By Emeka Odogwu
It was a solemn gathering of believers from The Church of The Holy Spirit Awka, Anambra State, to bid farewell to the late Chief Osita Kenneth Agbata Chinyelugo on Friday 3rd October, 2025, at Umuonaga Village Awka.
The late Chief Agbata 65, was the husband of Dr Mrs. Ngozi Agbata, former Protocol of then Governor Willie Obiano and a member of the Church of the Holy Spirit Awka.
Ven. Dr. Onyeka Egwuonwu, Vicar, Church of The Holy Spirit, Awka, and Archdeacon, CHS Awka Archdeaconry, led other priests to the burial ceremony.
Other priests who witnessed the burial ceremony were Reverend Canon Azubuike Mgbeike of Our Saviour, Awka; Reverend Dr P.C. Chinwuko of St Andrews, Abba; Reverend Ikechukwu Ogala (Ike Awka) of Mgbakwu Anglican Parish; Reverend Augustine Chukwujekwu Otiji of CHS, Awka; Reverend Onyeka Onochie of St John’s Okpuno; Reverend Godsplan Onukwufo of CHS, Awka; Reverend Dr. Nnaemeka Ezeonyi of CHS, Awka; Reverend Godwin Okonkwo of CHS, Awka; Mr Theophilus Chukwuemeka Chiekezie, CHS, Awka Church Teacher.
Several dignitaries from the Church of The Holy Spirit Awka and beyond were in attendance, including Hon Justice Agbata (Ozo Ijele), an Administrative Judge with the Anambra State Judiciary; the Governorship Candidate of the YPP in the last Governorship Election in Anambra State, Sir Paul Chukwuma, among other dignitaries.
In his sermon earlier, Ven. Dr Onyeka Egwuonwu cautioned Christians against using charms, noting that they did not save anyone.
He rather encouraged Christians to embrace Jesus Christ as the only saviour of mankind, reminding them that everyone must die but that the prayer of a Christian was to die when God chose them to.
He reminded them that those who died in the Lord would sing to eternity, adding that everyone must die, only that they prayed not to die as a burden to relatives.
The CHS Awka Archdeacon noted that if there was magic in religion, many won’t associate with it, as the attraction was the dignity in religious liturgies embedded.
He warned against the spilling the blood of the innocent, even as he asked Christians to shun pride and cantankerous behavior at all times.
Ven. Dr Egwuonwu said that God was merciful and knew all hearts, no matter the pretence. He asked Christians not to be parties to bringing disintegration to other people’s homes, describing as fruitless, any efforts targeted at destroying or separating others’ families.
Speaking on behalf of the Agbata family in appreciation of the support and solidarity of the Church of The Holy Spirit Awka, Chief Ezenwa Chinwuko described the CHS Awka as a heavenly church with the mind of God, praying with unity of purpose, one mind and clean hearts in the worship of God. He prayed that the ministry of Ven. Dr Egwuonwu would prosper.
