Apex Igbo Socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has joined other well-meaning Nigerians to mourn the death of the first civilian Executive Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife.
A statement by the National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze, Dr. Alex Ogbonnia said, “The group received with a deep shock the passing on of yet another Igbo Titan.
Ogbonnia described Ezeife as one one-man riot squad, an erudite scholar and astute bureaucrat, a brave and thoughtful dogged fighter, and an accomplished politician.
He said Okwadike was a consistent purveyor of morals, justice and equity; a remarkable advocate of progressivism in its purest tradition.
“When the Moshood Abiola Mandate was truncated, Ezeife risked the military dungeon in the pursuit of justice. A detribalized 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.”
He said Ezeife was an unwavering and steadfast personality. He was on the side of the masses, the vulnerable and the downtrodden.
Ogbonnia said the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, could not withhold his emotions on hearing the passing of Ezeife.
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He lamented that the Igbo have been afflicted with a chain of catastrophe within a very short space of time; Prof. George Obiozor, Prof. Joe Irukwu, Prof; Ben Nwabueze, Chief Mbazulike Amechi, Dr. Sylvanus Olisanye Ebigwei and now Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, amongst others. He qualified Ezeife as a quintessential Igbo in all ramifications. He added that Nigeria has lost a rare gem.
“On behalf of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and indeed all the sons and daughters of Igbo land, we send our condolences to the immediate family of Okwadike, the Igbo Ukwu community and the good people of Anambra State.
“While we prepare for a befitting farewell to our illustrious son, we beseech the Almighty to grant the soul of Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife an eternal repose in his bosom,” he added.
