Former presidential candidate Peter Obi on Saturday attended the burial of Simeon Soludo, father of Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo.
Also present was Abia State Governor Alex Otti, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, and former governor of Imo State Rochas Okorocha.
Speaking during the burial held at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Umueze-Isuofia, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, Soludo said his father died a “staunch” member of the Catholic Church.
The governor also thanked everyone who joined in the ceremony, while reminding the people of a law guiding burial ceremonies in Anambra, stating that it was aimed at curtailing expenditure during burials as most people find it hard to bury their dead because of finance.
He said, “Spiritually I remembered that my father was teaching us catechism after the civil war. There was a time he asked me a question, to recite what he taught us in catechism but I failed it and he flogged me and since then I have not failed in catechism.
“We worship at St Jude and I served morning mass there before going to school and have our Block Rosary too.
“As an only son, my father today was blessed with seven sons, eight daughters-in-law, 22 grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
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“We did not print any posters, brochures, invitation cards, or give mourning clothes to people. We only wear mourning clothes to show we are mourning.
“Some people are poor and when they are mourning they go borrowing and sell their land just to get money for burial.”
The governor said that if he could bury his father without much spending, others too could do the same.
In his homily, Cardinal Peter Okpalaeke also eulogised the deceased for raising his children in the way of God.
“Pa Soludo was a holy man and knew the value of the sacrament and God blessed him in many ways. He lived a life that pleased God.
“In any position, one finds himself he should remember that his parents did a little to him,” he said.
The governor’s father died on November 6, 2023 aged 92.
