Lady Ezinne Eunice Nwabugwu Ibe (née Chime), popularly known as Black Indigo or Apunanwu, a devoted Anglican Lay Reader, accomplished businesswoman, dancer, and music lover, has passed away at the age of 90.
She is survived by her children, including her first son, Emperor Chris Baywood Ibe, Executive Vice-Chairman of Baywood Group and founder of the SAFE (Save Awgu Forum) support group in Enugu State.
The funeral service took place at the Cathedral Church of Saint Mark’s, Isu-Awaa, Agwu, Enugu State, drawing dignitaries from across Nigeria.
Among those present were five Anglican Bishops, including Most Rev. Dr. Amos Madu, pioneer Archbishop of Enugu Ecclesiastical Province, Rt. Rev. Paul Udege of Afikpo Diocese, Rt. Rev. Daniel Oliha of Eha-Amufu Diocese, and Rev. Dr. Afam Ugwu, pioneer Bishop of Awgu/Aninri Diocese.
Over 30 Anglican priests also attended, with two bishops represented by delegates.
During the funeral sermon, Rt. Rev. Dr. Benson Chukwunweike, Bishop of Awgu/Aninri Diocese, reminded attendees of the inevitability of death and the importance of living a righteous life.
Citing scriptures from Numbers 23:10 and Hebrews 9:27, he emphasized that every individual will be judged and that blessings outside God’s will may lead one astray.
Using biblical examples like Jacob and Judas Iscariot, the bishop urged the congregation to lead lives of integrity and submission to divine timing.
Born in 1935 into the family of the late Chimengwu of Isu-Awaa, Lady Ezinne Eunice Nwabugwu Ibe overcame challenges through hard work and faith in God.
She married the late Chief Benson Maduabuchukwu Ibe (Chinenyeze 1 of Isu-Awaa), and together they raised a family that has flourished remarkably.
Her life was described as one of fulfillment, courage and impact, earning her the affectionate title “Black Indigo.”
The Ibe family marked her passing with a series of funeral events from December 18th to 21st, 2025, collectively titled “BLACK INDIGO GOES HOME.”
In keeping with Lady Ezinne’s lifelong spirit of generosity, the family distributed food items including rice, vegetable oil and seasoning cubes to over 1,050 of the poorest families across Awgu Local Government Area.
Emperor Chris Baywood Ibe, who led the charitable outreach, noted that this was a continuation of the giving legacy instilled by his late mother.
Beneficiaries expressed deep gratitude, highlighting how the support enabled them to celebrate Christmas with dignity.
The church service also saw contributions from notable personalities, including Governor Peter Mba of Enugu State, Dr. Alex Otti of Abia State, former governors, senators, and top executives from major banks.
Ambassadorial representatives from Malawi and Uganda attended, further reflecting Lady Ezinne’s broad influence and legacy.
During the service, Emperor Chris Baywood Ibe announced plans to construct a two-storey guest house for the Cathedral Church of Saint Mark’s, fulfilling a request made by church leaders during the ceremony.
The remains of Lady Ezinne were later interred at her late husband’s residence in Isu-Awaa, followed by a grand reception attended by friends, dignitaries, and community members.
Lady Ezinne Eunice Nwabugwu Ibe is survived by her eight children, four daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, 32 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.
