By Emeka Chiaghanam
A
son’s farewell shaped by love and gratitude
For Anthony K. Agbasiere, widely known, as the “Celebrity Lawyer”, the burial of his father was more than a ceremony. It was a deeply personal moment filled with love, gratitude and reflection.
As he stood among family,
friends and well-wishers at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church, Eziama, Uli, Ihiala
LGA, Anambra State, Anthony was not just a respected lawyer. He was a son
saying goodbye to a man who shaped his life in quiet but powerful ways.
The funeral Mass for his father, Sir Venatius Chukwuyerenwa Agbasiere, fondly called Dara Akaekpuchionwa drew a large crowd, all gathered to honour a man whose life touched many.
A
message that touched the heart
In his homily, the Catholic Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese, His Eminence, Cardinal Peter Okpaleke, reminded everyone of the need to live a life of constant preparation for eternity.
Speaking on the theme
“Preparation in Our Lifestyles,” he said no one knows when they will leave this
world. He urged Christians to live right, stay close to God and remain hopeful,
especially during the Easter season which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus
Christ.
For Anthony, the message
was not just a sermon. It was a reminder of the kind of life his father lived,
simple, faithful and purposeful.
A father’s sacrifices remembered
When Anthony spoke, his
words carried both pride and deep emotion. He described his father as a silent
achiever who, together with his mother, raised seven children and ensured they
all went through higher education.
He recalled a lesson that
stayed with him all his life. His father once told him that the money meant for
buying property was instead used to train his children in school, so they could
build their own future.
That
sacrifice, Anthony said, shaped who he is today.
He shared personal
memories that brought smiles and tears. From receiving a football boot at a
young age, something rare in his community, to being gifted a nearly new German
Golf 4 car after he was called to the Nigerian Bar, his father’s love showed in
both big and small ways.
He also remembered a
quiet but powerful moment when his father, during his illness, called him and
his elder brother to his bedside. There, the older man apologised for his
shortcomings and thanked them for their love and care.
“That moment stayed with
me,” Anthony said, noting that his father lived a fulfilled life and died in
peace. In an emotional tribute, he added that if there is another world, he
would still choose him as his father.
Honouring
a mother’s strength and family unity
Beyond his father, Anthony also poured praise on his mother, Lady Nky Ethelmary Agbasiere, describing her as a strong and dedicated wife who stood firmly beside her husband, especially during his health challenges.
He expressed deep
appreciation for her love and sacrifices, noting that her strength held the
family together through difficult times.
He also thanked his wife
and siblings for the unity in the family, describing it as one of the greatest
gifts their father left behind.
For him, the burial was
not just about loss, but also about celebrating the bond that keeps the family
strong.
A
family’s heartfelt tributes
Members of the family
spoke warmly about the late patriarch, each sharing memories that painted a
picture of a kind and humble man.
His wife described him as
gentle, compassionate and always ready to help others. She said he loved his
children deeply and lived a life marked by goodness and humility.
Their daughter, Mrs
Chukwu Ndidi, called him a hero and a true gentleman who trained his children
and remained a strong pillar of support. She spoke of his peaceful nature and
the love he showed to everyone around him.
Another daughter, Mrs
Chinelo Igwe, described him as her protector and guide, whose teachings and
values continue to shape her life even after his passing.
NKY, the 6th child, said
he was more than a father, a protector and quiet hero whose wisdom guided them
and whose legacy lives on, adding that they will continue to honour his name
with pride.
Mrs Miriam Okwu (Nee
Agbasiere), the 7th child, said he was not just a father but a best friend and
a source of unconditional love, noting that his legacy of strength, love and
guidance remains alive in his children.
From
solemn farewell to grand celebration
After the church service,
Sir Venatius Chukwuyerenwa Agbasiere was laid to rest at his country home in
Eziama, Uli.
But the day did not end
in silence alone. It moved into a grand celebration of life, reflecting the full
and meaningful life he lived.
Guests were treated to
plenty of food and drinks, while music and entertainment filled the air.
Different musical groups and bands performed, adding colour and joy to the
event.
One of the highlights was
the performance by popular music star Anyidons, whose presence brought
excitement and energy to the gathering.
There were also side
shows and lively activities that kept guests entertained, turning the occasion
into a true celebration.
A life that continues to speak
Sir Venatius
Chukwuyerenwa Agbasiere was known as a disciplined, humble and hardworking man.
A devoted Catholic and respected member of his community, he lived a life built
on faith, service and integrity.
He believed strongly in
education and made sure all his seven children had the opportunity to succeed.
Today, he is survived by
his wife, children and many grandchildren, a living proof of the legacy he
built.
For Anthony, the day was
not just about laying his father to rest. It was about honouring a life that
gave him everything, values, direction and a foundation to stand on.
In the end, beyond the
grand style and celebration, it was the story of a son’s love that stood out;
simple, deep and lasting.
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