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A solemn yet celebratory atmosphere enveloped Apkugo community as His Royal Majesty (HRM), Eze-Igwe Williams Ezugwu, led his entourage to join a distinguished gathering of mourners in bidding farewell to Late Chief (Mrs.) Monica Chinelo Nneji, the revered matriarch of the Nneji family and mother of his longtime friend, Chief Chuckie Nneji, founder and chairman of Electric Shack Limited, the sole authorised distributor of Bose products in Nigeria.
The royal father, who is also the Igwe of Ibagwa Opi and Eze Ka Eze I of Ideke Land, Nsukka, made a notable appearance at the family residence in Apkugo, describing his presence as a deeply personal obligation rooted in longstanding friendship and shared history with the Nneji family. 
Speaking during the ceremony, the monarch reflected on his enduring relationship with the family, recalling that his bond began many years ago in Ikeja, Lagos, through Chief Chuckie Nneji. He noted that the relationship evolved into a close-knit bond with the entire family, making his presence at the funeral not merely ceremonial but profoundly personal.
“I was in Houston, Texas, with them in October last year when their mother passed on, and we had visited her while she was on admission in the hospital,” he said. “There is no way I would not be here for her burial because they are like family to me.”
The monarch also highlighted the symbolic significance of his visit to Apkugo, revealing that it was only his second time in the community—the first being just five days after his coronation in 2013 as Eze Ogbozarra III of Opi Ancient Kingdom following the passing of his father. His return, he noted, underscores both personal loyalty and the enduring continuity of relationships that transcend titles and time.
In a reflective tone, Eze-Igwe Williams Ezugwu urged mourners to shift their perspective from grief to celebration, emphasising that the late matriarch lived a fulfilled life and witnessed the care and devotion of her children and grandchildren in her later years. 
“This is not a time to mourn, but a time to celebrate her life,” he stated. “She saw her grandchildren take care of her in her old age—that is the real celebration of life.”
In an earlier condolence message, the monarch expressed profound sympathy on behalf of himself and the people of his kingdom, describing the deceased as “a distinguished matriarch whose life was marked by faith, dignity, and unwavering devotion to her family and community.”
“The transition of a mother is always a profound loss, not only to her immediate family but also to the wider society that benefited from her virtues, wisdom, and exemplary character,” the statement read in part. “From the account of her life, it is evident that she lived purposefully and left behind a legacy of compassion, strength, and moral uprightness—qualities that will continue to inspire generations.” 
He further urged the Nneji family to remain united and draw strength from the enduring values their mother instilled in them, while also acknowledging the sovereignty of God in giving and taking life.
“While her passing brings grief, we take solace in the assurance that she lived a fulfilled life worthy of gratitude and celebration,” he added, praying for the repose of her soul and for divine comfort for the bereaved family. 
The funeral ceremony drew an array of sympathisers, community leaders, notable personalities from far and near, and well-wishers, all united in paying tribute to a woman whose life of service, humility, and moral strength left an indelible mark on her family and community.
As a mark of royal honour and respect for the late matriarch, the traditional ruler presented a white horse to the family, a symbolic gesture received by his longtime associate, Chief Chuckie Nneji.
Late Chief (Mrs.) Monica Chinelo Nneji is remembered not only as a devoted mother and grandmother but also as a pillar of strength whose enduring legacy will continue to inspire generations.
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