The immediate past member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and President of GLOBE Legislators International, Rep. Sam Onuigbo, alongside prominent religious and community leaders, family members and other dignitaries, has celebrated the life and enduring legacy of his late elder brother, His Grace, Archbishop Prof. Dr. Paul Ebubemadu Oriaku, describing him as a man whose commitment to God, love for humanity and investment in the lives of others will remain indelible.

The tributes came during the burial ceremony of the late cleric, held on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at his country home in Obuohia Obi Ibere, Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State.

Officiating at the funeral, Bishop Ugochukwu Ogbonnaya challenged Christians to live purposeful lives, demonstrate genuine love for humanity and prepare spiritually for eternity, stressing that death is an unavoidable reality that should remind everyone of the importance of leaving behind a worthy legacy.

Preaching on the topic, “How Are We Preparing for the Day of Death,” Bishop Ogbonnaya drew biblical references from Philippians 1:20-21 and Psalm 139:16, explaining that God has knowledge of every individual’s earthly journey and that the days of every person are already known to Him.

He described death as an exit into the glorious wonders of a new beginning, noting that the ultimate destination of every Christian should be heaven, where earthly divisions, denominational differences and social distinctions no longer exist.

According to him, the focus of human existence should go beyond the accumulation of material possessions to the positive difference people make in the lives of others.

The Bishop observed that many people invest considerable resources and attention in preparing for weddings, birthdays and other celebrations but give little thought to preparing for death, despite its certainty.

He therefore urged the congregation to examine their lives and consider the legacy they would leave behind, asking how many people they had helped, raised, mentored and positively influenced.

Using the life of the late Archbishop as an example, Bishop Ogbonnaya noted that he had raised many people through his ministry and left behind a legacy that would continue to speak long after his departure.

He cautioned against greed, oppression, wickedness and the pursuit of material wealth at the expense of others, urging Christians to live lives characterised by love, compassion, integrity and service to God and humanity.

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The cleric prayed that the congregation would not live wasted lives or leave behind negative memories but would fulfil their purpose on earth and ultimately attain eternal life.

Onuigbo celebrates family Christian heritage, describes late Archbishop as a unique personality

In his tribute, Rep. Sam Onuigbo described his late elder brother as a remarkable personality, a great teacher and a spiritual mentor whose ministry produced numerous pastors, bishops and archbishops.

Recounting the family’s Christian heritage, Onuigbo traced its spiritual transformation to their grandfather, who, despite being the traditional head of masquerades in the community, received the belongings of missionaries who visited the area but could not take their possessions back.

He said the gesture marked a significant turning point in the family’s spiritual history and contributed to the Christian foundation for which the Oriaku family has become known.

Onuigbo noted that the late Archbishop was the first pastor in the family, which has since produced several ministers of God, including his wife, Bishop Anne Oriaku, and other members of the extended family.

Describing the deceased as a man of exceptional intellectual and spiritual depth, Onuigbo recalled how people struggled to write down his teachings whenever he quoted and explained biblical passages.

He said his late brother was passionate about guiding people towards greatness and had invested considerably in raising spiritual leaders who are today making contributions to the Christian faith.

The former federal lawmaker said the family had gathered not merely to mourn but to celebrate a life of remarkable accomplishments, the spiritual light the deceased brought to his community and the positive influence he exerted wherever he served.

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He expressed gratitude to God for the life, ministry and contributions of his elder brother, while appreciating everyone who attended the funeral to identify with the family.

Onuigbo expressed confidence that the late Archbishop’s legacy, accomplishments and teachings would continue to live on for generations.

Son describes father as protector, teacher and embodiment of love

In an emotional tribute, the first son of the deceased, Pastor Chidi Temple Oriaku, described his father as his protector, teacher, disciplinarian, role model and spiritual guide, whose principles and teachings shaped the man he has become.

He recalled his father’s deep commitment to discipline, responsibility, family values and the fear of God, noting that behind his strict disposition was a father who loved his children deeply and always wanted the best for them.

Pastor Chidi said one of the things he would miss most was his father’s regular telephone calls, which had become an important part of his daily routine.

According to him, his father taught him to love deeply, respect people, give wholeheartedly, protect his family and always put God first.

He noted that the late Archbishop’s teachings had become so deeply rooted in him that whenever he remembered his father’s words, he was reminded to avoid sin and live responsibly.

Describing his father as a man who loved his wife and family dearly, he said the values he had imbibed from him continued to reflect in his own responsibilities as a husband and father.

He also recalled the special name his father called him, Omekannaya, describing it as an identity he would forever carry with pride.

The bereaved son said his children, Chioma, Annabel, Nonso and Ivanna, would continue to hear stories about their grandfather so they could appreciate the remarkable man he was and understand the values he stood for.

He described his father as a man of unity and love, adding that although his voice had gone silent, his teachings, values and legacy would continue to live through the family and the numerous lives he touched.

