Soludo, Bello, Abaribe, Others Mourn Late Ex-governor of Anambra State, Ezeife

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka, Sunday Aborisade in Abuja and Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has expressed profound sadness over the demise of a former governor of the state, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife.

Soludo, who expressed sadness at the  loss of the elder statesman in a statement by his Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Aburime, yesterday, described Ezeife as a man of many hats and a titan, saying that his departure would leave a void that would be difficult to fill.

The statement read in part, “It is with profound sadness and a deep sense of loss that Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo,CFR, mourns the passing of a distinguished son of Anambra State, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, CON, who transitioned peacefully on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at the age of 85 years at the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja.

 “A most illustrious son of the Ezeife Dynasty of Igbo-Ukwu area of Anambra State, Dr. Ezeife, a man of many hats, was a titan in the annals of our state and nation.”

Ezeife’s demise came barely three weeks after the burial of his co-former governor, Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju, on November 23.

Ezeife was said to have died in Abuja on Thursday after battling an undisclosed illness.

A statement from the family signed by Chief Rob Ezeife read: “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, a former Federal Permanent Secretary, the first Executive Governor of Anambra State, a former Political Adviser to the President and former Presidential Aspirant.”

“This sad event took place yesterday at 6p.m. at the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja. More details about the deceased and the arrangements for his State Burial will be announced later.”

 Meanwhile, Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has commiserated with people and government of Anambra State over the death of  former governor of the state and elder statesman, Ezeife, who died after brief illness.

 This was contained in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Muhammed Onogwu.

“On behalf of the Government and People of Kogi State, Governor Bello joins in mourning the passing of Dr. Ezeife, calling it ‘a monumental loss’. He describes Chief Ezeife, fondly known as ‘Okwadike’ as a respected leader, a statesman par excellence, a wise counsellor, and a bridge builder whose contributions to Nigeria’s political landscape will remain deeply etched in the nation’s history.

 ” Ezeife was a man of immense wisdom and integrity,’ Governor Bello stated. ‘His passion for Nigeria’s unity and his dedication to good governance were exemplary. He served Anambra State and the nation with distinction and provided impactful leadership that will continue to inspire long after now.’

 “Governor Bello recalled his own warm interaction with  Ezeife in 2021, when the elder statesman commended his ‘political trajectory’ and described him as a ‘young, vibrant, and enterprising politician’ who ‘dares the odds, pushes his conviction, and remains stoically with his aspirations.’ This meeting, Governor Bello says, highlighted Chief Ezeife’s commitment to mentoring young leaders and fostering understanding across regional and political divides.

 “Ezeife’s belief in the importance of collaboration and unity resonates deeply with me to this day,’ Governor Bello says . ‘He understood that Nigeria’s progress hinges on our ability to bridge divides and work together for the common good. Like me, he was an advocate of equity, fairness and justice as the sole foundation for Nigerian unity. His legacy will continue to guide us as we strive to build a more just and equitable nation.’

“Governor Bello therefore extends his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased, the Government and People of Anambra State, Ndigbo as a whole and the entire nation, while praying the Almighty God to grant  Ezeife eternal repose and give comfort and strength to all during this difficult time,” the statement stressed.

Also, former Minority Leader of the Senate, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, has expressed shock over the sudden death of a former governor  of Anambra State, Ezeife.

In a statement by his Media Adviser, Uchenna Awom. Abaribe described Ezeife’s death as the great fall of an Iroko tree in Igbo land and Nigeria.

He lamented that Okwadike’s death has once more robbed Ndigbo nay Nigeria of a consummate advocate of people’s right and equality for all.

Ezeife, he said spent his life particularly his later days on earth preaching for equity, justice, fairness and good governance in Nigeria, especially he was most vocal on the Igbo question and their place in the Nigeria project.

“Okwadike never hide his feelings and as such voiced out his opinion on vexed national issues as it affects his beloved Igbo. He spoke truth to power no matter whose ox was gored.

“He was a man of panache and candour who carved a national image for himself being a cultural icon , a brave warrior who loved our people so dearly.

“Okwadike will be sorely missed. His resolute and fearless stand on national discuss would be too hard to replace . Ironically he died on the eve of a day our brother Nnamdi Kanu was denied release by the Supreme court. It would have been a fitting gift to him,” Abaribe said.

Also, the Senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, has described the death of a former governor of the state, Ezeife, a great loss to the Igbo nation.

Ubah stated this in a statement by the Head, Media, and Strategic Communications, of the Senator’s office,

Kamen Chuks Ogbonna.

Part of the statement read, “Senator Ifeanyi Ubah (CON), has received with sadness,  the news of the passing away of the first executive governor of Anambra State,  Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, (CON), (Okwadike Igbo-ukwu).

“Ubah described Dr. Ezeife’s death as a huge loss to the Igbo nation and the country at large.

“Apart from being the first civilian governor of Anambra State, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife was also a highly respected figure in the South-east geopolitical zone and Nigeria in general.

“He served the country in various capacities as federal permanent secretary, political adviser to a former president of Nigeria, amongst others. His loss will be felt by all who knew him.

“His vision and contributions to our dear state, particularly in the areas of leadership,  governance, and community development during and after his tenure as a governor, were invaluable.

“His dedication to the progress and well-being of our people will always be remembered.

“During this difficult time,  I offer my deepest condolence and pray that the Ezeife family finds solace and strength in the memories they shared with their beloved patriarch.

“May his kind soul find eternal rest in God’s bosom,” Senator Ubah said.

In the same vein, the United Igbo Elders Forum Worldwide, Anambra Chapter, has expressed deep regret and sadness over the death of foremost Igbo leader and the first civilian governor of Anambra State, Ezeife.

In a release signed by Ezenwa Sam Ekpe, Director of Corporate Communications, the forum paid glowing tributes to Ezeife, whom it described as a forthright, courageous, vigorous leader and defender of the Igbo cause.

The Forum said further that Ezeife was a war General in the mold of late General Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu (Ezeigbo Gburugburu) and “was ever ready and willing to defend the cause of Ndigbo at any time no matter the effect of such defence on his personal interest.”

The United Igbo Elders Forum recalled Ezeife’s various roles as Chairman of Imeobi Ohaneze Ndigbo Abuja branch and on leading delegations to various persons and organisations fighting for equity and justice for his people.

“In the annals of the struggle for equity and justice for the marginalised people of Nigeria, the unique role Ezeife will always be acknowledged, May his great soul rest in peace,” added the Igbo leaders.

The United Igbo Elders Council Worldwide is led by Justice Anthony Iguh (rtd) Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. Members of its Board of Trustees include Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Chief S N Okeke, Archbishop Valerie Okeke and others.