By Ayomide Otitoju
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, on Friday joined the people of Isuofia and other dignitaries at the Pontifical Funeral Mass for the late traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Lt. Col. Christopher Moghalu (Rtd.), describing him as a pillar of peace, service, and cultural preservation.
The funeral service, held at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Isuofia, was presided over by His Eminence, Peter Ebere Cardinal Okpalaeke, who paid glowing tribute to the late monarch’s life of faith and dedicated leadership.
According to the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, Governor Soludo described the late Igwe as an “Iroko” whose 88 years of life were marked by lasting impact rather than longevity.
“We don’t just live, we live to matter. And when it is all done, it is not how long but how well,” the governor said.
He praised the late monarch as a man of integrity and commitment, noting his contributions to community development, the church, education, and the preservation of culture.
Governor Soludo particularly commended Igwe Moghalu’s passion for education, recalling that the monarch personally visited him to express appreciation after the adoption of Amorji Primary School in Isuofia.
The governor assured residents that the transition to a new traditional ruler would be peaceful, urging the community to honour the late monarch by upholding the values he lived for.
“God brought peace to Isuofia after twenty years, and I assure you we will have this transition in peace. The only way to remember this Iroko is to live up to those things he lived for,” Soludo said.
In his homily, Cardinal Okpalaeke reminded mourners that Christians grieve with hope because of Christ’s victory over death, stressing that the faithful journey to eternal life rather than perish.
The Cardinal also praised the late monarch for successfully balancing his Christian faith with his traditional responsibilities.
“The departed traditional ruler shared a faith that did not fear culture. One can preserve our heritage without compromising his faith. He did it very well,” he said.
He noted that the Catholic Church complements rather than opposes traditional institutions, emphasizing that both play important roles in promoting societal development.
The Cardinal further appealed for unity and peace during the selection of the next traditional ruler, urging the community to ensure the succession process reflects the harmony cherished by the late monarch.
Also speaking at the funeral, a representative of the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Osita Okoye, described the late Igwe as a mentor who played a significant role in shaping his military career.
“What I am today, he contributed 90 percent. He ensured that I gained admission into the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1990,” he said.
The late Igwe Christopher Moghalu was widely remembered as a respected traditional ruler, community leader, and mentor whose commitment to education, peace, faith, and cultural heritage left an enduring legacy.
The community is expected to hold the formal Ofala ceremony in his honour on January 5, 2027, as Isuofia continues preparations for the selection of a new traditional ruler.
