Special Report
By Chukwudi George Ozalla
The House of Representatives delegation to the burial of Dr. Chamberlain Nnamdi Dunkwu set the tone of the final rites in Ute-Okpu, Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State, as lawmakers and senior aides paid tributes to the late legislative official, describing him as a dependable and loyal servant of Parliament whose years of service reflected discipline and responsibility within Nigeria’s National Assembly.
The delegation was led by the new Minority Leader, Rt. Hon. Frederick Agbedi, who represented the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, and was accompanied by Rt. Hon. Victor Nwokolo, Rt. Hon. Mark Esset, Rt. Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah, Rt. Hon. Godwin Offiono, Rt. Hon. Peter Aniekwe, Rt. Hon. Attah Theodus, Rt. Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi, Rt. Hon. Ngozi Okolie and Hon. Abdusalam Babakayode Olasuyi, alongside senior aides from the Office of the Speaker. Their arrival drew quiet attention within the funeral grounds, as mourners and community members observed the presence of the federal lawmakers and other dignitaries who had come to honour one of their own in public service.
Agbedi, speaking on behalf of the Speaker and the House, described Dunkwu as a committed official who carried out his responsibilities with seriousness and loyalty, noting that his service within the legislative environment earned him the confidence of leadership and the respect of colleagues. He further conveyed the condolences of the House of Representatives to the bereaved family and the people of Ute-Okpu, stressing that his contributions would remain part of the institutional memory of the National Assembly.
Dr. Dunkwu’s years of service within the legislature featured prominently in tributes that were captured in the funeral brochure prepared by colleagues, with references to his role as Special Adviser on Members’ Affairs to former Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila and his later appointment as Deputy Chief of Staff (Legislative) to Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. Speakers also recalled his wider public engagements, including his leadership as President of the Nigerian Aquatics Federation and his recognition as a Knight of Saint Christopher (KSC), reflecting a public life that moved across institutional service, sports administration and civic responsibility.
Following the condolence visit, the delegation proceeded to the airport for departure. At the VIP business class departure lounge, Chamberlain Dunkwu Jnr, speaking on behalf of the family after prayers, expressed appreciation to Agbedi and the lawmakers for their presence and support, thanking them for honouring his late father and standing with the family at a moment of deep personal grief.
Earlier, the burial ceremony had unfolded under a heavy atmosphere of solemnity, with the funeral mass held at a church in Ute-Okpu on Saturday, June 13, 2026. The service drew a large gathering of family members, political associates, lawmakers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, business associates and sympathisers from across the country.
From Asaba through Agbor and into Ute-Okpu, the convoy of mourners moved in restrained silence. The same route that once carried a different memory of celebration and thanksgiving during Dr. Dunkwu’s earlier visit to his community now bore the weight of farewell. Landmarks along the road, familiar bends and community stop points quietly revived earlier recollections of his visit, when he had hosted guests generously for several days and extended hospitality that many still remembered.
On this return journey, that same hospitality was recalled by those who travelled again for his final rites, especially as conversations and memories of his earlier generosity resurfaced along the route.
Inside the church, the atmosphere remained deeply subdued. The casket placed at the front became the central focus of attention as mourners struggled to contain emotion. Some stood motionless, others bowed their heads for long stretches, while tears surfaced repeatedly among family members and sympathisers as the reality of the loss settled.
Dr. Dunkwu died in the early hours of Saturday, March 7, 2026, just weeks before what would have been his 55th birthday in July, a detail that lingered across tributes and conversations throughout the ceremony.
Beyond official tributes, many who knew him personally spoke of a man marked by accessibility and humility. His manner of engaging people, often deliberate and attentive, was frequently recalled. So too was his energetic pace, a familiar trait during public events that made him instantly recognisable in any gathering.
Dr. Chamberlain Nnamdi Dunkwu was finally laid to rest in his expansive compound in his hometown, Ute-Okpu.
