CHIEF IMUDIA: TEN YEARS ON, THE IROKO STILL STANDS IN MEMORY

By Ewere Okonta, PhD

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Exactly ten years ago, Agbor Kingdom lost a towering personality, a community icon and an uncommon patriot. The passing of Chief Julius Ekawuku Imudia, the revered Chief Onye Wun Ihian of Agbor Kingdom, was more than the departure of an individual; it was the fall of a giant Iroko whose presence had provided shade, direction and inspiration to generations.

In the forest, an Iroko tree stands out among smaller trees. Its stature is unmistakable, its presence commanding, and its impact felt far beyond its immediate surroundings. When such a tree falls, the vacuum it creates cannot be ignored. Even the blind can perceive the difference. Chief Imudia was that Iroko in the social, economic and political landscape of Agbor. Ten years after his departure, his footprints remain visible, and his legacy continues to speak.

Born into the Owa family in Alisimie, Agbor, in Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State, Chief Imudia's life was a compelling story of determination, enterprise and service. Although his formative years were marked by financial challenges, he refused to allow deprivation to define his destiny. Trained by his uncle, Mr. Roland Owa, a bakery entrepreneur in South-West Nigeria, he acquired valuable bread-making skills which became the foundation of his entrepreneurial journey.

On returning to Agbor, he ventured into several businesses, including bakery, plastic products, automotive merchandise, commodity brokerage and building materials distribution. Through hard work, business acumen and an enviable sense of enterprise, he established himself as a prominent businessman and distributor of building materials, while also investing in haulage and real estate.

Beyond his personal success, however, was his remarkable commitment to creating opportunities for others. Chief Imudia was an employer of labour who believed that success meant little if it could not create opportunities for others to prosper. His business establishments provided employment and practical entrepreneurial exposure for many young people, whom he entrusted with considerable managerial freedom. He was not merely interested in building businesses; he was equally passionate about building people.

Although his formal education was limited by circumstances, he understood its transformative power. He therefore ensured that his children received quality Western education and extended similar support to individuals who had no biological connection to him. His life demonstrated that true greatness is not measured solely by personal achievements but also by the number of lives positively influenced.

A Community Patriot and Pathfinder

Chief Imudia's love for Agbor Kingdom was neither cosmetic nor seasonal. It was deeply rooted in his identity and expressed through practical community service. He was the founding President-General of the Agbor Community Union, established in the early 1970s, through which he and other committed patriots championed the collective interests and development of their people.

His contributions to community advancement earned him recognition among his contemporaries and the traditional institution. He was also a prominent member of the Okiroro Association, popularly regarded as the pathfinders of Agbor Kingdom. The association, formed by distinguished community builders with the encouragement of the then Obi of Agbor, played significant roles in advancing the kingdom's collective interests. In recognition of their contributions, the traditional institution made available a large expanse of land to the association.

Chief Imudia's influence extended beyond Alisimie and Agbor. He maintained cordial and dignified relationships with traditional rulers, political leaders and community stakeholders across the former Bendel State and beyond. His relationships were not constrained by clan, quarter or political affiliation. He believed in a united Ika nation and consistently demonstrated that communal progress was more important than narrow sectional interests.

A Different Breed of Politician

In the political arena, Chief Imudia belonged to a generation that regarded politics as an instrument of public service rather than a personal investment. He was a charismatic political figure who believed in peaceful engagement, dialogue and the advancement of collective interests.

At a time when political competition was increasingly becoming associated with hostility and personal ambition, he remained an advocate of violence-free politics. His disposition, honesty and gentle mien earned him respect across political divides. He was also known for his financial support at political, social and community events, reflecting his belief that leadership must be accompanied by generosity and tangible commitment.

Beyond politics, he was widely regarded as an accomplished community leader and a skilled alternative dispute resolution practitioner. His ability to maintain relationships, reconcile differences and engage people across social divides made him an invaluable voice in community affairs.

A Family Man and a Legacy of Generosity

At home, Chief Imudia was a devoted husband to Mrs. Esther Imudia and a father whose influence extended beyond his immediate household. Among his children are Prince Andy Imudia, Chief Executive Officer of Aneuti Ltd, and Augustine Emenim Imudia, alongside others who continue to uphold the family name.

His family represented an important part of his life's accomplishments. He understood the responsibilities of fatherhood and invested deliberately in the education, welfare and future of his children. His generosity, however, was not restricted to his biological family. Many people who encountered him benefited from his kindness, business opportunities, financial assistance and fatherly guidance.

Though he lived for over eight decades, his departure was deeply painful to those who knew and loved him. He remained remarkably active in his later years, demonstrating a level of vitality and engagement that many of his contemporaries could hardly sustain. Having lived a fulfilled life, he passed away peacefully, leaving behind memories that time has not diminished.

Ten Years On, The Iroko Still Stands in Memory

Today, as Agbor remembers Chief Julius Ekawuku Imudia ten years after his departure, the occasion offers more than an opportunity for nostalgia. It is a moment to reflect on the values he represented: enterprise, integrity, generosity, peaceful coexistence, community development and commitment to family.

His life offers enduring lessons to the younger generation, particularly in an era when public recognition is sometimes pursued without corresponding service. Chief Imudia demonstrated that genuine influence is built through consistency, sacrifice, personal integrity and the willingness to create opportunities for others.

The businesses he established, the people he empowered, the community structures he helped build and the relationships he nurtured remain part of his enduring contribution to society.

Indeed, great men do not necessarily live forever, but their deeds give them a second life in the hearts and memories of those they leave behind. Chief Julius Ekawuku Imudia may have departed physically, but his ideals, contributions and influence remain woven into the story of Agbor Kingdom.

Ten years after the fall of this great Iroko, the forest has not forgotten its giant. Chief Onye Wun Ihian, your footprints remain indelible. You lived for your people, served your community and made a difference in the lives of many. Your body may have returned to the earth, but your legacy lives on.

Ten years after, Chief Imudia lives on!

Dr Ewere Okonta is the CEO of EOB Media, a family-values advocate, teacher and writer. He writes from the Department of Business Administration, University of Delta, Agbor.