His name is Chinedu Odo, the first child (son) in a family beautifully balanced with three sons and three daughters. He was our childhood fantasy. Between 1990 and 2010, spanning two decades, my generation in Obollo Etiti was hungry for worthy role models, and he stood out, quietly, and assuredly.
We were told that “school na scam.” And so we needed someone ahead of us in educational pursuit, who can prove otherwise. He was among heroes of Classic Youth Club of Obollo (CYCO), the historic foremost organisation of Undergraduates of Obollo extraction, that made made us believe and admire the glorious advantages of formal education.
Chinedu and his wife and kids in a happy mood
From his days at the prestigious Nsukka High School where he earned his Senior School Certificate, it was clear he was destined for more. He pursued his passion for justice by studying Law at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus. Not only did he graduate with commendable grades, but he also went on to distinguish himself at the Nigerian Law School, earning his call to the Bar with dignity.
In July 2003, he took a bold and beautiful step, marrying his beloved Angela, a gracious woman from Imilike Ani, within our Local Government Area. Their union, though young at the time, was rich in promise. That promise has not just been kept; it has flourished.
Chinedu didn’t rest on the laurels of his early achievements. Excellence doesn’t have Bus Stop. He went on to earn a Master’s degree in Human Rights Law from the University of Essex in the UK, and then advanced further to secure a Doctorate in Law from the University of Pretoria, South Africa. His academic and professional accomplishments are quite admirable, but they tell only part of his story.
His Dad, a respectable personality in our land, and my elderly Colleague, in Medical Laboratory Science, was called home by our people, after his retirement from active civil service to be our Igwe (Traditional Ruler). He meritoriously presided over us, until heaven needed the company of one more soul in their Collage, he was summoned to that eternal home on June 12 2018, leaving Chinedu behind, as our Regent.
And that began another side of his story; one rooted in culture and community. In his role as Regent, he brought not just a sense of continuity, but a calm and righteous leadership that echoed the legacy of his father. His stewardship reflected the biblical injunction of Proverbs: “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice.” He handed over the reigns to the incumbent Igwe of our community, last year.
On June 24 2021, his wife threw a surprise party to celebrate his 50th birthday anniversary. She gave me the job of chronicling his profile and authoring the anniversary brochure, in which reputable men from Obollo and beyond, including Justice CC. Nweze JSC (now Late), Aka Eze Aka, and Hon. Solomon Onah (Jack Solo) etc, sent in their goodwill messages. I took that assignment with honour, because as I noted earlier, he was among the few elites on whom my age grades looked up to. The likes Willy Mamah Jnr. LLD, Gerald Abonyi LLD, High Chief Anterus Ezeh etc fall within this bracket.
Amidst all these, his marriage to Princess Angela has remained a strong pillar. With four vibrant and well-raised children, their home exudes love and stability. Theirs is not just a union of rings and vows, but one of purpose and destiny. Through the years, they have weathered the changing seasons of life together. And in doing so, they’ve reminded us that real success begins at home.
Today, as they mark 22 years of marital journey, there is much to celebrate. We admire the passage of time, and the quality of the life they’ve built. A life defined by material grandeur, character, grace, and the quiet strength that holds a family together.
So, here’s to Prince Dr. Chinedu and Princess Angela Odo. May their bond continue to inspire, and may the years ahead unfold with even greater joy, peace, and fulfillment.
Happy Anniversary, and may daylight spare us!
✍️ Jude Eze.
