REMEMBERING HRM EZE (SIR) RAPHEAL AHAMEFULE MBAGWU (KSC)


When the list of the legends in Ubakala is being compiled, the name HRM Eze  Rapheal Ahamefule Mbagwu (KSC) the Late Uba III  of Ubakala and Enyi Abia, who died on February  23, 2022, will  conspicuously be on the list. 

His contributions, support and commitment to the service of his state, Abia, community, Ubakala and the Anglican  Church are legendary and had earned him several awards and commendations from both the state and the church. 

He was a man of many parts. He was a celebrated Pharmacist and a top notch administrator who made his mark at R.T Brisco Nig. Ltd, and also employed a host of Ubakala citizens in the organization. 

Known for his intelligence, dedication to duty, hardwork, competence, strength of character and boldness to speak the truth on any  subject no matter whose ox is gored. 



He was not only a successful pharmacist and seasoned administrator, but also an excellent community leader. He served Ubakala clan in various capacities. He was for many years the General Secretary and later President General of Ubakala Improvement Union(F) in the 80s snd 90s. It was during his tenure that Ubakala Secondary school and the then Apumiri Post Office were built. He saw to the installation of the then Uba II of Ubakala, HRH Eze J. E Onukwue and fostered a peaceful co existence amongst the various communities.

He featured prominently as one of the ten founding fathers of Umuahia Development Association, Lagos  branch. He also served the association as patron representing Ubakala clan. 

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He played a key role in the creation of Abia State. As a stake holder in the Lagos branch of Abia State  Movement, he was a delegate to most of the national conferences/ meetings leading to the creation of Abia State on August, 27 1991. 
On July 3,1980, he was one of the eminent founding fathers of Abia State who went as a delegation to the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to deliver a preliminary request for the creation of Abia State. 
He was also part of the Abia State movement delegation  that delivered a second request for the creation of Abia State to the National Assembly in Lagos




In appreciation of the important role he played in the creation of Abia State, he was honoured with the prestigious award of the title 'Enyi Abia' (Elephant of Abia) by the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Victor Okezie Ikpeazu during the celebration of the 27th anniversary of the creation of Abia State on August 27, 2018.

The following year, August 22 2019, he received a letter from the board of trustees  of the Founding Fathers of Abia State, appointing him as one of their patrons. 

He was a revered traditional ruler in Ubakala. He became Uba III of Ubakala in 1996 at the age of 66 years. He succeded HRH Eze J. E Onukwue, the Uba II of Ubakala, who died in 1990. His reign signposted peace, unity and development

He was a pioneer Secretary, of Umuahia South Traditional Rulers' Council, pioneer Secretary, great Ikwuano /Umuahia Traditional Rulers' Council and former  Chairman, Umuahia South Traditional Rulers' Council.

During the period he was the Chairman Umuahia South Traditional Rulers' Council, he strived to ensured good relationship between Ndi Eze and local and state governments. He saw to it that the Ndi Eze were taken care of by the government and played an active role in the construction of the current Chamber of Ndi Eze in Umuahia South LG. He was also instrumental in the Government donating a 15 seater bus to the Ndi Eze of Umuahia South LG.



HRM Eze Rapheal Mbagwu was a deeply religious man whose every action was guided by the fear of God and reverence for him.

He  was of the Anglican faith, a dedicated member of St Andrew Anglican Church  Nsukwe /Amibo and a knight of St Christopher



He was a loving, caring and amiable husband and father. He wanted the best for his children and invested heavily on their education. They in return rewarded him with  success in their academic and bussiness pursuilts. None of his children has educational qualification that is less than first degree. 


He was born on  November 29, 1929 in Amibo,  to the family of late Jonah Mwokonneyi Mbagwu and Martha Aforole Mbagwu (nee Ohaeri)

He started his education at St Silas Primary school, Old Umuahia in  1938, where he sat and passed his first school leaving certificate. examination in 1944. From there he proceeded to Okrika Grammar School, Okrika in 1945, where he obtained the Cambridge school certificate in 1949.

He had his tertiary education at the then Higher College Yaba School of Pharmacy where he bagged a diploma in Pharmacy in 1955.

He joined R.T Brisco Nig. Ltd, in 1960. He rose steadily in ranks to the height of a Director, a position he held until his retirement in 1984. It is instructive to state that he employed a number of Ubakala people into vitually every department of the company. 

On retirement from R.T Brisco in 1984, he opened his own private pharmacy in Lagos and at the same time was appointed as a pharmacist with a  directorship position in the Ndukwe family Health Care Group, Umuahia which role he continued with untill his demise. 


He is surved by wife, Mrs Felicia Lobito Mbagwu, five children Ikemefuna, Chinweaku, Nwachinemerem, Kelechukwu, and Ugonna, grandchildren. May His soul Continue to Rest in Peace 

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