Late Akunwata C.J.C Maduewesi
By Emeka Eugene Maduewesi, Esq., LL.M
I can write a bestseller about my father and all his many outstanding qualities. However, as the Bible says, there is a time for everything. This is not the time to write a book.
My father was an extraordinary man, physically and spiritually very strong. Throughout his working years he was never sick. He went to work every workday, attended to family, school, church, social or political matters every day. He was a very active person whose life changed the lives of many he met.
Papa taught and influenced my life without opening his mouth. He thought me the importance of diligence, standing on principle, the value of a strong family and the joy of good friends. Most importantly, my father made me a lawyer. I will touch on this later.
Growing up, I thought I was the least loved of him. Unlike my other siblings, I never lived in the boarding house during my secondary school days. I never went on holidays. Therefore, for the first 19 years of my life, except for the one year I lived with my uncle at Ogwashi-Uku, I shared same roof with my father. None of my siblings had that privilege.
Papa treated every person he met with dignity and respect. He never discriminated. Any child was his child. As a strict disciplinarian, he would first use his own children as examples. At Umudim, he had the singular power to mold the lives of children from one of the most elite part of Nnewi – the Etiabas, the Ofomatas, the Asomughas, the Egwuatus, the Okongwus, the Nnadikes, the Obimmas, the children of teachers from OMGS, etc. After giving any child his or her due punishment, Papa would say, “Jee kpoo nna ghu!” meaning, “Go and call your father!” Of course, no child ever called the father! I saw my Papa as a superman.
Akunwata was one of the kindest men I ever met. Our home at St. Michael’s Inyaba Umudim was refuge to those whose vehicles malfunctioned anywhere near the main road. Because Papa read deep into the night, drivers saw his light and came for help. Every visitor must get something. If Mama were not home, Akunwata would run around searching for something to present; cola nut, meat, something to drink, fruits to munch, etc.
As an adult, I found out that my Dad dearly loved me. I recall an incident when he informed Mama to excuse me from evening chores so I could have time to play football. My Dad had seen me keeping the goal and wanted me to develop that talent. Of course, it never worked out. Like all families, we had our fair share of sibling’s rivalry. My brother Chike became the goalkeeper, but Papa did not extend the exemption to him. I think Papa kept me close because he perceived that I was not as stubborn as my siblings.
Papa was a voracious reader. Books, magazines and newspapers never lacked in our house. I copied him, including lying on the bed or couch to read. Of course, you cannot solve Mathematical problems lying down. Papa loved journalism and law a whole lot. He mostly admired two people; Sir Louis Mbanefo and Chief Gani Fawehinmi. Now you know why I became a lawyer.
Papa loved music, using it as tool to teach and entertain. His infectious enthusiasm about life rubbed-off on all his children; we all love to party and have fun.
Though God blessed him with years, we never had enough of him. I never wished and will never wish for another father. Even as we, his family and friends, celebrate him, I will miss him. Papa was a Teacher like no other! Jee Nke Oma Papam, Onyenkuzi Oma Akunwata CJC Maduewesi.
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