It is said that death leaves a heartache no one can heal, while love leaves a memory no one can steal. Similarly, when someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.

If love could have saved Enu Uburu traditional prime minister, Chief Sylvester Ene Odii, he would have lived forever. But a beautiful soul is never forgotten, he will continue to be remembered by many with great love. 

Born on August 20, 1940, to the family of Chief Odi Nwerishi, he joined his ancestors at 86. On April 7, 2026, a farewell novelty match will be played in his honour and Christian wake will be held at his compound in Old Market, Amenu-Uburu, in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. His remains will be committed to Mother Earth on April 8.

In his tribute, one of his sons and namesake, Honorable Chief Ogbonnaya Ene-Odii, disclosed that the family will establish an education foundation in his honour. He described the late traditional prime minister as “an advocate of peace, a proper family man, who loved his family dearly,  a cultural icon, cerebral colossus, an avid lover of education, a community leader, who served Uburu in various capacities, a shrewd politician who served diligently and contributed to the growth of his community.”

The former coordinator, Ohaozara Development Centre, Anibe and Chairman Coordinators Forum, Ebonyi State, further said: “As his son and namesake, I shared a very cordial and convivial moments, which  will be a lasting memories that will stand me in good stead. He was a dutiful husband to his wife, a warm father to his children.

“As he departs to meet his maker, we celebrate his life and times and indelible impacts he left in the sands of time, he’s legacies will continue to be maintained and passed down to the younger generations.

“In his fond memories, the family will be setting up an education foundation in his name – “Sylvester Ene Odii Education Foundation” to carter for the indigents and promote education value and morals.”

Indeed, Chief Sylvester Ene Odii’s life and times were compelling, eventful or filled with significant achievements. His elder brother, Dick Ogbu Nwodi, who graduated from Dennis Memorial Grammer School, Onitsha in 1949 and was working as a court clerk sent him to school (CMS) in 1951, same year his father died.

He showed remarkable brilliance early and completed his Standard Six with flying colors, earning distinction in the regional entrance examination. When he saw that he could not continue his secondary education due to sponsorship, he left for Abakaliki in 1960 for greener pastures. He was later employed at Nigercem Nkalagu and worked there till 1965 when he left and joined the service of Eastern Nigeria Forest Department. His service at the forest department was cut short by the political crises of 1966 and he came back to Uburu as a safety measure.

By the end of 1966, he got married to Maria Uzor Nwa Nwaze from Umunaga in Uburu. The marriage was blessed the following year with a bouncing baby boy and that was at the thick of Biafra civil war.

Being a man of conviction, he decided to leave his young family and volunteered to join the war. He was conscripted at the university of Nigeria Enugu campus. He fought in many division and God spared his life and he came back.

His leadership prowess was to manifest in January 1970 after they came back and saw the devastation and destruction in Uburu. He, alongside other vibrant youths started Uburu Progressive Youth Association across the 14 villages of Uburu. They started clearing the roads, repairing damaged school buildings and culverts. He lead this group to change and rebuild most government buildings and institutions that were affected by the war.

He left home in late 1970 and worked at various places. During this period, he furthered his education by enrolling into the School of Marketing at Manchester, United Kingdom. He obtained  Diploma and Higher National Diploma in Marketing and Modern Salesmanship between 1980 and 1984. He came back home in 1991.

After retirement, he joined politics on the advice of former governor of Abia State, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, who was his cousin. In 1998, he became a foundation member  and secretary of the PDP in Ohaozara LGA of Ebonyi State.

He also served as a supervisory councillor for agriculture before quitting active politics and joined community leadership. He served his people meritoriously in different capacities till the day he joined his ancestors.

He was a mediator per excellence and highly sought – after in matters of culture and tradition within the 14 village that make up the community. He was a devout Christian and family man. He was planning his 60th wedding anniversary when death came.

His son, Mazi Martins Okoro Ene Odii, stated: “Papa was different things to different people as many came from far and wide for consultations in different areas of life, which he gladly rendered. As death is for all men and women, we knew that this day would surely come but, as humans, we didn’t know how close or far it was. But we take solace in good testimonies about his simple life, his cheerfulness and the peaceful embodiment he stood for throughout the days of his life.”

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