It was a day of deep sorrow for the Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku as the faithful gathered on Monday, September 29, 2025, at St. Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church, Okpanam, for the funeral Mass of Late Emmanuel Chukwuekwu Ojeah.
Until his passing on Sunday, September 14, 2025, during a soccer game, Ojeah was a second-year philosophy seminarian of the Diocese, studying at St. Albert the Great Major Seminary, Abeokuta. He had returned home on holiday before the sad incident occurred.
The funeral Mass was celebrated by the Vocations Director, Very Rev. Fr. Augustine Anatamchi Odu, and concelebrated by the Vicar General, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Peter Onyeka Mobuogwu, the Diocesan Chancellor, Very Rev. Fr. Paschal Emeke Nduka, alongside several other priests.
Following the Final Commendation led by Rev. Fr. Sylvester Nduka Achapu, his remains were taken to his family residence at Agidiehe Quarter, Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State, where he was laid to rest.
The Diocese expressed profound grief at the loss, while commiserating with the Ojeah family. “While we mourn as a Diocese, our hearts go out particularly to his immediate family. We pray for God’s grace upon them to accept this irreparable loss as the will of God,” a statement read.
May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.
