Oforola Bids Farewell to Centenarian Celestine Obiwumma at 115

There was a profound sense of reverence and gratitude in Oforola, Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, on Thursday, July 30, 2026, as family members, community leaders, church faithful and well-wishers gathered to give a final farewell to Celestine Obiwumma, the community’s oldest man, who died at the age of 115.

The funeral rites began as the late centenarian’s remains were brought from the mortuary and received with traditional honours by the oldest men of Oforola at Obi Ndị Oke, a symbolic gathering point reserved for community elders.

From there, the procession moved to Obiwumma’s compound in Umujuruogu, Umuimeka Olaukwu Autonomous Community, where his body was laid in state, giving relatives, friends and admirers the opportunity to pay their last respects.

The solemn gathering later proceeded to St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, Oforola, where a funeral Mass was celebrated in honour of the late church elder before his remains were returned to his family compound for final interment.

The burial was followed by a reception attended by members of the community, church organisations and guests who celebrated a man many described as a symbol of truth, humility, peace and unwavering faith.

Obiwumma, who was recognised as the oldest man in Oforola, was remembered not only for his remarkable longevity but also for his years of service as a church warden, his devotion to the Catholic faith and his role as a moral compass within the community.

Speaking with Kristina Reports, Ijeoma Obiwumma, wife of the deceased’s first son, described him as a man whose life was rooted in contentment and truth.

“Papa was a very nice and accommodating person.”

“He always drew his children closer to God and never joked with his spiritual life.”

“He was known for speaking the truth no matter the circumstances.”

She said his greatest lesson was learning to be content despite life’s challenges.

“He passed through so many difficulties, yet he never gave up or compromised his values.”

“He stood firm until the end, and God blessed him.”

“From him, I learnt to be content with what I have, to remain truthful and never allow greed to control my life.”

President of the Christian Men Organisation of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, Uchenna Ugwuegbulam, said the late centenarian earned the respect of the entire parish through a lifetime of faithful service.

“Today, the entire parish has gathered to honour one of our own.”

“The CMO, CWO, youth, choir, altar servers, Mary League Girls Association, church wardens and every organisation in the church came to pay their final respects.”

Ugwuegbulam said Obiwumma’s commitment to the church remained unwavering throughout his life.

“He was a devoted church warden whom many fondly called Onye Okwukpere.”

“His love for God was evident in everything he did.”

“He never played with anything concerning the church, and that is why the church has come out in large numbers to honour him.”

A nephew of the deceased, Augustine Obiwumma, said the late elder dedicated his life to promoting peace and guiding younger generations.

“Papa lived an exemplary life marked by honesty and integrity.”

“As the oldest man in the community, he took that responsibility seriously and remained committed to making peace wherever he went.”

He added that the family would continue to cherish his legacy.

“I will always remember him as a loving father and a peacemaker.”

“He constantly encouraged young people to do what was right and reminded us that integrity is a greater inheritance than wealth.”

Another relative, Chidinma Obiwumma, described the late centenarian as a man whose kindness touched everyone around him.

“Papa Celestine, whom we fondly called Omereonweya, was humility personified.”

“He loved peace, unity and fairness.”

“Even when he had little, he always found a way to care for others without expecting anything in return.”

She said his selfless nature would never be forgotten.

“He never cheated anyone, He believed that a good name was more valuable than riches, and that is exactly how he lived his life.”

Victor Obiwumma remembered the deceased as a disciplined man who believed that genuine love required correction.

“Papa never encouraged wrongdoing, If a child offended his parents and ran to him for refuge, he would first give the child comfort, then personally return the child to the parents and insist that the right discipline be administered.”

He said the late elder taught that discipline was an expression of love rather than punishment.

“He believed that the character was built through accountability, not indulgence.”

“He often reminded us that a child protected from correction today could become a burden to society tomorrow.”

“He lived a simple life, but every decision he made was guided by wisdom, justice and the desire to see people become better.”

Granddaughter of the deceased, Theresa Ononaogbo, said the family chose to celebrate his long and impactful life rather than mourn.

“I feel happy because we are celebrating a life well spent.”

“Grandpa lived for 115 years, so today is not just about grief but gratitude.”

She said his passing had created a vacuum within the family.

“He loved everyone and always brought the family together.”

“Whenever we came home, he made sure there was unity among us.”

“His absence will be deeply felt because he was the bond that held many of us together.”

An in-law of the family, Roland Aguguo, said Obiwumma’s influence extended beyond his immediate family.

“He was a straightforward, honest and dependable man.”

“As the oldest man in Umuimeka, he led with wisdom, fairness and peace.”

Aguguo urged younger generations to preserve the values the late centenarian lived for.

“The greatest way to honour him is to follow the path he laid before us.”

“We pray God gives us the grace to uphold his legacy of truth, humility and peaceful leadership.”

Months before his passing, Obiwumma granted an exclusive interview to Kristina Reports in which he urged young people to embrace honesty, hard work, contentment and the fear of God while rejecting fraud, greed and the pursuit of quick wealth.

Those words echoed repeatedly throughout his funeral as mourners reflected on a man whose greatest inheritance was not measured by material possessions, but by the values he instilled in his family, his church and the Oforola community.

As the final prayers were said and his remains committed to mother earth, the life of Celestine Obiwumma closed a remarkable chapter in Oforola’s history, leaving behind a legacy of faith, truth, peace and integrity that many believe will continue to inspire generations yet unborn.