Tributes and traditional showcase mark the funeral of former UN ambassador Arthur Mbanefo in Onitsha

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By Vincent Ujumadu

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It was a mix of glowing tributes and rich cultural display as elder statesman and Nigeria’s former Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Chief Arthur Mbanefo, was laid to rest on Saturday in the ancient city of Onitsha, Anambra State.

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The colourful ceremony, held at his ancestral home in Inland Town, attracted dignitaries from across the country, including former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi; Publisher of Vanguard Newspapers, Sam Amuka-Pemu; former senator, Bode Olajumoke; and Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Folasade Ogunsola, who led a delegation from the institution. A delegation from the Ooni of Ife was also in attendance.

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Clerics of Emmanuel Anglican Church, Inland Town, Onitsha—where the Mbanefo family has worshipped for generations—conducted prayers at the lying-in-state. The Vicar, Venerable Emmanuel Ukpaeke, led the service and delivered a condolence message to the family.

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Igbo culture was on full display as various traditional groups entertained guests, including the famed Ohafia War Dance troupe, adding colour and solemnity to the burial rites.

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In a heartfelt tribute, the deceased’s only son, Arthur Mbanefo Jnr., described his father as a hero, mentor, and nationalist who dedicated his life to service.

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He recounted that the late Mbanefo, born in Onitsha in 1930, attended St Patrick’s College, Calabar, and taught at Dennis Memorial Grammar School (DMGS), Onitsha, before travelling abroad for further studies, where he qualified as a chartered accountant.

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According to him, his father played a key role during the Nigerian civil war as Biafra’s special envoy, overseeing the procurement of aircraft and other materials. After the war, he returned to private practice and later contributed to national development in various capacities.

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He noted that under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Mbanefo was appointed Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, where he also championed peace initiatives across Africa.

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Beyond diplomacy, the late statesman was a strong advocate of education, establishing the Arthur Mbanefo Research Centre and a digital library at the University of Lagos, while also donating books to several institutions.

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He served as Pro-Chancellor of three first-generation universities—the University of Lagos, the University of Ife, and Ahmadu Bello University—leaving a lasting impact on Nigeria’s academic landscape.

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Arthur Jnr. also highlighted the family’s longstanding traditional heritage, noting that his father held the revered title of Odu III of Onitsha, a position the family has occupied for over a century.

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He added that the family maintained deep ties with Emmanuel Anglican Church, tracing back to his grandfather, who played a key role in the church’s development.

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Dignitaries at the event described the late Mbanefo as a distinguished diplomat, bridge-builder, and patriot whose legacy would endure for generations.

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