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Tag: Burial

  • Mugabe’s family announces burial in his hometown on Saturday

    A battle over where former Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe should be laid to rest took another unexpected turn on Thursday, with a family spokesman saying that he would be buried at the weekend in his rural hometown of Kutama.

    Mugabe, who died at the age of 95 in Singapore on Sept. 6, was both revered for his liberation politics and reviled for his later dictatorial rule in the southern African country.

    The Zimbabwean government wanted Mugabe to be buried at the National Heroes Acre, a hilltop shrine in the capital Harare reserved for the elite, but his family pushed for him to be laid to rest in Kutama alongside his mother.

    The two sides had eventually settled for a mausoleum at the National Heroes Acre and a postponement of the funeral until October so that the structure could be built.

    But family spokesman Leo Mugabe told dpa on Thursday that he had received instructions from the family to go to Kutama – located about 85 kilometres from Harare – to “make arrangements for the burial, which is now scheduled for this Saturday.”

    He did not provide any further details on what had provoked the sudden change of plans.

    Work on the mausoleum in Harare had already started, with contractors clearing land for the construction before the family’s announcement.

    Analysts have said that Grace Mugabe’s desire to protect the fortune accrued by her family during her husband’s 37 years in power was a factor in the tensions over the burial.

  • Zimbabwe announces new burial date, venue for Robert Mugabe

    Zimbabwe announces new burial date, venue for Robert Mugabe

    A burial for Zimbabwe’s former president, Robert Mugabe, will be held at the National Heroes Acre sometime in October, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said on Friday.

    It was previously agreed that there would be a symbolic burial on Sunday in the hilltop shrine in Harare, reserved for the country’s ruling elite, but family spokesman, Leo Mugabe, told reporters this plan had now been cancelled.

    The body will now go to Mugabe’s hometown of Zvimba on Sunday for traditional funeral rituals to be carried out before the burial.

    Mugabe will be buried in October after a mausoleum at the National Heroes Acre has been completed, Mnangagwa said.

    The confirmation comes after disagreements between the family and the government about where the former leader should be buried.

    The family initially said they would prefer to honour Mugabe’s wishes and have him buried next to his mother in his rural home in Kutama, about 85 kilometres from Harare.

    They then agreed to the symbolic funeral on Sunday in the hope that the real burial would take place at a later date, giving them time to carry out the traditional rituals.

    An official memorial ceremony is planned for Saturday at the 60,000-seater National Sports Stadium with a number of African leaders and former leaders expected to attend.

    Mugabe’s body was returned to Zimbabwe on Wednesday from Singapore, where he died at the age of 95.

    He had been seeking treatment there for an undisclosed illness since April.

    He was deposed in a 2017 coup after nearly four decades in power.

    Still revered by some for his fight against white domination as a former liberation fighter, he is widely despised by others who see him as responsible for destroying Zimbabwe’s economy and violently oppressing any opposition.

  • JUST IN: Mugabe’s burial postponed indefinitely

    The burial of the late former President Robert Mugabe slated for Sunday has been postponed indefinitely, Zimlive reports.

    Family members of the deceased ex-president confirmed the development.

    According to Mugabe’s nephew, Leo Mugabe, Mugabe was a chief and he would be given a traditional burial.

    He said, “Mugabe was a chief and he will be buried in accordance with tradition. The chiefs have not told us where he will be buried, so it is not clear yet. I also don’t know,” he said.

    Mugabe died on Friday at the age of 95 in Singapore, where he was receiving medical treatment.

  • Encomiums as late literary giant, Okara is buried in Bayelsa

    Encomiums as late literary giant, Okara is buried in Bayelsa

    …Gov Dickson blasts corrupt politicians

    Late famous literary icon, Dr. Gabriel Okara, was on Saturday buried in at Bomoudi, Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

    At the burial of the poet, the state Governor, Seriake Dickson, flayed some office-seeking politicians in the state for their failures to identify with the people.

    The governor in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media Relation, Fidelis Soriwei, expressed displeasure that such group of Bayelsans were only interested in imposing themselves on the people instead of identifying with them.

    Dickson spoke following his observation that most of the governorship aspirants failed to identify with all activities mapped out for the burial of Okara.

    But the governor noted that honouring both the living and the dead had been an essential component of his restoration government since 2012

    He expressed regret that such politicians could not learn the lessons inherent in the virtues behind his philosophy.

    He said: “Today we are burying and honouring this great man that God gave to us and you will not see them.

    “The only time you see them is when they want to impose themselves on you and I. And they never learn the lesson that in the last seven years we have been teaching; which is that a society that does not recognise and honour its best, a society that is in perpetual strife and looking for who to blame, pull down and destroy and not upholding and respecting what is good is a doomed society.”

