The corpse of ex-Biafran leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu will remain in London until the conclusion of arrangements for his burial.
National chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Chief Victor Umeh? dropped the hint while speaking with newsmen yesterday at the Enugu residence of Ojukwu, shortly after signing condolence register opened for the late Igbo leader.
He explained that? the decision to keep Ojukwu’s corpse in London pending the conclusion of his burial arrangements? was taken at the? various meetings held? in London and Nigeria.
Umeh, who arrived in Nigeria from London yesterday, said they would also consider during their subsequent meetings “whether to build a mausoleum for Ojukwu and place him there so that people will go and see the body of the greatest Igbo man that has lived”??????
He disclosed that the meetings they? held in London and Nigeria demanded that more consultation would? be made? before a funeral date for Ojukwu would be fixed.
The APGA boss, however, assured that the burial rites for Ojukwu would commence immediately the body is brought home, adding that the resolve to keep his corpse? in London was also to ensure that it was properly taken care of.
He said: “Well, I came in from London this morning, and it is very clear to you that the burial of Ojukwu is not just like any other burial; certainly, in this part of the world, he is a man that so many people are interested in his burial rites. So extensive consultation will take place , but you know that having left us in the physical realm, his body must be committed to Mother Earth.
Meanwhile, the former Abia State Governor? Orji Uzor Kalu? has lamented the death of Ojukwu. In a statement yesterday, Kalu, who enjoyed a chummy, father-son relationship with the late leader,? waxed poetic as he described him as ‘my captain’ whose ‘ship weathered every storm’ during his eventful life time,? just as he prayed for the repose of his soul