ForeverMissed
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His Life

BIOGRAPHY

March 31, 2021
Having lived a long and fruitful life serving Christ and his fellow man, Bar. Michael Ikechukwu Nkemdiniru-Egbeni (Bar. M.I.N. Egbeni), age 90, entered into glory on February 16, 2021, at his home in Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria. He passed away in his sleep into the presence of his Lord. Bar. M.I.N. Egbeni enjoyed dancing, dining, and sweet fellowship with his wife before taking an afternoon nap from which he never awoke.

Bar. M.I.N. Egbeni, born July 28, 1931, in Umunkwo Village, Umuezei Quarters, Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria, was the overall firstborn son of Ogbueshi Joseph Nkemdiniru-Egbeni (Olikeze 1 of Ahaba) and Madam Nkemdiniru-Egbeni nee Onwuka. His grandfather was the overall firstborn son of Obi Igwelli, the man responsible for the spread of Christianity in the Ibo land west of the Niger under British Imperialism.

On July 29th, 1969, Bar. M.I.N. Egbeni wed the love of his life, Evangelist (Mrs.) G.U.N. Egbeni nee Onianwa. Together, they were blessed with seven beautiful children. Bar. M.I.N. Egbeni was a wonderful, loving father and husband, extending financial, moral, and legal advice far beyond his nuclear family. He was a father figure to his younger half-siblings and an educational sponsor to his half-siblings, nieces, nephews, and in-laws. Barrister Michael. Ikechukwu. Egbeni always encouraged people to live morally upstanding lives, to do right, and turn from wrong, reminding them that they will reap what they sow (either good or evil). One of his favorite sayings was “Patience is a virtue.” And he demonstrated that quality throughout his life.

Bar. M.I.N. Egbeni was a hard-working man up until the day of his passing. He began his professional career in 1954 at the British Insurance Company. In 1972, he moved to the Bendel Insurance Company, Ltd, where he contributed his own ingenuity in the development of insurance and sports, rising to the position of Assistant General Manager and Associate Director. However, Bar. M.I.N. Egbeni’s true passion was Law. He obtained his LLB degree from the University of Benin and BL degree from Lagos Law School, where he was called to the BAR. He was a highly respected advocate and solicitor, serving for a time as the family lawyer for the Enzeni Family (especially in matters of land). He used his influence to bring good to the public, private, and religious sectors until the day He entered heaven. Through the years, Bar. M.I.N. Egbeni earned many accolades and was a member of several prestigious organizations, including the Nigerian Bar Association, the Institute of Chartered Insurance Brokers, and the Asaba Development Association. Despite his many accolades and accomplishments, Egbeni identified as a simple man, gaining him the moniker Ike Simple.

Most importantly, Bar. M.I.N. Egbeni loved Jesus Christ. He became a Christian as a child thanks to the influence of his great grandfather, Obi Igwelli, who opened the door for Christianity to come to Asaba in the 18th Century and flourish. Bar. M.I.N. Egbeni was passionate about winning souls for Christ to the praise of God. He worshiped and served at Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministry until God called him home to worship face to face. 

Bar. M.I.N. Egbeni loved to travel. He toured the USA, providing legal and fatherly advice to professional men and women of African descent, and was honored by the Asaba Development Association. He also spent time touring Europe and the United Kingdom. He was fond of tourism and used it as an opportunity to serve others. You could say that Bar. M.I.N. Egbeni was a jolly good fellow.

Bar. M.I.N. Egbeni was greatly loved on this earth, and his legacy lives on through all the lives he has touched. Many friends and family rejoice knowing that Bar. M.I.N. Egbeni received a joyful welcome from those who preceded him in death, including his beloved son, Patrick Onyeluka Egbeni. Plus, many people will rejoice to reunite with Bar. M.I.N. Egbeni one future day in heaven. 

Bar. M.I.N. Egbeni is survived by his beloved wife Mrs. G.U.N. Egbeni nee Onianwa, his six children Pastor Charles J.E. Egbeni, Christopher Isioma Nkemdiniru-Egbeni (Esq), Victor Kanayochukwu Egbeni, Pastor Lawrence Chukwudi Egbeni, Obianuju Joy Egbeni, Dr. Sylvester Izukachukwu Egbeni (and their spouses), many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, half-brothers, half-sisters, nieces, nephews, in-laws, and cousins. The family of Bar. M.I.N. Egbeni will hold a virtual wake keeping with songs and memories on April 10, 2021, service songs on April 15th m 2021, followed by an interment service on April 16, 2021.

Bar. M.I.N. Egbeni will be greatly missed by his friends and family. Yet, they rest in the words of his favorite hymn “It Is Well With My Soul” by Horatio Spafford, knowing that his faith has now turned to sight:

And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul. 
His friends and family patiently await that day that they will meet him again in glory.