Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Sen Lekan Balogun CFR, Alli Okunmade II, stated this, adding that the exit of the renown optician was a personal loss for him.
Oba Balogun, in a condolence message by his Personal Assistant (Media), Oladele Ogunsola, described the late Dr. Anozie as a very peaceful and peace loving personality.
He added that the deceased used the virtues to ensure good neighborliness between his Igbo community and their Yoruba hosts.
The first-class traditional ruler recalled the celebration of the 26th year leadership of the pan Igbo socio-cultural group by Dr. Anozie last June.
The Olubadan said he had them commended the deceased for the way he had been piloting the affairs of the group.
“The Igbo community has lost a rare leader who would always be remembered for his advocacy for oneness of Nigeria irrespective of tribe, language and religious differences,” he added.
The late Eze’ Ndigbo, according to Olubadan, faced a lot of challenges, but bore all with calmness, humility and sense of purpose and these accounted for his success and ability to lead his people for that long.
He described the sudden exit of Anozie as painful, coupled with the fact of the loss of his wife last year.
Oba Balogun however urged the children of the deceased to be of good cheers because of the good legacies left behind by their departed father.
“I urge you to feel happy because you have a father to be proud of. Dr. Anozie lived very well and was at peace with his maker, going by his disposition to fellow beings.
“To the Igbo community, I share your pains and grief over the loss of a rare gem. A bridge-builder and a leader that was compassionate and full of ideas for the well-being of all.
“I urge you to remain steadfast and committed to the ideals of peaceful coexistence and good neighborliness which he professed,” Oba Balogun added.
Olubadan commiserated with the generality of the people over the exit of the Igbo leader in Ibadanland, saying the exit of the deceased would be felt by them.
The death, he said, would especially be felt by those who enjoyed his optical services, adding that it was an act of God which no mortal had power over.
“Let us all thank God for the life of the man and pray for the repose of his peaceful soul,” Oba Balogun added.
