It was a coup plotted by the wife.
There were some whispers in some coded quarters in Awka, Anambra State that the distinguished accountant, High Chief Sir Ken Ezechi, Ezekwesili 1 of Omasi, would turn 60 on Saturday, February 8, in this year of our Lord.
There were a number of groups planning to mark the birthday for the much sought after man popularly hailed as Ochiagha.
Then I got a phone call from the personable Hon (Mrs) Vera Atuigwe, the Supervisory Councillor for Awka-South Local Government that Ken’s wife planned to host a surprise party for the husband.
I was strictly warned not to let the “birthday boy” know what the doting wife had in stock for him.
The celebration held at the popular People’s Café, beside the Anambra State Ministry of Lands, by the edge of the boulevard of the GRA near Government House.
Sir Ken counts as his friends from the mightiest to the lowest, and they were all present for him from evening until night.
The erudite attorney and Professor Ifechi Ndianefo, Head of the Philosophy Department of Nnamdi Azikiwe who describes Sir Ken Ezechi as “Nwoke mara nma”, which translates to “a beautiful man”, said that the hero deserved celebration because of his exalting humanitarian qualities.
The resourceful Mr Dennis of the trail-blazing Gran-Hermano Schools, Awka stated that Sir Ken remains an ever rendering godfather who accommodates all.
A don of zestful qualities, Dr Udemezue of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam lionized Sir Ken as the quintessential community leader and problem solver.
There were delicious rice and chicken doing the rounds, and the cake was a delight, and there were enough palm wine and assorted drinks to ignite the night.
A foundational Anambra State House of Assembly member from back in 1999 and husband of Vera, Hon Vin Atuigwe, revved up the night with hearty songs, and held a “mass” service, complete with speaking in tongues and tithe-offering!
Old tunes, especially from the grandmaster Osita Osadebe made Sir Ken Ezechi’s 60th birthday fest an unforgettable event.
Sir Ken who has unflinching truth as his banner readily tells you that he started out life as a local hunter, an “ogbanta”, in his native Ayamelum area, and he has grown to become a doctoral candidate!
The 60th birthday celebration of Sir Ken Ezechi was a classic event of communal living, an essence he cherishes in all his undertakings.
As Chinua Achebe wrote in Anthills of the Savannah, “It is the story that outlives the sound of war-drums and the exploits of brave fighters.”
May Sir Ken Ezechi’s story thrill the world!