The Asielue family in Onicha Ugbo, Aniocha North Local Government of Delta State, announces the passing on of their patriarch, beloved husband, grandfather and father-in-law, Chief Matthias Okeleke Asielue, who held the chieftaincy title, Uwolo Onicha Ugbo.
His transition occurred on 27 December, 2017, after a brief illness.
A statement issued on behalf of the family by a spokesman, Maurice Asielue at the weekend, noted that it was with gratitude to God for a life well spent that it announces the passage to the great beyond of the family’s patriarch.
He said that Chief Asielue was born on 24th November 1933 and lived a distinguished and fulfilled life.
“Chief Asielue had two great loves,” the statement read. “First and foremost was the twin love of God and his family to which he was very devoted. The other was his beloved home town of Onicha Ugbo, to which he was grateful for the education scholarship he benefited, especially given that it served as the stepping stone for an achievement-laden career and a very fulfilled life.”
The statement also indicated that he attended the University College, Ibadan, graduating from there in 1962 with a BA (Hons) degree in English. On graduation, he joined the Federal Civil Service as an Administrative Officer in the Ministry of Lagos Affairs. In 1963, he was seconded to the Nigerian Army Education Corps as part of the Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa government’s campaign to recruit Nigerian graduate officers to replace British Military personnel.
Before his stint with the Army Education Corps, no student in the Nigerian Military School at that time had passed English in the Cambridge University School Certificate. However, by his second year, 24 out of 30 students passed English with 13 at credit level.
At the NMS, he taught accomplished individuals like retired Brigadiers David Mark who later rose to become president of the Nigerian Senate. Others include retired brigadiers John Shagaya, Tunde Ogbeha and Admiral Okoja, to mention a few.
“He returned to the Nigerian Civil Service in 1966 and retired on 1 January 1990 as a Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology,” the statement added.
According to the statement, Chief Asielue was deeply involved in the Catholic Church as a a former President of the Association of Sacred Heart of Jesus and was, as well, the foundation President of the Confraternity of Miraculous Infant Jesus of Prague. He was initiated as Knight of St Mulumba and rose to the highest level – 4th Degree.
He is survived by his wife, Chief (Mrs) Theresa Asielue (Nne Udo Onicha Ugbo), who was with him until the last moment, children, grandchildren and in-laws.
Chief Asielue will be buried in Onicha Ugbo on Friday, 2nd February.
