…Mbadinuju passed peacefully after a brief illness
Former governor of Anambra State, Chinwoke Mbadinuju is dead.
His first son, Chetachi Mbadinuju, a lawyer who announced this in a statement on Tuesday, said the patriarch died at the age of 78.
He said the former governor “passed on peacefully” on Tuesday morning at the National Hospital Abuja after a brief illness.
The statement reads, “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.”
Late Mbadinuju served as the governor of Anambra State between 29 May 1999 and 29 May 2003 under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He sought re-election as governor under the PDP platform, but was denied the party’s ticket under controversial circumstances amidst internal crisis within the party at the time.
Mbadinuju had served as a personal assistant to a former governor of old Enugu State, Jim Nwobodo, between 1979 and 1980, before playing the same role for former Nigeria’s Head of State, Shehu Shagari, between 1980 and 1983.