Sights and Sounds of Ogidi

Fri, Jun 7, 2013
By publisher
3 MIN READ

Social Diary

The burial of Chinua Achebe, a literary giant on May 23, drew the entire world to Ogidi, a sleepy town in Anambra State

By Vincent Nzemeke  |

BUT for the achievements of renowned author, Chinua Achebe, Ogidi, a quiet town in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra state, would have remained unknown to the world. Through his works and global acclaim, Achebe put Ogidi on the global map and made it a destination point for many people around the world. Even in death, Achebe’s name still echoes loud in Ogidi and continues to attract visitors to the town.

Entrance of the mausoleum
Entrance of the mausoleum

Penultimate week, when Achebe, the author of one of Africa’s classic novels, Things Fall Apart was buried, Ogidi played host to thousands of visitors from near and far-flung parts of the world. All the roads leading to the town experienced heavy and unusual traffic jam. Junctions, corners and walls were littered with posters and banners of the late author. On the roll call were President Goodluck Jonathan and John Dramani Mahama of Ghana, Emeka Anyaoku, Peter Obi, Chris Ngige, Pius Anyim and a host of other politicians and government officials.

During the burial, thousands of people struggled to get into Achebe’s family compound. Those who succeeded wrote glowing tributes to the late author in the condolence register. Also a larger crowd of traditional rulers, indigenes and visitors from near and far turned out at the St Philips Anglican Church where a church service was held for the deceased.

The ceremony was spiced up by traditional dancers and masquerades who thrilled guests with beautiful dance steps at the reception which followed the interment.

Inside Achebe's mausoleum
Inside Achebe’s mausoleum
Achebe's hearse
Achebe’s hearse
Ikechukwu Achebe
Ikechukwu Achebe
Christy Achebe
Christy Achebe
Berth Nnaji, Emeka Anyaoku and Peter Obi
Berth Nnaji, Emeka Anyaoku and Peter Obi
Uba arrives at church
Uba arrives at church
Chris Ngige
Chris Ngige (centre)
Goodluck Jonathan and John Dramani
Goodluck Jonathan and John Dramani

 

Some traditional priests
Some traditional priests
Greg Mbajirogu signing the condolence register
Greg Mbajirogu signing the condolence register
Traditional dancers
Traditional dancers
Local comedians
Local comedians
Berth Nnaji, signing the condolence register
Berth Nnaji, signing the condolence register
Bob Manuel
Bob Manuel

 — Jun. 17, 2013 @ 01:00 GMT

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