The Life and Times of Late Chief Hon. Justice Julius Ekekwe Ezeani Alias Osuohia 1
Presented by the Family
Late Hon (Sir) Justice Julius Ekekwe Ezeani (JCC, KSC) who was born on the 6th of January 1920, was the eldest son of late Mazi Job Udokoro Ezeani and Mrs. Janet Akubundu Ezeani of Abiaka-na-Nwaegbo village, Umudike, Uzii in Ideato North LGA, Imo State. His Father, Late Mazi Job Ezeani along with the likes of Late Gabriel Amarabe amongst others embraced Christianity at early stage of the Christian Missionaries and history had it that they were instrumental to the establishment of St Stephens Church, Uzii. This necessitated his decision to send his first son to school but he died early and could not accomplish this task.
Following his father’s wish, Julius resorted to living and serving teachers, church missionaries and indulging in menial jobs to pay his school fees.
He attended the Central school Ndiawa, Aro-Ndizuogu about 9 Kilometres from his home on foot between 1930 and 1938. After passing Standard Six, a feat only two people achieved in the whole of Urualla District, young Julius Ezeani proceeded to Teachers Training College Obosi and passed out as Assistant Teacher.
He taught briefly at Umuoji, Alor, Nkpor, Oba and Orifite, all in the then Eastern Region. While at Oba, he got married to his heartthrob Late Lady Alice Nwafele Ezeani (Nee Nwilo). He then proceeded to Elementary Teacher Training College, Nnewi for two years (1956-1957). He again taught at Nduche and Umuobom before preceding to yet another Teachers Training college at Awka between 1962-1963.
While in College, because of his diligence and hardwork, he was made the Senior Prefect at T.T.C Obosi, E.T.C Nnewi and T.T.C Awka. Now as a confirmed Grade 11 Teacher, he taught at Irete, Ndegwu, Akabo, Eziama-Obiato, and Umuneke Ngokpuala and rose to the post of Headmaster before the outbreak of the civil war in 1967. He joined the Biafran Army Medical Corps under Major (Dr.) E. Emezie as a second lieutenant and rose to captain.
After the war, he came back home and resumed the profession he loved so much- “Teaching” He taught at Osina, Uzii and Umuobom, all in the then Ideato L.G.A Imo State and retired in 1984 as Headmaster Special Class after serving for 44years with full pension and gratuity.
Sir Julius Ezeani was a man of proven integrity and trust worthy. He was a very bold & fearless man with uncommon courage that is unequalled. He spoke the truth always without fear or favor. He was fondly called ‘Mmanwu” (meaning Masquerade) for his fearlessness.
He was humble and sincere and had the rare ability for deep thoughtfulness. He had a marked leadership quality and demonstrated same in the way he interacted with superior colleague and subordinates.
He held several positions of Authority while alive. He was appointed a counselor in Ideato North LGA by the Governor of Imo State in 1986-1987.
He was later appointed a Customary Court Judge in April 1991, a position he held for 9years. This was informed by his clear knowledge of the customs and traditions of various communities in his area of jurisdictions. Chief Julius Ezeani was a man of amicable and excellent disposition yet was a well known disciplinarian, knowing how to keep his own house in order.
His Humanitarian disposition was to a fault. He helped people from far & wild, secured admission into higher schools, teaching jobs and other jobs in different areas of life. He encouraged young boys and girls to go to school and thought parents to invest in the education of their children (male or female). This earned him the title “Father of Education”
Chief Julius Ezeani was a devout Christian. He was Bishop nominee to the Diocese of Anglican Synod since 1988 and a knight of St. Christopher. He held several positions as band member both in the Diocese, the Archdiocese and his local Uzii parish. He was in the forefront and indeed pioneered the establishment of All Saints Church Uzii, just like his father did for St Stephens church Uzii.
He holds several traditional titles among them are Osuohia 1 of Uzii, Ugomba 1 of Akokwa to mention but a few.
A legend of his time, Osuohia was a man of strong character and intelligence, eloquent, fearless, a father of all.
God blessed him with seven Children (4 girls and 3 boys).
He is survived by:
- Chief (Mrs) Ijeoma Chinyere Ugwah (nee Ezeani)
- Nnamdi ThankGod Ezeani
- Best Chijioke Ezeani
- Mrs Stella Chizube Nmezie (nee Ezeani)
- Ikenna Kenneth Ezeani
- Mrs Ebere Pearl Kanu (nee Ezeani)