Mama Nsonma Ubani Laid to Rest: Tributes Pour in for Mother of SAN Dr. Monday Ubani in Umusoko-Awomukwu
By Charity Uwakwe
“Late Mama Nsonma Gladys Ubani, mother of Senior Advocate of Nigeria Dr. Monday Ubani, SAN, is laid to rest in Umusoko-Awomukwu, Abia State. Dignitaries including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Governor Alex Otti pay tribute to her life of discipline, godliness, and resilience.”
It was a day of solemn reflection and celebration as the remains of Mama Nsonma Gladys Ubani, mother of renowned Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Dr. Monday Ubani, were laid to rest in her hometown of Umusoko-Awomukwu, Ikwuano LGA, Abia State.
Mama Nsonma, who passed away in February 2025 at the age of 90, was honored with a national-level burial on Friday, December 27, 2025, attended by dignitaries and associates from across Nigeria.
Notable attendees included Governor Dr. Alex Otti of Abia State, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Senator Austin Akobundu, Hon. Obi Aguocha, and other political, community, and religious leaders.
The nonagenarian, laid to rest in grand style, was widely admired for her godly, kind, peaceful, and accommodating nature, leaving an enduring legacy among all who knew her.
In his homily, Rev. Ambel Amadi (PhD) reflected on the inevitability of death, citing Revelation 14:13 and Luke 13:22, and referenced Shakespeare’s words that “death is a necessary end that comes when it must come.” He emphasized that death is a transition to eternal rest for those who die in Christ, declaring:
“Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord, for their labor follows them to eternal rest. Mama Nsonma’s death is not a curse but a blessed and glorious departure into the Lord’s care.”
“When it is anyone’s turn to die, he must go home to rest. We need to go home to rest after life on the earth. Blessed are they that die in the Lord, for they enter into eternal rest.”
Rev. Amadi described Mama Ubani’s passing as a blessed death:
“Her death is glorious and not a curse because she died in Christ and has gone to rest. May God not allow you to die in witchcraft, occult, or sin. Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord Jesus, for their labor follows them to their eternal reward.”
He further urged the congregation not to mourn as though she died a cursed death, reminding the audience of the death of Lazarus, whose life and labor were precious to God. He contrasted this with the fate of the wicked, cautioning against pursuing wealth and worldly pleasures at the expense of spiritual salvation.
A SON’S TRIBUTE
In an exclusive interview with Famous Reporters, Dr. Monday Ubani described the ceremony as a prayer answered:
“I’ve been praying for this day to come and for it to be a success, and the Lord answered my prayer. Everything went peacefully and to the glory of God. I am grateful to everyone who turned up, because inviting is one thing, but people coming is another. I’m happy that there were no accidents, quarrels, or disruptions.”
The SAN fondly remembered his mother as a woman of discipline, resilience, and unconditional love:
“Mrs. Gladys Nsonma Ubani, my mother, was very kind, protective, and loving. At the same time, she was tough—a disciplinarian who instilled in me the dignity of labor. She taught me how to crack kernels, process palm oil, and harvest cassava. There was nothing she did not teach me.”
On the aspect of her personality he found most challenging, he said:
“When she was angry, you wouldn’t like her, but the anger never lasted. Over time, I have learned to mellow down as I age.”
Regarding her longevity despite losing her husband in 2022, Dr. Ubani said:
“She lived by the grace of God. Even when she had a hernia while I was in university, I feared she would die early because I had no money for treatment. But by God’s grace, she survived until I could take care of her. I brought her to Lagos and she lived under our roof for over twelve years. That love and care extended her life.”
He highlighted her discipline as second to none, one of the most endearing qualities he inherited:
“Oh, discipline and toughness. I can be hard, but my mum was tougher. Her discipline shaped me into the person I am today.”
He concluded with a heartfelt prayer:
“I have already received her into God’s hands. I told her I loved her, and my prayer is that we meet in heaven. I did everything to ensure she gave her life to Christ. The greatest thing I want is to see my mum, dad, and sister in heaven.”
He expressed profound gratitude to friends and well-wishers for their solidarity, stating:
“I am so happy that they came. My prayer is that in times of their own need, people will likewise rally around them. You can see how some forfeited their appointments just to show me support. Nsonma has been laid to rest, and wherever she is, I am confident she is very happy.”
DIGNITARIES PAY TRIBUTE
Senate President Godswill Akpabio described Dr. Ubani as his “brother for life” and noted that the funeral was a celebration of life. He advised Ubani’s children to emulate their parents, pursue humility, avoid social vices, and always remember that life and death are in God’s hands:
“My prayer is that God will keep you. The things your mother could not do for you, God will do, and the years she could not reach, you shall reach.”
Governor Dr. Alex Otti described the funeral as a celebration, commending Mama Ubani for raising children of strong moral character. The Eze-elect of Ekebedi highlighted her resilience and her rise from humble beginnings, praying that God consoles the family.
Mrs. Tina Ubani, the deceased’s only daughter-in-law, described her as tough and disciplined, saying:
“I am proud to stand here because I took care of both mama and papa during their lifetime. That joy stays with me.”
Other religious leaders, including ministers from Assemblies of God and Apostolic Church, described her as a heroine of resilience and discipline, a devout Christian, and a woman who served God dutifully throughout her life.
Senator Austin Akobundu praised the Senate President for his attendance and demonstrated loyalty, while numerous dignitaries, including Apostle TN Anyaso, Bishop Nkechi Nwosu, Dr. Godwin Nwabunka, High Chief Victor Ikeji, and Kanayo O. Kanayo, among others, attended to pay their respects.
A LIFE WELL-LIVED
Mama Nsonma Ubani’s funeral was more than a farewell; it was a celebration of a life of purpose, discipline, love, and godliness. Her legacy, carried forward by Dr. Monday Ubani and his family, serves as a reminder of the enduring influence of a virtuous life.
“Mama lived a life of purpose, love, and discipline. She leaves behind a legacy that I and my family will cherish forever,” Dr. Ubani concluded.
