Tears, Tributes as Nnewi Billionaire Louis Carter Onwugbenu Buries Son, ‘Chuboy’

By Our Reporter

Tears, tributes and emotional farewells filled Nnewi on Saturday as prominent industrialist and philanthropist, Chief Sir Louis Izuchukwu Onwugbenu, popularly known as Louis Carter, laid his beloved last-born son, Louis Chudi Onwugbenu, affectionately called “Chuboy” or “Bobo,” to rest.

The funeral Mass, held at St. Louis Catholic Church, Uruagu, Nnewi, attracted family members, friends, clergy, traditional rulers, business magnates and political leaders from Anambra State and beyond.

The church, which Chief Onwugbenu single-handedly built and donated to the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi, became a place of deep mourning as relatives and loved ones gathered to honour the life of a young man whose warmth, humour and vibrant personality left an indelible mark on those around him.

For the Onwugbenu family, the loss was particularly devastating, with tributes describing the family as incomplete without their beloved “Bobo.”

A Life Filled with Love, Laughter and Generosity

Born on April 15, 1993, in London, England, Louis Chudi Onwugbenu was the last of eight children and the youngest member of a family of ten.

He grew up in Nigeria before relocating to the United States in 2005 for his secondary education. He subsequently graduated from The Catholic University of America and settled in Pittsburgh, where he established a real estate business.

He returned to Nigeria earlier this year.

Family members described him as a fearless, generous and loving individual who cherished his partner, Katie, and their daughter, Camrie.

Beyond his entrepreneurial pursuits, Chuboy was remembered for his infectious humour, dancing, entertaining personality and famously off-key singing, which often brought laughter and joy to family gatherings.

A passionate Arsenal supporter, he was also celebrated as the family’s entertainer and a devoted uncle who shared an exceptionally close bond with his nieces and nephews, treating them more like siblings.

Distinguished Personalities Attend Funeral

The burial ceremonies commenced on Friday, November 6, with a Vigil Mass and wake-keeping at the Onwugbenu family compound, 1 Onwugbenu Street, Ndiojukwu, Uruagu, Nnewi.

Following Saturday’s funeral Mass, the deceased was interred at the family compound, where a reception was subsequently held.

A Thanksgiving Mass is scheduled for Sunday, November 8, at St. Louis Catholic Church, Uruagu, Nnewi.

Among the prominent personalities who attended the funeral were Chief Cletus Ibeto, CON; Chief Dr. Innocent Chukwuma, CON; Senator Ikechukwu Obiora; Chief PEN Nwosu; Nollywood actress Genevieve Nnaji; Prof. Joseph Ugboaja; the Obi of Uruagu Nnewi, Obi Afam Obi; Chief Mbamba Iloka; and Barr. Donatus Okeke.

The gathering also featured numerous captains of industry, political leaders, traditional rulers and other distinguished personalities from across the country.

Louis Carter’s Legacy of Philanthropy

Chief Louis Carter Onwugbenu, a Papal Knight of St. Gregory the Great (KSG) and traditional titleholder of Okpataozuora Nnewi, is widely recognised for his contributions to commerce, education, philanthropy and the Catholic Church.

Through the Louis Carter Group and Louis Carter Foundation, he has supported educational initiatives, scholarships, school projects and major church developments.

Among his notable contributions is the construction and donation of the St. Louis Catholic Church complex in Uruagu, Nnewi, where his son’s funeral Mass was celebrated.

‘Deeply Loved, Forever Missed’

In an emotional family tribute, the Onwugbenu family expressed the profound pain of losing their beloved son, brother, partner and father, describing his absence as a void that would never truly be filled.

The family reaffirmed that his love, memories and vibrant spirit would remain with them forever.

“Our dear Louis, you are deeply loved, forever missed, and always in our hearts,” the tribute concluded.

The burial marked a poignant farewell to a young man whose 33 years were characterised by love, laughter, generosity and meaningful relationships.

For the Onwugbenu family, friends and loved ones, Chuboy’s departure may have brought tears and sorrow, but his memories and legacy of love will continue to live on.

May his soul rest in peace.

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