Tussle over Keshi’s final resting place

The Onyeogu Family Union Ukpologwu Illah,
Delta State has stated, in categorical terms, that
the remains of late former national team coach,
Stephen Okechukwu Keshi will be buried at his
ancestral home in Illah.

In a terse letter to the family of late wife of
Stephen Keshi, the Aburime Family, made
available to Sports Vanguard, the union frowned
at suggestions that the former Hawks of Togo
coach be buried in Benin.

In the letter the Union said, “The issue that has
caused us much anxiety is the proposal by the
Aburime Family that they wish their in-law, our
son, to be buried in Benin.

“As it is in Delta State, Edo State including the
Ewu Kingdom and indeed Nigeria, most men are
buried in their hometown on their demise.

“We wish to reiterate our demand as earlier
stated at the meeting of 17th June, that our son
Steven Okechukwu Keshi be buried at his house
in his hometown Ogbe Onyeogu Ukpologwu Illah
in line with his last wish before his demise. And
this we must state is in conformity with Illah
tradition, the Ewu tradition and the Chieftaincy
institution which he willingly subscribed to
during his lifetime,” the Ogbe Onyeogu family
stated.

“We believe that an issue of this nature needs no
further elaboration as it is customary in Nigeria
that most persons, particularly high profile
personalities are buried in their hometown, to
do the otherwise may portend some
consequences in future going by the Illah culture
and tradition. The recent internment of his
colleague and friend , Shuaibu Amodu in
Okpella, Edo State is a leading example,” the
union stated.