Date: Nov. 12th, 2025 REMEMBERING A PATRIOT AND STATESMAN, HRH EZE O.B. NWOKOCHA: THE 2025 OJI EZINIHITTE LOC PERSPECTIVE. The 2025 Oji Ezinihitte LOC on whose behalf I write, having been confronted by enormous shock and grief by virtue of the passage of our highly revered royal patron, HRH O.B. Nwokocha, Umara III, and Chairman Ezinihitte Council of Ndi Eze, was only able to shed tears without dropping a word since the announcement of his death till today. However, courage, hope and faith in God have now strengthened us to make this tribute and condolence note in honour of our departed king. As long as the 2025 Oji LOC is concerned, His Highness was selfless. He cheerfully accepted the emergence of the Chairmen of 2025 Oji LOC, Oji CPC and Oji occasion proper from outside his own autonomous community, Adakam. On the day the LOC was inaugurated in his Palace, he said: “if the people LOC needs to organise a sound Oji festival are from one family, let LOC engage them without minding which autonomous community the family is from”. All through the processes of the formation, inauguration, and operations of the 2025 Oji LOC, HRH Umara III exhibited the ideals of a distinguished patriot, statesman, and patron to us. He gave us his wise counsel and guidance, with a large heart and liberal mind avoiding undue interference with, or influence on our activities. Just like his brother Ezes, he never meddled in subcommittee appointments, contracts, supplies, or spendings, unless LOC herself, requested to brief Ndi Eze Amumara on such matters. On the 15th of May, 2025 when LOC presented the final financial report of the Oji, ill-health could not allow him to be in attendance. At the end of that meeting, the LOC Chairman went to His Highness, explained and presented the same financial report to him and thanked him for appointing the members. In reaction, His Highness showed satisfaction with, and confidence in the efforts of the LOC. He asked God to bless the LOC Chairman a d members. As His Highness goes to meet his Creator, we pray God to strengthen all of us, show him mercy, and grant him a place in heaven. To his lovely wife, Her Royal Highness, Ugoeze E. Nwokocha, his step mother, children, brothers, sisters, cousins and other close relatives, please take heart and be strong because His Highness has gone to better place. Adieu the charismatic, eloquent, influential and outstanding royal socialite, HRH Eze O.B. Nwokocha. Cajetan E. Nwogu Chairman, 2025 Oji Ezinihitte LOC, for the entire LOC.

A TRIBUTE TO OUR BIG DADDY: HRH, EZE OSITADINMA BENNETH NWOKOCHA Losing Big Daddy has left a very big vacuum that cannot be filled in our family; the impact he had on all of us continues to shine through in the stories we tell, the lessons he taught, and the love he shared so generously. He was the kind of person whose presence brought comfort and confidence. Even in ordinary moments, he had a way of making people feel seen and valued, whether through a gentle joke, a lively conversation, or simply by being there. Big Daddy never tried to impress anyone with grand gestures; instead, he gave his attention, time, and kindness to people that came across him. Those gifts were far more meaningful than silver and gold. He listened with genuine interest and spoke with sincerity. He offered guidance when we needed it, not by telling us who to be, but by reminding us of who we already are and encouraging us to trust in ourselves. His advice wasn’t usually loud, but rather dished out calmly, honestly, and rooted in care. What would stand out most when remembering him was how deeply he valued our extended family. He celebrated our achievements, comforted us during struggles, and found joy in the simple moments we shared. He had a way of making every gathering feel warmer, every challenge feel lighter, and every success feel bigger. Though he is no longer with us, the influence he had on our lives would remain ever green. We will continue to honour him by carrying forward the qualities he embodied – kindness, patience, humility, contentment and genuine generosity. As we pay tribute to him, we choose to celebrate the life he lived and the legacies he left behind. He was more than an uncle, he was a role model, a source of strength, and a reminder of what it means to live a life of impact. Good night BIG DADDY

