The remains of late Pa Cyprian Amandibuogu Agughasi (Onyechiyanyere) was last weekend, laid to rest at his home town, state. Late Pa Cyprian died at the age of 98.
Pa Agughasi’s rite of passage commenced on Thursday, August 29, 2019 with a night of tributes in his compound at Amanato Ozuakoli at 6pm.
On Friday, 30th August, a funeral mass took place at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Urualla. Which was followed by Internment at his compound.
His funeral rites continued on Saturday, August 31st, 2019 and ended with a Thanksgiving Mass on Sunday, September 1st, 2019 at St. Michael Catholic Church, Urualla.
Pa Cyprian Amandibuogu Agughasi, Onyechiyanyere (He that is blessed by his God) is survived by his wife Ezinne Agnes Agughasi, 8 children, 30 Grandchildren and 6 Great Grandchildren, including Chief Eusebius Agughasi (Nwachinamere) and Chief Azubuike Agughasi (Akubuo Nwata)
Born in 1921, Pa Amandibuogu was orphaned early in life. He lost his father before he was born and his mother died while he was still an infant. He started life as an orphan with the family of his maternal grandmother in Akpulu. His grandmother later took him from her father’s house to her matrimonial home in Umueshiahurike Amokwu, Urualla.
The young, Cyprian was later to berth at his Aunt’s house at Umu Onyimara. In both places, the young lad was a farm hand and domestic aide. As a child, Cyprian had a burning desire to acquire education. So, at a time, he rebelled and started school without the approval of his guardians. This did not go down well with them and as punishment he was made to go without food for as long as he continued to go to school instead of the farm.
After about a week, he could no longer bear the pressure and had to stop school and went back to the farm work.
As a young man, Cyprian was determined to succeed in life. This determination saw him delving into different types of trade including palm kernel, yam tubers, stationaries among, farm produce, livestock among others. He variously shuttled Orlu, Onitsha and Arondiuzogu for supply his goods.
In 1954, Cyprian got married and started having children. One of the vicissitudes Cyprian suffered in life was the death of his children. His first child was Philip who died some years later. Philip was followed by Innocent who also died. After Innocent came Hyginus, who died in early age.
He was followed by Eusebius. Eusebius presently is Cyprian’s oldest surviving child.
In spite of the sad episodes, Pa Amandibuogu was a loving and dutiful husband and in recognition of God’s faithfulness in life, he and his wife had a grand Golden Jubilee wedding anniversary celebration on the 28th of December 2008.
He was not only blessed with longevity but also with strong health, strength and sound body and mind even till his very old age. He was up and about till a few weeks before his demise.
.By Ingram Osigwe
