In a solemn announcement, the Ezeife Dynasty of Igbo-Ukwu reveals the demise of Okwadike, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, CON, the first Executive Governor of Anambra State. The distinguished former governor passed away on Thursday evening at 85, at the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja.
The family statement, signed by Chief Rob Nwakaire Ezeife, Ahaejiejemba Igbo-Ukwu, expressed sorrow over the loss of their eminent son. Dr. Ezeife's legacy includes serving as a Federal Permanent Secretary, the first Executive Governor of Anambra State, and as a former Political Adviser to the President and Presidential Aspirant.
Born into the Ezeife Dynasty of Igbo-Ukwu, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife emerged as a political force, elected as governor under the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Nigeria's third republic in 1992. His term was cut short in 1993 by the political upheavals that accompanied the ascension of former Head of State, Sani Abacha.
A scholar as well as a statesman, Ezeife's academic journey led him to a BSc in Economics from the University College Ibadan, followed by master's and PhD degrees from Harvard University.
In the post-military era, Ezeife continued to contribute to Nigerian politics, appointed as a Special Adviser on Political Matters by ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999. The family statement hints at forthcoming details about the late governor's life and arrangements for his state burial. The nation mourns the passing of a political luminary and a distinguished son of Igbo-Ukwu.