    Dickson also announced a donation of N25million on behalf of the state government to the Dr. Gabriel Okara Foundation towards upholding the legacies of the distinguished literary icon.

    He said: “The Bayelsa State government will work and partner with you to see how we can be talking about his timeless works and the lessons he taught the world. We will support the foundation so that our stories that Dr. Okara told the world will continue from now til the end of time.”

    He expressed gratitude to people from all walks of life who attended the burial and particularly appreciated Prof. Brenda Marie-Osbey who came from the United States to be part of the final burial rites.

    Eulogising the late Dr. Okara, a renowned historian, Prof. Ebiegberi Alagoa described him as an elder brother from whom he learnt a great deal.

    Also paying tribute on behalf the bereaved family, the Secretary to the State Government, Kemela Okara thanked the governor for organizing a state burial, in honour of the literary giant.

    He described the gesture of the governor as an exceptional farewell to the literary legend.

    In his remarks, President of the Association of Nigerian Authors, Mr. Denja Abudullahi, said rather than mourn the passage of Dr Okara people should celebrate his eventful life of prodigious contributions to humanity through literature and public service.

    Other prominent personalities that graced the event were the Deputy Governor, Rear Adm. Gboribiogha John Jonah, Prof. John Pepper Clark, a Poet of note, Prof. Ebiegberi Alagoa, a renowned historian, Prof. Kimse Okoko, former President, Ijaw National Congress, Prof. Lawrence Ekpebu and Prof. Godini Darah of the University of Africa, Toru Orua.

    Former Minister of Police Affairs, Broderick Bozimo and his spouse, Mrs Elechi Amadi, former and serving national as well as state legislators, traditional rulers and well-wishers paid their last respect to the departed literary hero.

  • Veteran filmmaker, Ugbomah for burial July 12

    Veteran filmmaker, Ugbomah for burial July 12

    The veteran filmmaker, Chief Eddie Ugbomah, who died on May 11 will be buried on July 12 at the Vaults and Garden, Ikoyi.

    The Chairman of the Burial Planning Committee, Mr. Rahman Raji , said in a statement in Lagos yesterday that the Tribute in Honour of the late film producer will take place on July 10 at The National Art Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos.

    He also said that Ugbomah’s post-humous biography ‘ Eddie by Eddie’ would be launched on the same day.

    “The lying-in-state, burial service and entertainment of guests will hold on July 12 at the National Art Theatre,” the chairman said.

    Ugbomah directed and produced several films, including: ‘The Rise and Fall of Oyenusi’ in 1979, ‘Oil Boom’, ‘The Boy is Good’, ‘Apalara’ and ‘The Mask’.

    Ugbomah was born on December 19, 1940.

  • Tambuwal buries 25 persons killed in fresh bandits attack

    Tambuwal buries 25 persons killed in fresh bandits attack

    Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal on Sunday attended the funeral of 25 persons killed by bandits in a fresh attack which occurred on Saturday in three communities in Rabah local government area of the state.

    Tambuwal, together with heads of security agencies, traditional rulers and government officials later condoled the families of the victims after the burial held at Gandi town.

    The bandits who were in large numbers raided Kalhu, Tsage and Geeri villages near Gandi and killed the 25 persons.

    The attackers were said to have engaged in indiscriminate shooting from around 5pm on Saturday till Sunday morning, after which they carted away hundreds of cows, sheep and other valuables.

    Rabah has been experiencing bandits’ attacks in recent time, with people losing their lives while many others who were rendered homeless now taking refuge at an Internally Displaced Persons camp in Gandi.

    Tambuwal pledged that the government would take more measures “to end such uncivilized and barbaric attacks”, and urged community members to assist security agencies with useful information to track the bandits.

    Speaking to newsmen, Sokoto state Commissioner of Police, Mr Ibrahim Kaoje, said four persons including a woman informant who pretended to be a lunatic were arrested.

    Kaoje said that a joint security operation was in progress to contain banditry and other crimes in the state.

    The state Chairman, IDPs’ Welfare Committee, Malam Lawal Maidoki said relief materials had been delivered to the victims.

    NAN reports that with the present 25 killed in the latest attack, the total number of persons killed by bandits in Sokoto state has risen to 108 from 2018 to date.

    Other places affected by armed bandits’ attacks were Dalijan, Rakkoni and Tabanni communities within the period.

  • Former CDS, Alex Badeh for burial January 23

    Former CDS, Alex Badeh for burial January 23

    The late Ex-Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Alex Badeh, will be buried on January 23 at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja.

    According to a statement by John Agim, a brigadier general and the Acting Director Defence Information, DDI, the remains of late CDS will be committed to mother earth at 12.30 p. m. after a Church Service.

