‘A highly esteemed statesman’– southern, middle belt leaders mourn Obiozor

The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders’ Forum (SMBLF) has expressed sadness over the death of George Obiozor, president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide, the Igbo socio-cultural organisation.

Obiozor’s death was announced on Wednesday night.

In a statement issued on Thursday by Edwin Clark, leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF); Ayo Adebanjo, leader of Afenifere; and Pogu Bitrus, president of the middle belt forum, the group paid glowing tributes to Obiozor.

“We are greatly pained by this incident; we have not just lost a trusted and dependable ally, but a good friend, a true patriot, and a highly esteemed statesman,” the statement reads. 

“Professor George Obiozor was an exemplary, unpretentious, and self-effacing leader; and a first-class gentleman, a thoroughbred scholar, who firmly and committedly, in tandem with his compatriots, maintained our common stance on the fundamental principles of equity, justice, fairness, and inclusivity, in the quest for a better Nigeria. 

“He was a man of peace who will be remembered for his candor, open-mindedness, and civility. His life and works will remain an inspiration to present and forthcoming generations on the lessons of tolerance, unity, and peaceful co-existence.

“We commiserate with the Igbo Nation and the Nigerian State, and extend our deepest condolences to the government and people of Imo state, the Obiozor family of Awo-Omamma in Oru East local government area of Imo state, as well as the leadership and membership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, on the passing of this celebrated leader, friend, brother and father. 

“The entire membership of the other component organisations of the Southern and Middle Belt Leader’ Forum mourn with you and pray that the Almighty God grants us all the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. 

“SMBLF would liaise with the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the government of Imo state and his family to ensure that our dearly beloved George Obiozor is bestowed a benefiting last respect.”

Until his death, Obiozor was a renowned academic and foremost diplomat.

He was also a former director-general of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Nigeria’s ambassador to Israel, high commissioner to Cyprus, ambassador to the United States, and was elected as leader of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide in January 2021.