Special to USAfricaonline.com, first African-owned, U.S.-based newspaper published on the internet and USAfrica magazine.
“One of the truest tests of integrity is its blunt refusal to be compromised”Chinua Achebe.
History must record that at a time when Nigerians searched for voices of courage and conviction—individuals prepared to stand for truth in the face of state inducement—Chief Ralph Obioha, Ọkpụrụisi II of Arọndịzuọgụ, stood firm and lived an ancient creed:
“Nwa Arọ anaghị eri ngarị.”
An Arọ person does not accept bribe.
These were words carefully chosen a few months ago to describe the character of an unassuming man, an elder statesman and chieftain who spoke truth to power in an era when too many choose expediency over conviction.
He stood on principle.
Yesterday, my beloved brother shared the painful news that Chief Ralph Obiọha had taken his final bow from this earth.
For a brief moment, humanity got the better of me.
I was overcome with emotion – sadness.
Why?
How could this be?
I reached out to his family and confirmed my greatest fear.
Yet, as we spoke, we found strength in the same quiet truth:
we must accept God’s will.
Chief Ralph Obiọha had lived a full fulfilled life.
Still, my heart returned to our conversation after that article in June.
Temporarily, I found comfort in what I had written then, because Uncle Ralph lived it.
I believe we should celebrate people whilst alive.
I am profoundly grateful that I had the privilege to document my thoughts then—and that Uncle Ralph himself read them.
We spent time discussing Nigeria, its challenges, and the moral choices confronting those who lead and serve her.
Little did I know that conversation would be one of my final earthly memories of him.
Uncle Ralph said, “Elsie, there is no greater fulfillment in life than to remain true to one’s convictions.”
His words ring true to the life he lived.
Ọkpụrụisi II has given Nigerians, Ndi Igbo, and humanity a life worth remembering.
As Cicero reminds us,
“The life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living.”
So, let history record what his life has already made undeniable:
Chief Ralph Obiọha stood firm when it mattered.
He chose conviction over convenience, principle over inducement, and truth over reward.
His life and legacy have already given history reason to remember him.
Ọkpụrụisi II stood.
He stood for fairness.
He stood for justice.
He stood for truth.
He stood for real democracy.
He stood for family.
He stood for the Igbo spirit.
At a time when silence and sycophancy is readily exchanged for reward, Ọkpụrụisi II refused to sell his values for earthly gain.
He reminded everyone privileged to know him that some people simply cannot be bought.
Chief Ralph Obiọha had no price.
In that, he remained faithful to the ancient creed of his ancestors.
And now, as he returns to them, I have no doubt they will receive him with great pride.
Having spent these final years alongside your late wife, Auntie Egonaekwu nwa Ene Obiọha – Ọdị iche dị na be Eze, seeking reconciliation with God Almighty, I pray that Our Lord Jesus Christ receives him with mercy, grants him the crown of eternal life, and gives his soul everlasting rest.
I remain deeply proud of your legacy, Uncle Ralph, and grateful for the moments I shared with you and your beloved wife.
You stood when it mattered.
You refused to be bought.
In passing, your voice may seem silent now, but your example will endure.
In your quiet way, you lived the words: “…not bound to win, but…bound to be true.” Abraham Lincoln
Jénke ọma, Ọkpụrụisizuruọha II.
May you journey well.
“Requiescat in pace.” Amen.
May your kind endure!
Elsie-Bernadette Onubogu, contributing analyst to USAfrica and USAfricaonline.com, is an international lawyer and former Senior Policy Advisor with the United Nations and the Commonwealth.