    Mr Agim said the service will take place at the Nigerian Airforce Base, Protestant Church, Bill Clinton Drive Airport Road at 10 a. m.

    He added that there would also be a service of song on Sunday by 5 p.m. at the Air Force Base, Protestant Church, Bill Clinton Drive.

    Mr Badeh, a retired Air Chief Marshal, who served as CDS under ex-president Goodluck Jonathan, was shot dead on December 18, 2018 by unknown gunmen, on Keffi-Abuja highway, while returning from his farm.

  • Osinbajo, Akeredolu, Fayemi, others attend Fasehun’s burial in Ondo

    Osinbajo, Akeredolu, Fayemi, others attend Fasehun’s burial in Ondo

    The remains of the founder of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Frederick Fasehun, were on Thursday laid to rest in his home town in Ondo City, Ondo State.

    Political personalities, activists, friends and well wishers were on hand to bid him farewell amid praises for his accomplishments while he was alive.

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu; his Ekiti State counterpart, Kayode Fayemi, and former Governor Olusegun Mimiko were some of the eminent Nigerians who attended the burial programme held at the St Stephen’s Anglican Church, Ondo.

    In his sermon, the Arch-Bishop of Ondo Anglican Province, Gabriel Akinbiyi, said death is a necessary end for every human being.

    He advised the people to always do good, while they are alive.

    Osinbajo, in his eulogy, described the late OPC founder as a dogged fighter and a highly principled personality.

    He said Fasehun would be greatly remembered for his contributions to the development of Yoruba people and Nigeria at large.

    Akeredolu on his part, described the late Mr Fasehun as a unique and special leader.

    Faseun, a medical doctor and pro-democracy activist, was 83 years old. He died on December 1 after a brief illness.

     

  • Shagari’s body leaves Abuja for burial in Sokoto

    Shagari’s body leaves Abuja for burial in Sokoto

    The body of late former President, Shehu Shagari, has left the nation’s capital, Abuja, en route Sokoto State, his hometown for burial later on Saturday.

    Recall that the first Executive President of Nigeria died on Friday evening at 93 years.

    His body will be received by the Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal before being transported to his hometown in Shagari Local Government Area of the state, reports Channels Television.

    Encomiums have since been pouring in from eminent personalities all over the country since the demise of the elder statesman on Friday.

     

  • DSS places Badeh’s wife, children on watch list, may miss burial

    Indications emerged on Wednesday that the family members of the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh (retd.), may miss his burial as they remain on the watch list of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).

    Badeh’s widow, Mary Iya Badeh, and his two sons, Alex (jnr) and Kam have been in the United States since 2016 following his prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    A family friend of the Badehs said it was unlikely if they would come.

    He said, “I have spoken with them and I don’t know for now if they will be coming but it is highly unlikely. Their father has just been killed under controversial circumstances and the government has not removed them from the watch list. If they return and their passports are seized and they are not allowed to return, it would be a double tragedy.

    “Everybody is still in shock so we cannot say for now if they will be coming but since they are Christians, there is no rush. A lot can happen before then.”

    A prosecution witness, Abubakar Madaki, had told a Federal High Court sitting in Maitama that Badeh’s wife and two of his children were being investigated for offences with which the ex-Chief of Air Staff was charged.

    Madaki said the three of them, however, escaped to the United States before the investigation was concluded.

    He said all attempts to get them arrested turned out to be futile.

    The witness had said, “At the initial stage, when we started the investigation, we invited Alex Badeh (Jnr.) who lives in 19 Kumasi Crescent, Abuja, one of the properties, among the properties earlier mentioned.

    “He happened to be a son of the first defendant (Badeh). He claimed to be a tenant in that property and since an investigation was ongoing at the preliminary stage, we allowed him to go and come back when we had enough issues to question him about.

    “He left and never came back. We later got to know that he has left the country for America.

    “We were also looking for Mary Iya Badeh, the wife of the first defendant, who is one of the directors in the second defendant (Iyalikam Nigeria Limited).

    “The second defendant (Iyalikam) had received so much funds from the alleged funds we are investigating.

    “She too, according to the investigation has left the country for America. Kam Badeh (another of Badeh’s son) is one of the directors in one of the companies.

    “We have gone round the locations that we had information that he does business, but we are unable to get him.

    “Since the information was that they left through the International Airport, we wrote a letter to the Nigerian Immigration Service and the Department of Security Service to watch them. But we have not been able to get them.”

    He said when his team concluded investigation in the case, it “discovered that the first defendant (Badeh) and his wife had earlier incorporated a company Iyalikam Nigeria Limited” in whose accounts they allegedly diverted the Nigerian Air Force’s funds.

    Recall that the former Chief of Defence Staff and two of his domestic staff were shot dead on Tuesday evening on their way from the farm.