A Tribute to our Big Daddy: HRH, Eze Ositadinma Benneth Nwokocha Losing Big Daddy has left a very big vacuum that cannot be filled in our family; the impact he had on all of us continues to shine through in the stories we tell, the lessons he taught, and the love he shared so generously. He was the kind of person whose presence brought comfort and confidence. Even in ordinary moments, he had a way of making people feel seen and valued, whether through a gentle joke, a lively conversation, or simply by being there. Big Daddy never tried to impress anyone with grand gestures; instead, he gave his attention, time, and kindness to people that came across him. Those gifts were far more meaningful than silver and gold. He listened with genuine interest and spoke with sincerity. He offered guidance when we needed it, not by telling us who to be, but by reminding us of who we already are and encouraging us to trust in ourselves. His advice wasn’t usually loud, but rather dished out calmly, honestly, and rooted in care. What would stand out most when remembering him was how deeply he valued our extended family. He celebrated our achievements, comforted us during struggles, and found joy in the simple moments we shared. He had a way of making every gathering feel warmer, every challenge feel lighter, and every success feel bigger. Though he is no longer with us, the influence he had on our lives would remain ever green. We will continue to honour him by carrying forward the qualities he embodied – kindness, patience, humility, contentment and genuine generosity. As we pay tribute to him, we choose to celebrate the life he lived and the legacies he left behind. He was more than an uncle, he was a role model, a source of strength, and a reminder of what it means to live a life of impact. Good night BIG DADDY Prince Chimereze Maduforo Michael-Nwokocha and Siblings

TRIBUTE TO MY DEAR FRIEND AND HUSBAND Onye Ishi Ala, as I fondly called you, my happiness is that I took care of you from the beginning of our marriage to your last breath. I miss you so deeply my king and my love. I never imagined that you will leave me to face this life alone this soon. Our plan was to create more beautiful memories together, but now I find myself asking “where are you?” Onye Ishi Ala, Onye Eze continue to rest peacefully. I love you. Your Ugoeze, UK Nwokocha

TRIBUTE TO HRH EZE OSITADINMA B. NWOKOCHA, FROM AMUMARA PEOPLE IN UYO, AKWA IBOM STATE: We the good people of Amumara residing in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State very heartily pen down this tribute in honour of our fallen king, HRH Eze O.B. Nwokocha, Umara 111 of Adakam Amumara, and Chairman, Ezinihitte Council of Traditional Rulers, whom it has pleased God to invite home at this time. HRH Eze Nwokocha was a first class Traditional Ruler who commanded respect and dignity, according due recognition to both old and young, and ever willing to assist anyone irrespective of where they come from. No wonder, despite his departure, the echoes of his aura and goodwill have continued to meander through the hills and valleys of our land and beyond. Beloved by his people, he ruled with a courage that never wolded, a cheerfulness that brightened even the darkest days, and a fairness that made justice feel like a shared promise. He treated each citizen with the deepest respect, listening to their hopes and fears as if they were his own, and in return earned a reverence that transcended titles. His legacy is not measured in stone or crown, but in the countless lives he touched—children who laughed at his jokes, elders who trusted his wisdom, and strangers who found a friend in his presence. Though his reign has ended, his times live on, in the stories we tell about him, the songs we sing about him, and the values he embodied. May we carry his courage, his joy, his fairness, and his respect forward, honoring him by becoming the kind of people he believed we could be. To his immediate Nwokocha family, Obibi village, Adakam Amumara, entire Amumara, Ezinihitte and Igboland, we pour out our sincere condolences, praying God to strengthen you all, and grant HRH Umara 111 a place in heaven. Rest in peace, Your Highness, Eze O.B. Nwokocha. Amumara people in Uyo will continue to remember you.

A Tribute To My Big Daddy, HRH Eze Ositadinma Nwokocha. Our Great King. How do I begin to put into words the pain in my heart? How do I describe what it feels like to lose an uncle like you? My king, my uncle, my big daddy—HRH Eze Ositadinma Nwokocha. You were more than a monarch to me. You were the pillar that shaped my world. Your wisdom guided me, your courage inspired me, and your love protected me in ways words can never fully express. You taught me dignity, humility, compassion, and strength. You showed me what it truly means to lead with calmness, fairness, fearless courage, and a heart big enough to embrace everyone around you. In your presence, I felt safe. In your footsteps, I found direction. Your legacy lives on in every life you touched, every community you lifted, and every lesson you planted in us. I am proud to be your princess—your IHUAKU. I miss you in ways I cannot explain. I miss your voice. I miss your laughter that felt like peace. I miss the way you called my name, IHUAKU, as if it carried music. Death, they say, is inevitable, but yours came too soon. I never imagined seeing a coffin close at my favorite person. Big Daddy, you were peaceful, compassionate, kind, generous, and God-fearing. We miss you deeply. Your absence is a heavy burden we now carry. It hurts more than words can describe. But even in my tears, I am grateful. Grateful that I was blessed to call you Big Daddy—a man of composure and grace. Grateful that I grew under your protection—a man who defended everything about me until the very end. Grateful for the love you poured into my life—a love that made me feel life at its fullest. Every day, every hour, every moment, you would ask: “How is my princess? Where is she? My princess, hope you are fine. Do you need anything? Always remember to pray every day, and love everyone as I did.” Big Daddy, your absence hurts, but your memories comfort me. Your lessons live in me. Your strength carries me. Your love continues to shine and guide my steps. I promise to uphold your values, to love people the way you loved, and to let your light shine through me every day of my life. Sleep well, Big Daddy—my favorite, my king. Not just a king, but my uncle and a father. Jee nke oma Jee n’ udo. Adieu, my King. Till we meet to part no more. We will forever carry your light, your name, and your love. In our hearts, we miss you—always.

