The House of Representatives has announced the death of its Deputy Chief of Staff (Legislative) to the speaker, Chamberlain Dunkwu.
Dunkwu died in the early hours of Saturday at the age of 54, according to a statement issued by the House spokesman, Rep. Akin Rotimi.
Until his passing, Dunkwu served as Deputy Chief of Staff (Legislative) to the Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen.
He was appointed to the position on June 26, 2023, where he played a critical role in coordinating legislative activities and strengthening parliamentary administration in the National Assembly.
He would have celebrated his 55th birthday on March 21, 2026.
Before his latest appointment, Dunkwu served as Special Adviser on Members’ Affairs to the speaker of the 9th Assembly and later as Chief of Staff to former Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila.
In those roles, he was regarded as a loyal and diligent parliamentary aide who contributed significantly to the effectiveness of legislative leadership.
Beyond his work in the legislature, Dunkwu was active in the sporting community. He served as president of the Nigerian Aquatics Federation, where he supported the development of aquatic sports in the country.
He was also a Knight of Saint Christopher under the Anglican Communion, Asaba Diocese.
Reacting to the development, Speaker Abbas expressed shock and sadness over the death of his close aide.
“Dr. Chamberlain was not just my deputy chief of staff, he was a dependable and committed ally who served diligently until his last breath.
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“Chamberlain was full of life just a few hours before his passing when he joined me and my colleagues at the breaking of fast on Friday evening,” Abbas said.
“This is indeed a moment of grief for me, my colleagues, his family, and the staff in my office as we mourn the death of this wonderful human being. This is one death too many. But we take solace in the fact that he lived a life of service to humanity and his country.
“He leaves behind a legacy of selflessness, dedication, sacrifice and responsibility. We will miss him dearly. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this trying moment. I pray to the Almighty God to accept his soul,” he added.
The speaker also visited the family of the deceased to commiserate with his widow and children, urging them to remain strong in the face of the painful loss.
The House expressed condolences to the family of the late Dunkwu, the government and people of Delta State, as well as members of the aquatic sports community.
Dunkwu was widely described by colleagues as a committed public servant whose contributions strengthened legislative administration and parliamentary governance in Nigeria.
