President Bola Tinubu has expressed his condolences to the people and government of Anambra State following the demise of the former governor, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife.
Ezeife, who served as governor from 1992 to 1993 during the short-lived Third Republic, passed away at the age of 85. His wife, Njideka, had predeceased him in December 2021.
In a statement released on Friday by Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Tinubu, the President praised the significant influence of the former governor, who also held the position of a federal permanent secretary. He commended Ezeife's leadership qualities and acknowledged the profound loss caused by his death.
President Tinubu reflected on the substantial contributions Ezeife made to public discourse and governance in Nigeria, as well as his role in advancing his home state. While offering prayers for the departed soul, the President urged Ezeife's loved ones to find comfort in his enduring legacy.
The news of Ezeife's death was announced on behalf of the family by Chief Nwakaire Ezeife. He stated that the elder statesman passed away at the Federal Medical Centre in Abuja on Thursday. He said, “On behalf of the Ezeife Dynasty of Igbo-Ukwu, I wish to announce the promotion to glory of our most distinguished son, Okwadike, Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife (CON).
Mr Christian Ike, the President-General of the Igbo-Ukwu Community in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, expressed the community's grief over Ezeife's death. He noted that despite his political, national, and international commitments, Ezeife, fondly known as 'Okwadike', was a community leader who served as the president general of Igbo-Ukwu and remained dedicated to the town's development until his death.
He said, “His death was a huge shock to us. Igbo-Ukwu is mourning because a great man, a father, a community leader and nationalist is gone. I spoke with him two weeks ago and he assured me he was getting better. Though he was in hospital bed, he took time to ask questions about current events in Igbo-Ukwu and prayed for us.
He concluded by expressing the community's sorrow but acceptance of the will of the Almighty. The News Agency of Nigeria reported that Ezeife, or 'Okwadike' as he was affectionately known, was born on November 20, 1938.