Hon. Jonas Okeke, a Member of the Federal House of Representatives representing Ehime-Mbano/Ihitte-Uboma/Obowo federal Constituency, who shared his reflections on Abibatu’s life, likening her to the biblical Dorcas.
He fondly remembered her and her husband’s impeccable sense of style, which was truly captivating.

Hon. Okeke at the service of songs

The lawmaker went on to emphasize that the late Abibatu had been the esteemed leader of the women’s community union in Lagos(Ikperejere Development Union & Uboma Development Union) for many years.
He commended her selfless leadership, mentioning that during community meetings in Lagos, she effortlessly guided both the women of Uboma and Ikperejere for years.

Late Mama Abigail and Pharmacist Rufus Ogbonna Emeka her husband

The former Deputy Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly recalled in nostalgia how in his formative years, he aspired to emulate his late uncle, the respected Pharmacist Rufus Emeka, while young ladies looked up to Abigail, the epitome of a virtuous wife.

Hon. Okeke highlighted the couple’s significant impact within their local church: St Simon’s Anglican Church Ikperejere community. He stressed the belief that those who have led righteous lives in the eyes of God are never forgotten, as it’s only those who have engaged in evil deeds that fade from memory.

The law maker conveyed that one truly lives on through the positive and lasting impact left on society, underscoring Abibatu’s guidance of her children towards a life centered on faith. He encouraged everyone to strive to be remembered for their good deeds.

During the service of songs held at the Detutu Events Place Ogudu GRA Lagos, Pastor Niyi Beecroft delivered a thought-provoking homily, emphasizing that funeral messages are meant to resonate with the living. The central theme of his address was ‘Leaving a life that leaves a legacy.’

Reflecting on the essence of funerals as depicted in the Bible, Beecroft emphasized the significance of being our brothers’ keepers in the present day. He particularly underscored the responsibility we bear, especially towards the children and grandchildren left behind by loved ones. The call to be vigilant in nurturing relationships and forgiving one another echoed throughout his sermon, aligning with the teachings of the Lord.

Pastor Beecroft urged the congregation to embody the virtue of forgiveness, mirroring the teachings of the Lord as imparted by their mother and grandmother.

Mama and her children form left: Ikenna, Late Sunny and Chukwuma

He emphasized that their mother had established a Godly legacy through her communion with God and her devoted work. Quoting scriptures, he highlighted her witnessing the goodness of Jerusalem, illustrating the blessings that follow those who follow the Lord’s ways.

Beecroft encouraged the audience to walk in faith and work with God, assuring them that by doing so, they would leave a lasting legacy that generations would remember. He reiterated that living a life in alignment with God’s teachings ensures a legacy that stands the test of time and remains unforgotten.”

To her daughter, Ngozi Chinyere Emeka, the loss of two sons was a burden carried with remarkable fortitude by their mother. Though tears were shed in secret, in public she chose to celebrate the goodness of God—a testament to her unwavering faith and resilience in the face of adversity.

Ngozi so admired their mother’s exceptional faith and conviction. Despite her profound loss, she firmly believed in God’s blessings and grace, a sentiment reaffirmed during a time of seeking the Lord’s guidance. Much like Job and Abraham, she stood steadfast, refusing to curse God and finding righteousness through her unshakable faith.

At the service of songs

In the words of Funmilayo Emeka her daughter in-law, she expressed fulfilment that she has made heaven, “Mummy, you always had the beat and now you have the best of the best in your mansion in heaven, …you are in ‘the best’ place. You got the best, am glad you made it.”

Whereas Tenezee Miatta Rufus-Emeka, a daughter in-law seems to have lost her confidant, stated that even as she was many things to many people, she was her mother, encourager and her prayer partner in the absence of her husband Rufus Emeka jnr, who had gone to be with her maker.

Mama Abibatu, stood behind Miatta, assured on and to be with her in thick and thin

Recounting how her calls would come when she needed a confidant to lean on, encouraging her, “Miatta I know and understand exactly what you’re going through, I was once right where you are, but look at me today enjoying my life with my children and grandchildren. The same God who made all this happen for me will do the same for you and even more than you can ever imagine,” she stated.

Also her daughter in-law Onyinye Ikenna Emeka, wallowing in such an unbelief expressed how she has missed the last of her progenitors who would always call them to memory of who they are, and where they are coming from.

Onyinye and Mama

Her prayer warrior she said has gone, she further said, “I have spent time thinking about you and the impact you had in my life and I cannot thank you enough. You gave me the greatest human gift I could receive – your son, Ikenna, my husband, you have earned your wings mummy, now you will watch over us from heaven,” she expressed.

Ikenna and Onyinye

To an inlaw, Pastor Babaleye Samuel, Mama Abibatu was a mother to all, always caring and ever loving.

Members of Band of Light Society of St Andrew’s Anglican Church Ogudu in a group photograph with Dr Ikenna and wife

To the Saint Andrew’s Anglican Church and particularly the Band of Light Society which Ikenna belongs, they expressed their joy that Mama Abigail lived a fulfilled life and showed the children only but the way of the Lord.

To Engr. Ebenezer Ogoke, amidst all teary eyes, Mama Abigail was a great woman ahead of her time, eulogising her uniqueness that shone so bright like the northern star, “her beautiful life was like a rare meteor across the night sky that needed no introduction. She was the kind that could only be seen or experienced once in a lifetime,” Ebenezer poignantly stated.

Mama’s children: Ikenna, Chukwuma and Late Sunny

Dr. Ikenna Emeka, the son, expressed profound gratitude to the Lord Jesus Christ, acknowledging the profound impact of their parents’ devout beliefs on their upbringing.

He highlighted how their mother, in particular, laid a solid foundation for their lives, shaping them into who they are today.

The children found solace in knowing that their mother now dwells with her maker in heaven, where she is now free from pain and sorrow.

Chukwuma Emeka shared that their mother had always yearned to be with her beloved Jesus after her earthly journey, and to guide her children and grandchildren to Christ. He described her deep connection with the Holy Spirit and expressed joy that she had joined her blessed Jesus in the afterlife.

Expressing gratitude, Chukwuma acknowledged the supportive presence of those who stood by the family during their time of grief—friends, kinsmen and women from Ijebu- Ode and Ikperejere-Uboma, churches near and far, virtual participants via Zoom, and professional colleagues alike.

Her remains will be laid to rest on Friday at her Ikperejere, Ihitte/Uboma home beside her husband after a commendation church service at the St Simon’s Anglican Church, Ikperejere.