President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and several dignitaries have expressed deep sorrow and sympathy over the death of Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife, the first civilian Governor of Anambra State.
A Harvard-trained Economist and Igbo leader, Ezeife was 85-years-old when he transited on Thursday.
Chief Ezeife, Okwadike of Igbo-Ukwu, was governor of Anambra from 1992 to 1993.
Breaking the news of the demise on Friday, Chief Rob Nwakaire Ezeife, the Ahaejiejemba Igbo-Ukwu, on behalf of the family 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, 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 6pm at the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja. More details about the deceased and the arrangements for his State Burial will be announced later.”
According to a State House Press Release, “President Tinubu extols the towering influence of the former federal permanent secretary in Nigeria’s political landscape as well as his leadership credentials, describing his passing as a painful loss.
“The President recalls the contributions the late Chief Ezeife made in the shaping of public discourse and governance in Nigeria, as well as in laying the foundation for the advancement of his dear state.
“While praying for the repose of the soul of the dearly departed, the President encourages his loved ones to take solace in his indelible legacy.”
The late Ezeife is the Okwadike of Igbo-Ukwu and was governor of Anambra State from 1992 to 1993.
Anambra State’s Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, said Ezeife’s passing came with a “profound sadness and a deep sense of loss.”
A press statement signed by the Governor’s Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, on Friday said:
“It is with profound sadness and a deep sense of loss that Anambra State Governor 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 the Igbo-Ukwu area of Anambra State, Ezeife, a man of many hats, was a titan in the annals of our state and nation.
“Fondly called ‘Okwadike’, he was elected governor of Anambra State on the platform of the Social Democratic Party between January 1992 and November 1993 during the aborted Third Republic.
“As a Harvard-trained economist, Ezeife once served with resolute dedication and integrity as a Federal Permanent Secretary, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in public service.
“As the first civilian Governor of Anambra State, he navigated the complexities of post-military rule with wisdom and foresight, laying the foundation for the vibrant state we know today.
“He once served as a political adviser to the former President Olusegun Obasanjo, just as he was also a presidential aspirant. Ezeife was always driven by a deep desire to improve the lives of his fellow Nigerians.
“A scholar, a visionary, and a man of deep compassion, his gentle demeanour and thoughtful counsel endeared him to all, regardless of political affiliation. He was a bridge-builder, a voice of reason, and a tireless advocate for the unity and progress of Anambra State and Nigeria as a whole.
“However, we find solace in the knowledge that his legacy of service, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the common good will continue to inspire us all.
“On behalf of the government and good people of Anambra State, Governor Soludo extends his deepest condolences to Dr Ezeife’s family and loved ones. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide expressed shock over the death.
Ohanaeze said in a statement on Friday that of Ezeife was a “Titan, a one-man riot squad, an erudite scholar and astute bureaucrat, a brave and thoughtful dogged fighter, an accomplished politician.”
It said Ezeife was a remarkable advocate of progressivism in its purest tradition, adding that, “When the Moshood Abiola Mandate was truncated, Ezeife risked the military dungeon in the pursuit of justice.
“A detribalised patriot who warned that unless there is a re-federalisation of Nigeria and fundamental restructuring of the polity, Nigeria will continue to grope in the dark.
“Ezeife had an unwavering and steadfast personality. He was on the side of the masses—the vulnerable and the downtrodden.”
Senator Shehu Sani said on his official Twitter handle:
“The Nation has lost an indefatigable voice of Courage, Conscience and conviction.
“He was a relentless fighter for justice and freedom.
“In the 90s, he was one of the strongest pillars of the struggle for the revalidation of the stolen June 12 mandate of late Chief MKO Abiola. He remained consistent in the defence of the ideals of democracy till the end.
“May his soul rest in peace. My condolences to his family.”
