Governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, was conspicuously missing at the burial of the Archbishop Emeritus and Dean, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, His Grace Archbishop Maxwell Sunday Chukwunweike Anikwenwa, at the weekend.
Archbishop Anikwenwa was the former Archbishop of Province II and the Retired Bishop of Awka Diocese, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion.
He died on Monday March 13, 2023 and was buried on Friday June 30, 2023 at St Peter’s Church, Ezi-Awkuzu, in Oyi Local Government Area (LGA) of Anambra State.
Late Anikwenwa’s funeral service took place at the Cathedral Church of St. Faith, Awka, the State capital before his remains was moved to his native parish which is St. Peter’s Church, Awkuzu for interment.
The Primate of Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Archbishop Henry Ndukuba, and over 300 clerics were on ground to say their last prayer for the departed.
Anambrians and indeed Ndigbo generally have been wondering and asking what would make a Governor fail to pay his last respect to such a high personality not only in Igboland but nationally.
Archbishop Anikwenwa was not just an Archbishop but a committed, and dedicated true son of Igbo whose contributions remain outstanding.
Many personalities who came to give the revered clergy his last respect left the State wondering why the State Governor shunned the burial.
Given the high calibre of people across the country led by no less a person than the Head of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, His Grace Archbishop Henry Ndukuba, many expected to see the Governor who by protocol should host the dignitaries.
Even though there has been no official reason for the Governor’s absence at the burial, most people who noticed it said only sickness will be an acceptable explanation because the burial date was not sudden.
Some Anambrians who expressed sadness at the snubbing by the Governor in such high profile event said his action portrayed the State as not hospitable.
Others who spoke to the Global Upfront News on this matter noted that the Governor has not found the reason yet to bring himself down to the people he is governing. Instead, he is seen junketing and romancing with people of no relevance to Anambra State.
Archibishop Anikwenwa is a native of Awkwuzu in Oyi Local Government Area (LGA) of Anambra State was born on Friday (Nkwo) 22′”‘ November, 1940.
He attended Dennis Memorial Grammar School (DMGS) Onitsha, St Mark’s Teachers College Nibo-Nise, Trinity Theological College Umuahia Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra-Leone.
Anikwenwa is a graduate School of Ecumenical Studies. Geneva, Ripon College, Cuddeson, Oxford.
His qualifications include West African School Certificate (WASC) 1959, Teacher’s Grade Two Certificate (TC2) 1961, Diploma in Theology London (DIPTIL) 1966, Bachelor of Arts (B.A) Philosophy 1972, PGD Ecumenism 1973 and Master of Arts (M.A) 1975.
Ordained Dean, 1966 at All Saints Cathedral Onitsha, he was appointed Priest in 1968 at All Saijnts Cathedral Onitsha, appointed Chaplain 1966 1969 at All Saints Cathedral Onitsha, seconded as Chaplain 1966 1969 to The Archbishop of West Africa, Assistant Priest 1969 1972 at Philip’s Patten Street, Free Town and All Saints Kissy Road.
He was also appointed Vicar 1976, 1987 at St. Andrew’s Church Onitsha. Anikwenwa was preferred a Canon of All Saints Cathedral Onitsha 1976, Synod Secretary 1975-1986 Diocese on The Niger, Secretary, Diocesan Bishop of Awka, 1987 and consecrated Diocesan Bishop of Awka in 1987.
He was elected Archbishop of Province 11 in 2,000, Dean. Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 2,000 and elected Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, Anambra State in 2001.
Archbishop Anikwenwa was known as an Icon of hope and integrity, fairness and transparent honesty.
