The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election of Nigeria Peter Obi, attended the funeral service of Maxwell Anikwenwa. During his trip, he accompanied the Senator representing Anambra Central, Senator Victor Umeh. The member representing Awka North and South Federal Constituency Lilian Oby Orogbu was also present.
The funeral service of Maxwell Anikwenwa took place on June 29, 2023. He was a Pioneer Bishop Diocese of Awka, Former Archbishop Province of the Niger and Dean Emeritus Church of Nigeria. The funeral service was a Holy Communion Service. The event took place at the Cathedral Church Of Saint Faith Awka, Anambra State.
Senator Victor Umeh took the opportunity to deliver some remarks at the funeral service. He described the demise of Archbishop Anikwenwa as a great loss. According to him, the loss affected the Anglican Communion and the Igbo people of Nigeria.
He stated that “Archbishop Maxwell Anikwenwa was a great Christian and servant of God in the Anglican Communion. Above all, for us who love him, he was a strong and patriotic Igboman. When he retired from clergy work, he dedicated his last years to the service of the Igbo people of Nigeria. He also spoke against injustice and marginalization.
“We lost someone ready to defend our rights in Nigeria. He aWe wish him farewell because he combined all the talents God gave him to serve humanity and his people. We pray that from among those who are alive, courageous people should stand out on behalf of Christianity and the Igbo people of Nigeria, so we miss him greatly,” he said.
Senator Umeh urged the Anikwenwa family to take the death of the late Archbishop in good faith. He reasoned that the deceased left the world in a blaze of glory.
The Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr Onyeka Ibezim, also attended the service alongside Peter Obi and his delegation. Other attendants included: The first female Governor in Nigeria, Dame Virgy Etiaba, Anglican bishops and priests, clerics from other Christian denominations, traditional rulers, and family and friends of the deceased.
