Igbo Billionaire Onwa Global Buries Father With N200m Copper Casket In Grand Imo Funeral

It was a total shutdown in *Umualaoma community, Ideato LGA of Imo State* on Wednesday as *Chief Stephen Arinze Ibeh*, popularly known as *Onwa Global* and Chairman of *SAFIC Industries Ltd*, laid his father to rest in a grand funeral ceremony attended by top business figures and dignitaries.

The deceased, *Chief Stephen Ozuome Ibeh*, a respected community leader, died at the age of 86.

Burial rites began with a vigil mass on *Wednesday, August 19, 2026*, at *St. John’s Catholic Church, Umualaoma*. A requiem mass was celebrated on *Thursday, August 20* at the same church by the *Bishop of Orlu Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Augustine Okwuoma*.

The carnival-like funeral drew a large turnout, including several billionaire industrialists from the South-East and over 40 socio-cultural clubs.

The ceremony also sparked widespread conversation over the casket used for the burial.

Rumors circulating online pegged the cost of the copper casket at about *N130 million*. Others argued that given current inflation, the price could be close to *N200 million*.

Some observers noted similarities to a copper casket reportedly used by *Chief Orabuchi*, popularly known as *Panteka*, for his in-law’s burial in Anambra State over two years ago.

*APAMS Funeral Ltd*, on its official social media pages, confirmed that the Ibeh family purchased a copper casket from the company. However, APAMS did not disclose the price.

APAMS Funeral Ltd has been in the news in recent years for providing high-end caskets for several prominent burials. Other notable families said to have used the firm’s copper caskets include *Zenco* and *Babyoku*.

A source who attended the burial said Chief Stephen Arinze Ibeh may have received more than *N5 billion* in donations, considering the number of clubs that attended.

One club was seen carrying a dummy cheque of *N100 million*, while some individuals were reportedly seen giving out as much as *N20 million*.

Community members described the burial as a reflection of Chief Ibeh’s standing in both business and community circles, while also reigniting debate about the rising cost and display associated with high-profile funerals in the region.