I’ve taken far longer to write this tribute than I ever expected. It was not out of hesitation, but because I still struggle to find the words. Uncle Osy, the news of your passing has been heavy in a way I never imagined. You were woven into every significant moment of my life, that trying to speak about you in past tense feels unreal. I can’t picture returning to Nigeria and not making my way to the palace to see you. To many, you were the revered king of our community – a leader, a father, a symbol of dignity. But to me, you were my uncle; warm-hearted, principled, God-fearing, and endlessly generous. You carried the weight of our family with grace, always placing our needs before your own, often in ways we didn’t even recognize until later. I will miss you more than I can express in this write-up. And judging by the outpouring of tributes from so many others on this platform, I know I’m not alone. Your influence reached beyond our family, touching lives in ways only true servants of God and community can. Thank you for the memories, the laughter, the steady guidance, and the quiet strength you offered without fail. Thank you for being present in my life in moments big and small. Thank you for the love you showed us all. I don’t know when, or if, our family will ever feel completely whole again. Your absence has carved a space that cannot be filled. But perhaps that is the clearest sign of your impact: you loved deeply, led faithfully, and lived in a way that made all of us better. Rest in peace Uncle Osy, HRH Ositadinma Benneth Nwokocha; my uncle, my king. Your legacy lives in us, and your memory will remain a blessing.

A TRIBUTE TO A GREAT KING — LATE EZE OSITADINMA B. NWOKOCHA (UMARA III) OF ADAKAM AMUMARA Presented on behalf of Zenith Club Amumara With hearts heavy yet filled with gratitude, we, the members of Zenith Club Amumara, join the entire Adakam Amumara Autonomous community to mourn and to celebrate the life of a rare gem, His Royal Highness, Late Eze Ositadinma B. Nwokocha (Umara III). A king whose reign was marked not only by authority but by humility, wisdom, and an uncommon love for his people. Eze Ositadinma Nwokocha was more than a traditional ruler; he was a father, a guide, and a symbol of dignity. He carried the crown with grace, embodying the true spirit of leadership — approachable, compassionate, and ever willing to uplift others. His palace doors were open to all: the young, the old, the mighty, and the lowly. No one was turned away, for he believed that a true king is one who listens to his people. We in Zenith Club Amumara hold a memory of him that remains deeply etched in our hearts. Shortly after his coronation, we paid him a courtesy visit, bearing gifts as a mark of respect. But in his characteristic humility, he gently declined. He looked at us with fatherly eyes and said words we will never forget: “I don’t accept gifts from young people like you. I believe you will grow and become useful to our community. By then, you can come with your gifts.” Those words, spoken with simplicity and sincerity, carried profound meaning. In them, we heard his belief in the potential of the youth. In them, we understood his vision for a stronger and more united Amumara. In them, we felt his desire for us to rise, to build, and to contribute meaningfully to our home town. Eze Ositadinma B. Nwokocha lived for his people. He saw promise where others saw inexperience. He nurtured hope where others showed indifference. His humility was not a gesture — it was his way of life. Today, we mourn a king, but we also celebrate a legacy. We celebrate a leader who taught by example, who ruled with wisdom, and who loved without discrimination. Though he has gone to join our ancestors, his footprints remain deeply planted in the soil of Amumara. To our departed king, Umara III, we say: Thank you for your fatherly guidance. Thank you for believing in the youth. Thank you for showing us that leadership is service, and service is love. May your great soul find eternal rest in the bosom of the Almighty. May your legacy continue to inspire generations yet unborn. Farewell, Eze Ositadinma B. Nwokocha — A humble king, a caring father, a timeless legend. From all of us at Zenith Club Amumara.

*A Tribute to My Brother and King, HRH Eze Ositadimma Beneth NWOKOCHA* ‎ ‎You lived a life of honour, humility, and service, touching the lives of everyone around you. Your kindness, compassion, and wisdom inspired us all. You were a true leader, a glamorous King, a man who added prestige to traditional institution, your demise is a big blow to us your immediate family and your autonomous community, you will be highly missed, my devoted brother, and a cherished friend. ‎ ‎Your legacy lives on in the memories we shared, the lives you touched, and the values you uphold. You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. ‎ ‎Rest in peace, my beloved brother and king. ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