By Mick Oseji, Asaba
Funeral arrangements for late Sir (Hon.) Chamberlain Nnamdi Dunkwu, have been abruptly suspended by his family amid concerns over the prevailing situation in Ute-Okpu Community, Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State.
In the last two weeks, tensions have remained heightened in the charged atmosphere of Ute-Okpu Kingdom in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State as the town’s youths acting under the aegis of Ute-Okpu National Youths Association (UNYA) stepped up measures to stop the funeral rites of late Sir Chamberlain Dunkwu, who was until his death, the Deputy Chief of Staff (Legislative matters) to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Honourable Tajudeen Abbas.
The Daily Crucible had earlier reported on Sunday that Sir Chamberlain Nnamdi Dunkwu, President of Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAqF), died on March 7, 2026, day a swimming young talent discovery competition, tagged “Swim to the future,” was scheduled to commence inside package B, Moshood Abiola National Stadium Abuja.
Dunkwu, generally regarded as a passionate advocate for aquatic sports development, was known for his tireless commitment to nurturing young talents and repositioning swimming and other water sports in Nigeria as in his life time.
The late politician’s leadership brought renewed energy to the NAqF, with initiatives aimed at grassroots development, athlete support, and stronger institutional partnerships, according to the leadership of the NAqF.
His final rites, which began on Thursday, April 16, 2026, with a service of songs at St. Matthew’s Church, Maitama, Abuja, were to be followed by another service of songs scheduled for today, April 23, 2026, at the deceased’s residence in Ibiegwa Quarters, Ute-Okpu, Delta State. The remains were then to be interred on Friday, April 24, 2026, immediately after a funeral service at St. Luke’s Anglican Church within the community.
However, in a bewildering twist of events—described by many as disrespectful to the dead—youths from the town stormed the late Dunkwu’s country home, chased away workers preparing his final resting place, and covered the already dug grave with red earth. They cited alleged violations of customary traditions and legal procedures governing funerals in the community.
Earlier, on Saturday, April 18, the UNYA, in a strongly worded press statement, said it had taken “decisive and lawful steps” to halt the burial process of the late Dunkwu.
Not stopping there, the youths also summoned his widow, Lady Joy Dunkwu, to appear before the palace which she honoured in compliance with mandatory community procedures. And aided by late Chamberlain’s eldest sibling, the youths also demanded the full autopsy report of the deceased in the interest of transparency and accountability.
According to the group, the action followed credible reports that certain individuals were attempting to conduct the planned burial rites without obtaining the necessary approvals from relevant family authorities and community leadership.
The youths maintained that burial practices in Ute-Okpu are deeply rooted in tradition and must be strictly adhered to, warning that any attempt to sidestep these norms could spark unrest and undermine communal harmony.
“Our intervention was not arbitrary,” the statement read. “It was guided by long-standing customs and the need to preserve order, respect for lineage, and due process.”
Sources within the community revealed that disagreements over the deceased’s lineage and burial rights had been brewing for days, with factions laying competing claims. The situation escalated when one group allegedly moved to proceed with the burial in defiance of ongoing consultations.
UNYA emphasized that its actions were also backed by legal considerations, noting that unauthorized burials could trigger disputes with far-reaching consequences, including litigation and breakdown of peace.
However, the deceased’s grieving first son, Goziem Chamberlain, in a formal statement issued yesterday on behalf of the family, announced that all previously scheduled burial activities have been placed on hold with immediate effect.
According to the statement, the decision followed “a diligent assessment of the prevailing situation within Ute-Okpu Community… and developments which materially affect the orderly execution of the burial programme.”
The family emphasized that the move was taken “in good faith and in the overriding interest of maintaining public order, ensuring safety, and preserving the dignity and solemnity befitting the obsequies of the deceased.”
Activities affected by the suspension include the Service of Songs, Funeral Service, and Outing Service, all of which were earlier scheduled to take place in the community.
“Accordingly, all scheduled activities… are hereby placed on hold and suspended forthwith, pending further notice,” the statement read.
The family urged the general public, friends, and associates to disregard any contrary information not officially communicated by immediate relatives.
“We hereby tender our sincere apology for any inconvenience this development may have caused… and kindly solicit your understanding and continued support at this difficult time,” Goziem added.
No new date has been announced for the funeral rites, as the family assured that further updates would be communicated in due course.
