I am a fan of Great Zik of Africa, the Owelle of Onicha. Unfortunately for me, I didn't get to meet him until he joined his ancestors. But I read and was taught much of his contributions towards a united Africa and his unflinching efforts towards making a formidable and robust media practice in Africa.
As a journalist, I made every effort to come in close contact with his family. Finally I got in touch with his first child, Chief Chukwuma Bamidele Azikiwe, who become the Owelle of Onicha after Zik's demise. I met him after several attempts to interview him.
I remember arriving the Onosi Onira residence of the late Zik of Africa in Onicha from Lagos to interview Owelle, after several hours of waiting, he drove me in his 504 saloon car to a restaurant, somewhere close to his maternal home in Onicha, where we had lunch, and returned to the Retreat after the meal.
On that day, Owelle kept me until 6pm when he granted me interview. After talking with him, he insisted I must sleep in the guest house. I succumbed to Owelle'a request. Owelle and I didn't sleep that night until 11:30pm, reason; Owelle found my coming around a worthy company for some intellectual discourse. It was an experience I won't forget because Owelle schooled me as we interacted on several issues.
It was through Owelle that met one of the finest Nollywood artists, Mr. Emeka Amakeze, who has remained a brother and a friend.
Owelle took me like a son. He loved me. When I got married on December 26, 2012, Owelle took the risk of the season and was coming to Aba to honor my wife and I, but the taxi he chartered from Onicha broke down somewhere before Owerri, and Owelle, a meticulous Harvard trained economist couldn't make it to my traditional marriage. He was full of apologizes when we met afterwards in Abuja.
Owelle is a fearless and blunt person. He tells you your wrong to yours face. When I moved to Abuja from Lagos, he contacts me each time he was in town. He hardly fly on local route, and each time he is coming to Abuja, I drove him around town. He is a jolly good fellow. Sometimes, Owelle and j will go to gardens in Abuja for relaxation and have drinks.
Am not surprised to hear the news of his demise yesterday in a hospital in Onicha because he is aged and has been battling some health challenges.
I introduced my late brother and friend, Prince Longinus orjiako to Owelle, both become friends too until orjiako died two years ago.
I remember my last visit to Owelle with Orjiako, Owelle asked us to fellow him to Zik's Mausoleum to offer prayers for Great Zik.
Goodnight Owelle...
ENYINNAYA APPOLOS IS MEDIA ASSISTANT TO NEWLY ELECTED GOVERNOR OF ABIA STATE ,OKEZIE IKPEAZU
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