By Isaac Mission 

Family members, political associates and community leaders have paid tribute to the late Ozo Ramsey Onyia, describing the former Social Democratic Party (SDP) chairman as a man whose life was defined by humility, integrity and service to his people.

Onyia, who died at the age of 79, was buried on August 21 at Okwojo Ngwo in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State. Speakers at his funeral said his greatest legacy was not the political offices he occupied but the principles and goodwill he left behind.

The late politician was chairman of the SDP in Anambra and Enugu states between 1991 and 1993. He also served as chairman of Udi Local Government and held several other political and public appointments during his career.

At the burial ceremony, his children and associates recalled a man who viewed public office as an opportunity to serve rather than a means of acquiring personal wealth.

His son, Ozo Frederick Onyia, said his father was deeply committed to fairness, justice and the development of his community. He noted that humility was one of the values his father repeatedly emphasised throughout his life.

“My father was a man who believed in being noble. He lived that life and he mentioned humility almost every time,” Frederick recalled.

He said the deceased was conscious that his greatest inheritance to his children would not necessarily be material possessions, but the reputation and goodwill he built through his dealings with people.

Frederick quoted his father as saying: “I may not bequeath much wealth to you, but I have lived a life with a consciousness to be fair to everyone I meet, and that should be bequeathed to goodwill.”

His daughter, Dr. Chizoba Ijeoma, described Onyia as a devoted father whose generosity extended beyond his immediate family.

She said he consistently offered his time, support and kindness to members of his community and anyone who needed his assistance.

“My father was almost an excellent human being. He was kind, he was loving, doting and he gave himself fully to all his children and to the community and every other person that needed him,” she said.

Ijeoma said the good name her father established over the years represented the most valuable legacy he left for his children. She pledged that the family would continue to uphold the values he taught them.

Another daughter, Pastor Ngozika Anoshirimonye, described him as a “model daddy” whose approach to family and public life shaped her understanding of leadership, loyalty and sacrifice.

According to her, her father repeatedly reminded his children that their conduct reflected on the family and urged them to protect their reputation wherever they went.

She said his lessons on justice, integrity, loyalty and selflessness remained relevant to the family long after his death.

Anoshirimonye also disclosed that the family had compiled parts of their father's life story, experiences and public service into a book aimed at preserving his memory for future generations.

Beyond his political achievements, mourners at the funeral remembered Onyia for his close connection with ordinary people and his commitment to community development.

His years as a local government chairman and SDP leader came during a significant period in Nigeria's political history, but those who knew him said his influence went beyond the positions he held.

As he was laid to rest in Okwojo Ngwo, tributes centred on a legacy built around humility, fairness, integrity and service.

For his family and political associates, the true measure of Ozo Ramsey Onyia's life lies not in the offices he occupied, but in the people he touched and the values he passed on to the next generation.