The Onowu of New Jersey has gone leaving indelible mark on the sand of his time. Dr. Julius Asokwu Sea had a humble beginning. Throughout his life he knew his goals and headed for them. Giving up was never an option for him. On arriving to the United States he went through college supporting himself and seeing to the education and welfare of many behind him. He left nobody behind.
When it was time to find a life partner Julius left no stones unturned. He made several trips to Washington to find and win the love of his life. He won the heart of Dr. Joana Okafor. They were so compatible that it was a pure match of adults who thoroughly understood themselves. His mother named her Ogalanyanwanyi -a nick name which she deserved and maintained. The presence and role of Julius Sea in this community can never be overlooked. His size and dressing often announced his entry in any function.
His title of Onowu of New Jersey remained his own as nobody could compete for the title with him. Onowu lived by example, preaching peace all the time. He would say “no problem” even in the face of menacing difficulty and give hope to the hopeless. The passing of Onowu could be compared to the fall of the Iroko tree. He was a pillar to many and shielded a lot other. He was solely responsible for bringing relatives and nonrelatives to the United States, whose number almost makes a village.
Onowu of New Jersey was a traditionalist and was very vast in Igbo customs. He belonged to several Igbo associations, including AESA Elders Forum, Igbo Union of New Jersey and Ezienyi Associates to mention a few. He has his unique way of breaking the kolanuts and people looked forward to hearing him perform his act. Before wake keeping took its present dimension, whenever an Igbo person passed away Onowu took the trouble of going from house to house collecting donations to ensure that the body of the person was sent back to Igbo land if their family so desired.
Today we mourn the passing of a great man, a philanthropist, a successful business man, a humanitarian, an educationist and orator Dr. Julius Asokwu Sea, Akataisiebue and indefatigable, Onowu of New jersey.
We pray that God will grant him peaceful and eternal rest in his bosom-till we meet to part no more.
Good night Onowu, Adieu my good friend.
Signed,
Sebastian Adibe, MD.
Oranwezueaku of Ukpo
Chairman Ezienyi Associates