By Theresa Moses

It’s no longer news that one of Nollywood’s controversial actresses, Doris Ogala, lost her father, Engr, Umezurike Edward Ogala, on March 17, 2018. He was buried in his country home, Amaokwe-Item, Bende Local Government Area, Abia State.

 The town was agog as dignitaries from all works of life, from both in Nigeria and abroad, came to commiserate with the actress, her family and to pay their last respect to the deceased.

 Doris, one of the very reliable Special Assistants (General Duties) in the Emeka Rollas’s administration of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), was amazed as movers and shakers in the country, celebrities and colleagues came to support her, as she laid her father to rest.

 “I thank God on how he has protected me and my family and given us the grace to bury our late father. Dad, I wish you eternal rest and continue to dwell in the bosom of the Lord. To my friends, colleagues, loved ones, well-wishers and fans, I appreciate your support and may God bless you accordingly,” she said amidst tears.

 The President, Actors Guild of Nigeria, Mr Emeka Rollas, (Ochi-ora of Nollywood) who was fully on ground to support one of his capable SAs, prayed that the good Lord will console grieving Doris and her family, giving them strength to bear the irreparable loss.

 

It was gathered that about N22 million was spent in a month to build the mansion where the slim actress’ father was laid to rest, while over N10 million was rumoured to have been splashed during the burial itself. Indeed, Doris buried beloved dad in a grand style.                    

 Among dignitaries sighted at burial were former governor of Abia State, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu; former deputy-governor of Abia State, Acho Nwakanma; representative of the wife of former Abia State governor, Chief (Mrs) TA Orji (Osinaulomaranma); representative of First lady of Abia State Governor, Her Excellency Mrs. Nkechi Ikpeazu, chairman, Enugu State Chapter of AGN, Mrs.Chinwe Owoh; chairman, Anambra State Chapter of AGN, Mr Leo Ewuzie; National PRO, Mr Frank-Dallas Ebulukwu; vice-president, South-east, AGN, Barr Ikechukwu Ezenagwu, Andy Ike, Iyke Nkwu Enu, Chioma Okoye and Mr Agbaeze Ogba, among other dignitaries.