By Chigozie Chukwuleta
The remains of Iyom Oyibo Ann Udenze, nee Okafor, were laid to rest yesterday, Friday 19th June 2026, at her husband’s compound in Umuogbu Urunnebo, Enugwu-Ukwu, Njikoka LGA, Anambra State.
The burial of the matriarch, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother followed a vigil mass held on Thursday 18th June at the residence of her late husband, Chief Alfred Udenze.
A funeral mass was celebrated yesterday at 11:00AM at St. Francis Catholic Church, Urunnebo, Enugwu-Ukwu, before interment.
Born in 1943, Iyom Udenze passed on in 2026 at age 83. She was wife of the late Chief Alfred Udenze of Umuogbu Urunnebo.
Family members described her as a pillar of faith, love and unity who raised generations that remain devoted to her values.
One of her grandchildren, Chief Chikeluo Iloenyosi, Chairman of the Anambra State Football Association, has expressed gratitude to all who honored the family.
“I sincerely appreciate the presence, support, and honour of all distinguished guests at the burial ceremony of my beloved grandmother,” he said
He thanked in a special way the Speaker Anambra state House of Assembly, Hon. Dr. Somtochukwu Nkem Udeze and Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Patrick Agha Mba who came in the company of other high profile friends to identify with him.
An outing mass in her honour will hold on Sunday 21st June 2026 at 10:00AM at St. Francis Catholic Church, Urunnebo, Enugwu-Ukwu.
Friends and well-wishers were appreciated by the family as coordinated by the Udenze family of Umuogbu Urunnebo, with Chief Chike Udenze Jakada of Lokoja and Tony Udenze Nnanyelugo .
