UNN to re-bury Achebe, four years after death – Prof Nwabueze

The Institute of African Studies, University of Nigeria, has stated that it is determined to appease the spirit of Prof. Chinua Achebe by giving him a befitting burial that was denied him four years ago.

The director of of the institute, Prof Emeka Nwabueze, disclosed this in Nsukka while briefing newsmen on the activities lined up for the commemoration of life and creativity of Achebe as a literary colossus.

He said Achebe deserves to be accorded befitting respects worthy of his class.

“Achebe was not accorded befitting burial as a world class author and one who used his literally works to promote African tradition and culture.

“As Igbo people who believe in four days of “Orie, Afor, Nkwo and Eke,” we felt that the right thing to do is to give this natural Igbo phenomenon four years before celebrating him, we are in the “Eke” of Chinua Achebe’s death and we are determined to correct the short-comings during the burial”, he said.

He said why the institute intends to organize a night of Ogbazuruobodo where they will talk to the spirit of Achebe.

“We will talk to the spirit of Achebe on the night of the Ogbazuruobodo and tell him our reason of doing this was to appease him as well as correct the ills of the past 4years before opening his office located on the second floor of the Hansbery Building which houses the institute.

“It was in this office that this great writer hibernated, ruminated, poured his ideas on papers, took snacks, received visitors and generated his official correspondence.

“As a research fellow of the institute he contributed to the growth and success of the institute”, he said.

He explained that some of the activities lined up by the Institute to celebrate Achebe include wake keep in which masquerades that play important roles in Achebe’s novel are expected to feature prominently.

Also, he said there would be an international conference, stage adaptation of Achebe’s Arrow of God entitled When the Arrow rebounds that would be filmed and staged by Publikonnect organization.

According to the director, Alhaji Balarabe Musa and Maj. Gen. Ike Nwachukwu will co-chair the occasion while other personalities expected to grace the commemoration include Governors Willy Obiano of Anambra State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, Nyesom Wike of Rivers State and Abdulahi Umar Ganduje of Kano State.

The highlight of the 3-day event which will kick-off on the will on the 22 of May 2017 will be the official opening of Chinua Achebe’s office that was last opened in 1990 when he celebrated his 60th birthday.