‘A cultural icon’ — Nkata Ndi Inyom Igbo mourns Chukwuemeka Ezeife

The Nkata Ndi Nyom Igbo Foundation (NNIF), a discussion group and think-thank for Igbo women, has commiserated with the family of late Chukwuemeka Ezeife, former governor of Anambra state.

In a statement signed by Nnedinso Ogaziechi, NNIF national publicity secretary, the foundation described Ezeife as a “cultural icon in words and deeds”.

“The news of the sudden death of the former governor of Anambra state, Okwadike Chukwuemeka Ezeife on the 14th of December 2023 at the age of 85 saddens us greatly,” the statement reads.

“This sad event comes just weeks after the burial of another former governor of Anambra state, Chinwoke Mbadinuju and the death of erudite constitutional lawyer, Ben Nwabueze (SAN).

“Ndigbo were slowly coming to terms with the death of a former international scholar and diplomat who exited while presiding over the affairs of Ohaneze Ndigbo worldwide as President-General, the late George Obiozor.

“The death of Chukwuemeka Ezeife brings to a sudden end the good leadership he has provided not just for Ndigbo but for Nigeria as a country.

“He was a cultural icon in words and deeds.”

NNIF praised his leadership qualities and his constant advocacy for peace in the country.

“But we at Nkata would remember the late Okwadike Igboukwu for his leadership qualities and advocacy for peace, justice and progress not just in the South-East but in Nigeria,” the statement added.

“He is one man whose education and culture informed his worldviews. He believed that education should not obliterate African culture, especially his Igbo culture.

“He used his positions for the advancement of the human project. To us, he did his part perfectly to the best of his human abilities.”

Ezeife was elected governor of Anambra in 1992, on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), in Nigeria’s third republic.

He served as governor until Sani Abacha, ex-military ruler, seized the reins of power at the centre and dissolved all civilian institutions in 1993.

Ezeife acquired a BSc in Economics from the University College Ibadan, and a masters and PhD degrees from Harvard University.

He was also appointed special adviser on political matters by ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo when Nigeria commenced its fourth republic in 1999.