The former governor of Anambra State, Dr Chinwoke Mbadinuju is dead. He was said to have died at the National Hospital in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital on Tuesday, at the age of 78.
The announcement of his death was contained in a Press Release signed by his son, Barr Cheta Mbadinuju, on behalf of the family.
The release revealed that Mbadinuju, who was governor of Anambra State, between 1999 and 2003, died after a brief illness.
“With heavy hearts but utmost gratitude to God for a life well spent, we announce the passing of our father, grandfather, 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,” the release reads.
Mbadinuju, who was adjured to be a very kind-hearted man by many, was Anambra State Governor at a time when the state experienced the highest level of political turbulence.
However, he lost his second tenure battle as governor of the state in 2003, as a result of a perceived ganging up against him by Anambra political godfathers.
His era is laced with political upheavals; killings, destruction of public institutions and industrial action, which were also perceived to have been engineered to make him unpopular and deny him reelection.
Emmanuel Ukoh