Monarch pays tribute to late cleric

Also paying tribute, the traditional ruler of Ugwu Ibere Autonomous Community in Abia State, Eze Prof. Ezeudo Sam Ifenwanta, described the late Archbishop as a man of wisdom and understanding whose life was worthy of emulation.

The monarch noted that the deceased lived a remarkable life and left behind a beautiful legacy that would continue to inspire those who knew him.

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A journey of faith, sacrifice and divine calling

Born in 1947 at Obuohia Obi Ibere Autonomous Community in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, to the late Pa Thompson Agu Oriaku and Madam Grace Oriaku, Archbishop Paul Ebubemadu Oriaku’s life was a remarkable journey from humble beginnings to the heights of ecclesiastical leadership.

He attended St. Luke Primary School, Ogui, Enugu, before proceeding to Udi Technical School in 1963. In 1965, he received practical training at Destiny Workshop, Enugu, and subsequently established an automobile workshop.

However, the Nigerian Civil War interrupted his business ambitions. During the conflict, he joined the Recce Boys of the Boys Company and received commando training.

Following the end of the war in 1970, he returned to Enugu and reopened his automobile workshop with a business partner.

Although born into a Methodist family, he had not been an active churchgoer until a remarkable encounter that changed the direction of his life.

According to his biography, during his third visit to church while accompanying his business partner’s girlfriend, a pastor, Emmanuel Nkwocha, approached him with the words, “Nwanna Paul, Onyenweanyị na-akpọ gị” — meaning, “Brother Paul, the Lord is calling you.”

The encounter marked the beginning of a profound spiritual transformation. Pastor Nkwocha subsequently visited him at his residence at No. 9 Egede Lane, Ogui, Enugu, encouraging him to respond to the divine calling.

He eventually abandoned his automobile business and surrendered himself to the work of God.

In 1970, he enrolled at Christ Apostolic Church Bible College, Agbani, near Enugu, before proceeding in 1971 to the seminary of the Holy Church of God, now Victory Christian Church Mission.

On September 14, 1971, he received his first pastoral posting to Okija, where he served as a pastor and teacher, beginning a missionary journey that would take him to several communities across Nigeria.

His ministerial assignments included Enugu, Eva Valley and Obe, Noyongwu in Abakaliki, Isiala-Ngwa in Aba, Obigbo near Port Harcourt, Egbu and Nekede in Owerri.

On March 27, 1978, he was posted to Ojota, Lagos, to establish another branch of the church.

His commitment to ministry and spiritual development earned him recognition among church leaders. Reverend Iyanda later ordained him an apostle, while his spiritual father and mentor, the late Archbishop Victor Onuigbo, ordained him a bishop.

In September 1984, Archbishop Oriaku founded New Gospel Mission Church at Abulegba, Lagos, beginning the ministry with 45 men, 35 women and 22 children.

Under his leadership, the ministry expanded to several locations, including Ogudu, Sango in Ogun State, Ayobo, Gbagada, Surulere and Oshodi, with Abulegba serving as its headquarters.

Beyond the growth of his ministry, he was widely remembered for his humility, gentleness, meekness and profound knowledge of the Scriptures.

He consistently taught that Christianity must be demonstrated through genuine love, compassion, sacrifice and concern for others.

Among his memorable sayings were, “Forget yourself to others and others will not forget you,” and, “The measure of a man is not how great his faith but how great his love.”

His personal life was equally defined by commitment and family values. He married Dr. Bishop Mrs. Anne Oriaku, fondly called Nwanne, traditionally on February 20, 1980, and solemnised their union in a church wedding on July 25, 1981.

Their marriage was blessed with four children: Sister Ozioma Peace Oriaku, Chief Executive Officer of Ohzedy Ventures; Pastor Chidi Temple Oriaku, popularly known as Omekannaya; Engineer Chukwuka Oriaku, fondly called Chuchuu; and Miss Peace Chisom Oriaku, known as Obiajuru. The family is also blessed with six grandchildren.

In recognition of his years of dedicated service, Archbishop Victor Onuigbo consecrated him a bishop in 2005. On August 7, 2022, he was consecrated an archbishop by the Presiding Archbishop of New Day College of Bishops and Apostles, His Grace, Archbishop Innocent Ochei.

At the time of his passing, he served as the Presiding PICAN Bishop in Lagos and Patron of the New Day College of Bishops.

Even in the face of life’s uncertainties, he remained steadfast in his faith and was fond of reassuring those around him with expressions such as “No cause for alarm,” “No shaking,” “God is aware,” and “What gonna be gonna be.”

Anchored on the biblical declaration in Philippians 1:21, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain,” Archbishop Oriaku’s life and ministry reflected an enduring commitment to the service of God.

His death marks the end of an era for his immediate family, the New Gospel Mission Incorporated and the many ministers and congregations shaped by his ministry.

However, his legacy of faith, courage, integrity, humility, love and service to humanity remains a lasting testimony to a life devoted to God’s work.