Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
Igbo Apex sociocultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo and Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, have expressed sadness over the demise of former Anambra State Governor, Chinwoke Mbadinuju.
Mbadinuju, aged 78, was announced dead in a statement made available to newsmen by Cheta Chinwoke Mbadinuju.
He was said to have died at the National Hospital in Abuja on Tuesday.
The statement read: “With heavy hearts but utmost gratitude to God for a life well spent, we announce the passing of our father, grand father, uncle, friend and associate, Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju, a former Governor of Anambra State and elder statesman.
“ODERA as he was fondly called, passed peacefully at the age of 78 years on the morning of the 11th of April, 2023 at the National Hospital Abuja after a brief illness, surrounded by his family and loved ones.
“At this trying time, we pray for God’s grace and mercy upon him and those left behind to mourn him. His funeral arrangements will be announced in due course by the family.”
Reacting to Odera’s death, Ohanaeze Ndigbo acting President General, Chief Damian Okeke Ogene, described the former Governor as a good man.
He said: “Mbadinuju played his own role in the socioeconomic development of the state.
“Well, death is a due everybody must pay and you don’t know when. It is sad that Mbadinuju is dead, but I must say that he was a good man and he did a lot for the socioeconomic development of Anambra State.
“We pray God to give him eternal rest and we console his family members to bear the lost with fortitude.”
Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, in a condolence message signed by his Press Secretary, Christian Aburime consoled the family over the incident.
Soludo also condoled with Uli Community in Ihiala Council Area as well as the entire people of Anambra State on the loss.
The statement read in part: “The late ‘Odera’ will be fondly remembered for passing a law that created the Anambra Vigilante Services, establishing Anambra State University, Uli, among other legacy projects.”
The Governor asked the family to “ensure his good legacies are sustained,” even as he prayed for the Almighty God to grant his soul eternal rest.
Mbadinuju ruled Anambra State from May 29, 1999, to May 29, 2003.
He was elected Governor on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.
