Beloved Professor Damian Opata laid to rest in Enugu

The remains of the late Damian Opata, a professor of English and Literary Studies, were laid to rest in Umuodueze Lejja, Nsukka Local Government Area, Enugu State.

Mr Opata died on 16 October at the age of 76. His body was taken to Umuodueze Public Square Shrine where traditionalists performed burial rites before interring him.

After the burial, his younger brother, Christian Opata, who teaches at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), described his brother’s death as “sudden and shocking.”

“I am still surprised and shocked at what happened on Thursday morning, after his brief illness of two weeks.

“We are burying him today to follow his wish that when he dies his remains should not go to a mortuary but should be buried the next day.

“It is only God that created him knows why he died now. We do not have the capacity to question God,” he said.

Chibueze Opata, the first son of the deceased, said his father’s death was unexpected.

“Only God who loves him knows why.”

He promised that the family would continue his father’s good legacies of honesty, kindness, and integrity.

“Yes, my father has died, but I assure everyone that we will uphold all his good legacies that endeared him to many,” he said.

Paulinus Ugwoke, the President of the Association of Nsukka Professors, said Mr Opata’s death shocked the association.

“In the death of Opata, the association has lost a big Iroko tree and a goal getter.

“May God grant his soul eternal rest and give family members, colleagues, friends, and well-wishers the strength to bear this great loss,” he said.

Adaobi Nwoye, Enugu State Chairperson of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), remembered Mr Opata as an outstanding scholar and literary critic.

“I am personally pained and devastated by his demise. He was my mentor and friend,” Mr Nwoye said.

Emmanuel Ezema, vice-chairman of Ohaneze Ndigbo in Nsukka Local Government Area, expressed sadness at Mr Opata’s death.

“We did not even know he was sick, and then we heard he had died.

“He did very well as the immediate past chairman of the association in Nsukka, and we will always remember his many achievements,” he said.

Ogbuja Ogbu, secretary of Nsukka Ezue and South Movement for President Tinubu and Governor Peter Mbah for the 2027 General Elections, said the two organizations he represented were founded by Mr Opata.

Mr Ogbu said Opata’s death has left them in deep mourning.

“We only find comfort in knowing that our founder lived a worthy life and made a positive impact on humanity.

“His sudden passing is painful, but only God knows why it should be now,” he said.

The late Mr Opata retired from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) after many years of dedicated service. He was involved in community, state, and national service before he passed away.