By Jungle-Journalist.com
Arochukwu, Abia State — The Eze Aro of Arochukwu Kingdom, His Eminence, Dr. Eberechukwu Oji, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of one of Nigeria’s most revered Christian leaders, Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai.
In a heartfelt condolence letter to the family of the late evangelist, dated July 13, 2025, and made public on Sunday, the monarch described the deceased as “a God’s General, one of the greatest evangelists and fathers of faith of our generation.”
Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, founder and president of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEA) and a pioneer of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), died on October 6, 2025, at the age of 80.
Eze Oji said news of the evangelist’s death came as “a rude shock”, adding that despite the inevitability of death, “his wise counsels, teachings, evangelism, prayers and advice are still needed.”
The royal father recalled Rev. Ukpai’s unyielding faith even in the face of devastating personal loss, notably the tragic accident that claimed his children. “He kept the faith alive, marching on and winning souls for Christ,” the Eze noted.
He also reminisced on the evangelist’s impactful visits to Arochukwu — including during his own coronation — which, according to him, “brought a life-transforming effect on the people of the kingdom.”
Concluding his message, the monarch prayed for the peaceful repose of the evangelist’s soul, expressing consolation in the belief that the “General has gone to rest in the bosom of the Lord.”
Born on January 7, 1945, Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai’s passing has continued to draw tributes from across Nigeria and beyond, including a condolence message from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.