By Monday Igwe Elemi
On May 11, 2025, the sun set on a giant of intellect, integrity, and profound community spirit—Professor Pa Ibiang Oden Ewa. His passing marked the close of a remarkable chapter in the annals of Nigerian academia, politics, and traditional stewardship. A father, mentor, and nation builder, he was the proud father of Hon. Oden Ewa, the Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations and Chairman/CEO of the Green Economy Commission.
Prof. Ewa’s life was one of purpose and principles—his influence spanned the classroom, the corridors of governance, and the cultural compounds of his people.
A Dual Legacy: Scholar, Statesman, and Steward of Change
Renowned in intellectual circles, Prof. Ewa served with distinction as a lecturer at the University of Calabar, Ebonyi State University, and ultimately as a professor at the University of Uyo where he’s currently serving before the inevitable happens. With unwavering commitment, he poured knowledge, ethics, and critical thought into generations of students, many of whom today occupy key positions across academia and public service.
Yet, Prof. Ewa was far more than an academic luminary—he was also an astute political thinker, a strategist of rare breed whose insight helped shape grassroots development and mentor emerging leaders. His sharp intellect and quiet strength inspired many, including his son, Hon. Oden Ewa, whose political career stands today as a glowing testament to his father’s nurturing guidance, discipline, and unshakable values.
Rooted by Choice: A Heart that Beat for Home
Though courted by prestigious offers abroad and from institutions across Nigeria, Prof. Ewa chose to remain close to Umur Otutu, his ancestral home. He believed deeply in staying grounded—so that service could remain personal, leadership could stay accountable, and legacy could remain visible. In a poetic twist of fate, his final moments unfolded in the land he so dearly loved. He suffered a cardiac arrest in his hometown and was rushed to Calabar, where he later passed.
Since the demise of his father on May 11, 2025, Hon. Oden Ewa has deliberately kept a low profile, choosing to avoid public gatherings and limit his public engagements as a sign of mourning and deep respect for his departed father. On June 6, 2025, he journeyed home to Umur Otutu to personally inform his extended family members, royal chiefs, kindred, elders, and community elites of the burial arrangements—an act that reflected his deep sense of duty, tradition, and reverence for his heritage.
Royal Homage and Clerical Comfort
In accordance with tradition, Hon. Oden Ewa, joined by his political associates in entourage on the 8th June 2025, paid a formal visit to the palace of His Royal Majesty, Obol Ofem Ubana, the Paramount Ruler of Yakurr and entire traditional chiefs of Umur Otutu. The visit was not only to announce the passing of Prof. Ewa but also to formally communicate the dates and sequence of his burial rites—an important cultural protocol that underscores Prof. Ewa’s stature within the community.
Meanwhile, spiritual support poured in from across religious lines. A delegation of Catholic priests from the Ugep community, led by Rev. Father Victor Mario Arikpo, visited the Ewa family to offer prayers, blessings, and words of encouragement. Earlier, the Chairman of the Cocoa Association of Nigeria (Cross River Chapter), Mr. Pascal Boboa, led a team to pay their respects, honoring the professor’s life of service and intellectual integrity.
Honoring a Giant: The Funeral Rites
A carefully organized funeral program has been planned to reflect the dignity and depth of Prof. Ewa’s life:
August 7, 2025 – Night of Songs and Vigil, Calabar Residence: An evening of sacred hymns, soul-stirring tributes, and remembrance in music and reflection.
August 8, 2025 – Journey to Umur Otutu: The body departs Calabar. Upon arrival, he will be received by the traditional chiefs of Umur Otutu at the community roundabout and then by the Bikobiko traditional council, representing his constituency ward. His remains will lie in state at his compound for communal homage.
August 9, 2025 – Interment Ceremony: A solemn and respectful burial in his family compound, where the final rites of passage will be observed.
August 10, 2025 – Thanksgiving Service: A celebration of life, hope, and legacy. Family, friends, and dignitaries will gather to give thanks for the extraordinary life Prof. Ewa lived.
A Farewell Etched in Legacy
As the community prepares to lay to rest one of its finest, tributes continue to pour in from across Cross River State and beyond. Prof. Pa Ibiang Oden Ewa was more than a man of titles—he was a man of depth. A mentor. A bridge-builder. A silent architect of transformation.
In life, he gave the world his brilliance.
In politics, he molded leadership with grace and foresight.
In death, he reminds us that the measure of a man is not how long he lived, but how deeply he touched lives.
As drums soften, hymns rise, and traditions unfold, the people of Umur Otutu, Yakurr, and Cross River bid farewell to a man whose legacy will echo for generations.
May the soul of Prof. Pa Ibiang Oden Ewa rest in eternal peace.
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