Following how the body of Late Chief Ifeanyichukwu Donatus Amuchienwa was reportedly exhumed in what the masses described as a controversial, questionable and commando manner on 23rd December, and was taken to an unknown destination, The public is now asking some pertinent questions, where is the exhumed body of the deceased?
The exhumation was based on Court Order by Imo State Acting Chief Judge, Justice Agugua, on December 5th by separated wife of the deceased for over 32 years.
After about seven weeks and some days the body is still in unknown destination, concerned, Imolites are begining to ask questions about the destination of the corpse, is it in the mortuary and which of the mortuary? Is it in a shrine? Is it in a Court Promises where the Order was given? Or private residence one of those who reportedly influenced the order? These and many more are the questions on the lips of many sons and daughters of Imo State.
In the words of Hon. Sir Chinedu Opera from Mbaitoli, "the Court in the next seating should be able to tell the public the destination of the body they ordered for its exhumation' He further asked; 'did they asked the appellant to exhume and run away with it.
How can they keep the body of our own Dee Dona, who was known as the richest Igbo man in Kano State, in an unknown destination? That man was good and does not deserve this humiliation at death".
In a chat with Mr Chris Iwuala, also from Mbaitoli,he said the exhumation of Late Ifeanyichukwu Donatus Amuchienwa, is a sensitive issue, and the authorities must handle it with care.
The family deserves answers about the destination of his corpse, justice, and fairness shoud prevail in this matter. He asked: are they going to carry the autopsy in an unknown destination? Where is the Mortuary they took him to? Is it a government Mortuary or a private one? The family members and the general public should be able to know.
In the views of Mr Anthony Ibe, "there is no doubt that the exhumed body of Late Ifeanyichukwu Donatus Amuchienwa has become a topic of concern among Imolites. Ndi Imo cannot stop seeking answers about the destination of the corpse.
I know taking the corpse to unknown destination without consent of his legitimate wife, his first son, Aboyemi Frances and Amuchienwa Family Head, Goddy Amuchienwa was never part of the order.We cannot stop expressing doubt that the court was deceived into issuing the exhumation order, and we cannot stop asking questions until justice prevails.
Is it not obvious that the body was exhumed amidst controversy, with mischivous allegations cooked up just three days to the burial? No witness,no cross examination, the next they saw was a questionable court order. Why did they reportedly exhumed his body with vigilante instead of police?
Mrs. Ogochukwu Osuji has this to say: "We, as Imolites, cannot stop calling for justice and accountability. The people deserve to know the whereabouts of the exhumed body and an explanation on the circumstances surrounding the exhumation." There is an obvious need for relevant authorities to intervene and ensure justice is served.
Making his contribution, Mr. Ugochukwu Unachukwu said, "I am of the view that the Imo State Ministry of Gender should come to the rescue of the oppressed and suppressed wife of the deceased and address her concerns. There is lack of transparency and accountability in handling the matter. The questionable manner they got the order and the impunity they displayed in exhumation in a break and entry manner as well as taking the corpse into unknown destination have placed a big question mark on them.
On the other side of the coin, the case has raised questions about the rule of law and human rights as well as right of the dead in Imo State. The government should ensure the protection of the rights of the poor.
Mr. Ugochukwu Unachukwu, made it clear that the exhumed body of Late Ifeanyichukwu Donatus Amuchienwa, is a manifestation of intimidation, oppression, molestation and struggle to overcome suppression and injustice, reportedly championed by the high and mighty in Imo State.
The relevant authorities must act swiftly to resolve the issue. The legitimate wife of Late Chief Ifeanyichukwu Donatus Amuchienwa, Barr.Mrs Ogechi Henrietta Amuchienwa and her children deserve justice and accountability. The government must take concrete steps to address the concerns and intimidation of the legitimate wife of the deceased.
Imo State Government must prioritize the right of its citizens and discourage intimidation by the high and mighty. The exhumation of Late Ifeanyichukwu Donatus Amuchienwa is a test of their commitment to justice. The truth must be revealed, and those responsible should be held accountable.
A radio personality, Mr. Chinonso Uba, known as Nonso Nkwa, who spoke via a video message, described it as an abomination in Igbo culture, saying; it is something that can affect the community in a very bad way. The community kept quiet over the exhumation of a man of 80 years. It is unfortunate that the person purportedly behind this was the second wife, who had earlier said she and her children are not interested in the burial.
He questioned the rationale and consideration for the order, as well as the locus standi of the separated wife of over 32 years in seeking and securing such a questionable order. He also questioned the process of the exhumation, the unknown destination of the corpse, and the silence of the sons and daughters of Ishi Ubomiri, saying; is an abomination capable of wiping out a generation.
A prominent personality from Mbaitoli LGA and the President General of Umueze Abazu Ogwa Autonomous Community, High Chief Everest Ezihe, condemned the exhumation and disappearance of the corpse, stating that it is an abomination with severe consequences for those behind it. He made it clear that those behind the action have defiled the land, they should go for cleansing and appeasement of the gods and ancestors.
The exhumation and disappearance of the corpse is a show of high level of impunity from those who went to court to seek exhumation.
In the views of Mr. Mike Emenike, he asked: 'Does the Court Order also grant them express permission to seize the corpse? They should provide the corpse wherever they hide. This is height of madness. Where are the community leaders, particularly the Elders Council? IS THERE NO TRADITIONAL RULER IN THAT COMMUNITY?, IF THERE IS ANY, WHY IS HE IS KEEPING QUIET, IS HE IN SUPPORT OR AGAINST, OKENYE ANAHU ANO N'ULO EWU AMUO N' OBU,what of the women leaders, the youth leaders and the men, Ndi, Nze na Ozor, Why are they keeping quiet in the face of evil?
High Chief Everest Ezihe, who was a former Imo State Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, said it is a taboo, an abomination, and an unpardonable sin against nature, the gods of the land, and the ancestors to keep the corpse in a place best known to them. Why are the elders not speaking the truth? Why are the Umu Ada and leaders of the community silent?
Others who do not want their names mentioned, condemned the exhumation and disappearance of the corpse of Late Chief Ifeanyichukwu Donatus Amuchienwa for almost two months.
They also called for justice and fairness in handling the matter, stating that abuse of human rights, acts of molestation, wickedness, intimidation, desecration of the dead against, Late Chief Donatus Ifeanyichukwu Amuchienwa,injustice against his first son, Aboyemi, Frances Amuchienwa, legitimate wife of the deceased,Barr.Mrs Ogechi Henrietta Amuchienwa and her children should not be swept under the carpet.