Celebrating the Extraordinary Life and Legacy of HRH Engineer John I. U. Onwuasoanya
Obituary
With deep sadness we announce the passing of Azu Eruala 1 of Ekaa Autonomous Community on March 12, 2026.
HRH John Onwuasoanya will be remembered as master builder has completed his greatest work.
We honor the transition of HRH Engineer John I. U. Onwuasoanya, the Azu Eruala 1 of Ekaa Autonomous Community. For 90 years, His Royal Highness served as a bridge between tradition and progress, bringing the precision of an engineer and the heart of a father to his people.
HRH EZE, (ENGR.) JOHN ONWUASOANYA
Azu Erugh Ala the First of Ikaa Autonomous Community
Engr. John Ikeokwu Ukaegbu Onwuasoanya was born to Late Joseph Ukeagbu and Late Abigael Akuehi Onwuasoanya of Umuzuogu kindred, Ohukwu Village, Ikaa Autonomous Community on the 15th December, 1935.
EDUCATION:
He started his primary education at Collegiate School Ihie in 1942 and finished at CSM School Obinkita, Arochukwu in 1951. He entered Hope Waddell Training Institution Calabar in 1952 leaving in 1956 with Grade 1 in the Cambridge School Certificate Examination. By 1957 he once again was a student of P&T Engineering School Oshodi Lagos and after two years at the school he was adjudged the best student of his class.
This earned him a colonial Federal Government Scholarship to study Electrical Engineering at the Famous Faraday House Engineering College University of London, between 1960 - 1964. He graduated Second Class Upper Division missing first class narrowly in 1964. By 1965 he was a Graduate of Institution of Electrical Engineers London.
WORKING EXPERIENCE:
Eze, (Engr.) John Onwuasoanya started life as a Pupil Teacher in 1957 for five months. He served as an Executive Engineer in the Ministry of Works Aba in 1966 - 1968. Officer in the Biafran Army, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Corps 1968 - 1970 and Manager RT Briscoe Plc 1971 - 1980. From 1980 he went into business.
POLITICS:
In 1983 (Engr.) John Onwuasoanya joined the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) and contested the Mbutu Constituency seat in the then Imo State House of Assembly. Was a founding National Delegate to SDP National Convention 1990.
OFFICES HELD IN THE COMMUNITY:
He was a member of Lagos branch of Owerrinta Development Association from 1957 - 1959. He was a member of Ngwa Student Union of Great Britain 1963 - 1966. Founding Member Ngwa Social Club Lagos 1973. He was the Chairman Ngwa Development and Cultural Association Jos 1979 - 1984 and Patron 1991 till date.
He is survived by five sons, three daughter and 14 grandchildren.
He is a widely travelled man, having visited Britain, the Middle East, Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, Italy, France, USA, Benin Republic, Togo, Ghana, Ivory Coast.
HRH Eze, (Engr.) John Onwuasoanya is an accomplished public servant, who is loved and respected by all who worked or come in contact with him. No wonder that at Ikaa General Meeting held at Ikaa Square Hall on the 5th March 2002, he was by acclamation declared the Eze Elect. On the 3rd of February 2003, His Excellency CHIEF, (DR.) ORJI UZOR KALU (MON) presented him with the Staff of Office.
Today, we are here to celebrate life of this man of vision HRH EZE ENGR. JOHN ONWUASOANYA (Azu Erugh Ala, the first of Ikaa Autonomous Community
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There are rare people in this world whose presence feels like a sanctuary—someone whose life was a true testament to love, genuine affection, and deep understanding. Today, I honor a truly dear soul who had an extraordinary gift for making people feel seen, valued, and profoundly cherished.
He listened without judgment and loved without condition. Though his journey with us has ended, the moments we shared—the warmth of his laughter, his gentle wisdom, and his unwavering empathy—will forever be etched into our hearts. I will carry those memories with me for the rest of my days.
I pray that the Almighty grants eternal and peaceful repose to his sweet soul. May he be wrapped in the same comfort, light, and grace he so freely gave to the world, and may his memory forever remain a blessing.
Rest in peace dear uncle. You are loved beyond measure, missed beyond words, and forever remembered.
Adetoyese Oluyomi Deji-Olugunna
Daddy-Doo,
What a great man you were. I will never forget how you accepted me as yours the minute I showed up. I won’t forget lovely days and nights of banter and teasing, times of singing hymns and lots of heart to heart conversations. Thank you for all the prayers and fatherly counsel over the years we had. I rest knowing you are resting with your Father in Heaven that you loved so much. Thank you for waiting for me to come and see you before you transited. Thank you for loving me like you did. By God’s grace we will meet again on the other side of eternity. I love you Daddy-Doo.
Your Iheem
We celebrate the life of a truly remarkable man who was much more than an Elder to our family—he was like a father to us. At 90 years, he lived a life marked by love, wisdom, faith, and integrity.
We will miss his warm laughter, his witty jokes, his wise counsel, and even his strong rebukes, which always came from a place of genuine love and concern. He leaves behind precious memories that we will cherish forever.
We thank God for the privilege of having shared in his life and for the lasting impact he made on ours. He was a great, good, and godly man whose legacy will continue to inspire us.
Though we miss him deeply, we are grateful for his life and the blessing he was to our family. Sleep on Onye-Eze, Nnanna till we meet on resurrection morning at the feet of Jesus.
Elder Ikechukwu Ojinka Family.
Today, I stand with a heart full of gratitude and love as I remember my dear father—a man whose life was a blessing, whose love was unwavering, and whose legacy will live on forever.
My dad was more than a parent; he was a guide, a protector, and a teacher. He showed me what strength looks like—not just in words, but in quiet sacrifices, in perseverance through challenges, and in the way he cared deeply for his family. He taught me the value of integrity, hard work, and faith, and these lessons will remain with me for the rest of my life.
He had a way of making people feel seen and valued. His wisdom, his laughter, and his presence brought comfort and joy to everyone around him. Whether through his advice or his actions, he left an imprint on every life he touched.
Though he is no longer with us physically, his spirit lives on—in the values he instilled, in the memories we cherish, and in the love that continues to bind our family together. I find peace in knowing that his life was meaningful and that he ran his race with dignity and purpose.
Dad, thank you for everything you gave, everything you were, and everything you continue to be in our hearts. You may be gone from our sight, but you will never be gone from our lives.
Rest well, my father. You are deeply loved, and you will never be forgotten.
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Together, let us continue the legacy of compassion and kindness that HRH John embodied throughout their life.
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