Mazi Charles: A Cherished Icon of Arochukwu Kingdom

Arochukwu Kingdom, Abia State – The Arochukwu Kingdom, Amuvi Village, and Nigerians in the diaspora continue to mourn the passing of one of their most distinguished sons, Mazi Charles Sunny Onyeador, fondly known as Mazi Charlie. A refined gentleman, dedicated community leader, and mentor to many, his departure has drawn profound tributes from traditional rulers, professionals, and community members across the globe.

The most eminent tribute came from His Eminence, Eze Dr. Eberechukwu Oji, the Eze Aro of Arochukwu Kingdom, who expressed deep sorrow over the loss of this noble son of the soil:

“I am deeply pained, and understandably in grief, over the death of Mazi Charles Onyeador, the one who went by the moniker ‘Godfather.’

Charles Onyeador, by all accounts, was a perfect gentleman; a generous soul; a man around whom was peace; a man who touched many lives in several ways.

Here was a mentor par excellence, a knowledge projector, and a community development advocate. Words are not enough to describe Mazi Charles Onyeador in the superlative. His legacies, for which we are very proud, dot the landscape of humanity.

He was indeed a doting father, a loving husband, and a true son of Arochukwu Kingdom. Needless to say, his immediate family, Amuvi Village, and indeed Arochukwu Kingdom, shall miss him sorely.

As we mourn Sunny’s passing, we pray God to rest his soul in the blessed bosom of the Almighty, and grant his immediate family the fortitude to bear the loss.”

Engr. Dr. Onyema Edward, a Chartered Engineer with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), offered a deeply personal tribute titled “A Note from the Heart in Honour of Mazi Charles Sunny Onyeador”:

“Looking at the display picture of your immediate family sometime in December 2024, I was deeply moved and asked myself—and my friends—what had happened. Only then did I discover that our beloved father, Mazi Charles Sunny Onyeador, had passed on. I was speechless, as memories of the moments I shared with this gentleman at his beautiful residence in Amuvi and Dr. Alex Otti’s house flooded my mind.

Mazi lived a remarkable life, surrounded by a loving family, and his legacy will always be cherished. He will forever be remembered for the warmth, kindness, and generosity he shared with everyone around him.

He was also a steadfast supporter of Arochukwu Kingdom’s development in education and other community development programs, dedicating himself to its growth and progress.

In this moment of loss, please know that I am always available to support you in any way and play whatever role is needed to ensure that his farewell is as inspiring as the life he lived.

May his soul rest in perfect peace.”

Mazi Ikechukwu Okafor (Ugwu Aro), immediate past President-General of the Amuvi Welfare Union, emphasised Mazi Onyeador’s unparalleled commitment to his roots:

“When it comes to matters affecting our dear village, Amuvi, your commitment and support were unparalleled. You always championed developmental issues in Amuvi, financially and otherwise.

You were a pioneer member of the Amuvi Development Group (ADG) and led the Finance Sub-Committee. You were very instrumental in the successful outcome of the Eze Ogo 20th Anniversary Celebration. You supported all the Amuvi Day Celebrations and Ikeji Outings.”

Barr. Gabe Igboko (Ugwu Aro) reflected on Mazi Onyeador’s global influence, especially during the April 2024 visit of Governor Alex Otti to the United States:

“The late Mazi Sunny Charles Onyeador (fondly called Mazi Charlie) played a pivotal role in organising and successfully hosting Governor Alex Otti during his five-day visit to the United States.

In less than a week, Mazi Charlie, alongside family, associates, and a dedicated planning team, curated an elaborate itinerary that included a grand welcome dinner, a high-profile reception with the Governor of Maryland, an engaging Town Hall meeting, and a final gala dinner—each event reflecting Mazi Charlie’s charisma, influence, and organizational acumen.

His commitment and presence were deeply felt, especially during the inaugural Aro/Abia State Associations’ Executive Meeting held in his home on April 13—just weeks before his untimely passing.

A man of immense generosity, humility, and spiritual depth, Mazi Charlie is remembered not only for his leadership and service but for the indelible impact he left on everyone around him—truly unforgettable.”

The legacy of Mazi Charles Sunny Onyeador transcends words. He was a community icon, a bridge-builder across generations and continents, and a beacon of hope and development. His home radiated hospitality; his heart overflowed with compassion.

As Arochukwu mourns this irreplaceable loss, it also celebrates a life that embodied honour, humility, excellence, and vision.

May his soul rest in eternal peace. May his light continue to shine through all those he touched.