Tribute to My Very Own Aunty Chinwe By Ijeoma Ihekwoaba Ofodile - Daughter of Late Mmaji IHEKWOABA nee Iyizoba
I have not felt a sense of loss this profound in a very long time—perhaps not since I lost my mother nearly thirty years ago. The suddenness, the abruptness, and the finality of it all has left me reeling, and our entire family in a state of deep shock.
Aunty Chinwe was truly our pride and joy—“Onye anyị na-eji etu ọnụ”. We felt loved, secure, and relevant because we always had Aunty Chinwe firmly in our corner.
We did not just lose someone dear; we lost our matriarch, our pillar, our peacemaker, and our solid foundation. She was the one who ensured that we remained together and united as a family.
Aunty was selfless, kind, and generous to a fault. There was never anything I asked of her that she hesitated to do. In fact, whenever she heard that someone was traveling to Canada, she would send a care package—unprompted, unrequested, simply out of love.
But it is not the material things that I will miss. What I will miss most is the unconditional love she had for the Iyizoba family. Each and every one of us shared a unique relationship with her.
I spoke with her often, and just recently, she was so excited to tell me that she had received her ten-year Canadian visa. We talked about how she would soon come and spend time with us. I often wondered how an in-law could love her husband’s family so deeply. After all, I am the daughter of her deceased husband’s deceased sister, and yet she cared profoundly for me and my family.
Aunty Chinwe was my role model growing up. She was intelligent, beautiful inside and out, fearless, confident, authentic, and emotionally intelligent. She had a remarkable way of connecting with everyone she met.
I watched her walk confidently into rooms that others would not dare to enter. She was strong, resilient, and navigated life’s storms with grace and strength. Aunty always spoke the truth—never mincing words—but she did so with love and genuine concern. She celebrated your successes, rooted for you, and proudly spoke of your accomplishments at every opportunity.
Whenever I had any in-law wahala, Aunty was my go-to person. Her close connection to both families made her the perfect confidant. She always listened patiently and offered the wisest advice. To put it plainly, she pulled me back countless times from the edge when I felt overwhelmed.
Despite her many achievements—academically, professionally, and socially—she remained incredibly down-to-earth and humble. I remember spending time with her in London when she came for Ify’s Omugwo. By the time we woke up each morning, breakfast and lunch would already be prepared, and she was always ready and eager to serve us. I could hardly believe that a woman of her stature would humbly serve others in such a way. And without question, she made the best jollof rice—hands down.
The truth is, I honestly do not know where we, the Iyizobas, go from here. It is difficult to imagine The Oranges, the Pathfinder, and Nigeria itself without Aunty Chinwe.
I never saw her as an in-law. She was deeply woven into the fabric of the Iyizoba clan. For decades, her home welcomed all of us every Christmas. She hosted us with joy and love, always ensuring we were comfortable. Seeing the family gathered together—laughing, talking, eating—was Aunty’s happiest place to be.
But alas, we must trudge on. We must continue the legacy she left behind—one of unconditional love, unity, and togetherness within the Iyizoba family.
Only then can we be assured that Aunty lives on—in each and every one of us. In her children, her grandchildren, her nieces and nephews, her sisters and brothers.
Aunty, this is not goodbye. You will always remain with us.
I love you with all my heart. It saddens me that I never told you this in person, but I know you never doubted how deeply we adored you.
May God receive you into His eternal embrace.
Ijeoma Ofodile (Nwa Mmaji)