Former Anambra Governor, Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Passed Away at 84 years. Cause of his death has Emerged.
In a somber turn of events, the former governor of Anambra state, Chukwuemeka Ezeife, has breathed his last at the age of 84. The prominent figure, renowned for his contributions to both academia and politics, succumbed to an undisclosed illness in Abuja on Thursday, December 14.
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The announcement of Ezeife’s demise was conveyed through a statement released by the family, with Chief Rob Ezeife, the younger brother, sharing the sad news. The statement highlighted Ezeife’s distinguished career, portraying him as a former Federal Permanent Secretary, the inaugural Executive Governor of Anambra State, a Political Adviser to the President, and a past Presidential Aspirant.
The Ezeife Dynasty of Igbo-Ukwu expressed their grief, stating, “On behalf of the Ezeife Dynasty of Igbo-Ukwu, I wish to announce the promotion to glory of our most distinguished son, Okwadike, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, CON.”
The former governor’s passing follows closely on the heels of the burial of another former Anambra governor, Chinweoke Mbadinuju, intensifying the sense of loss in the state.
Chukwuemeka Ezeife, born on November 20, 1939, at Igbo-Ukwu, Anambra State, navigated an unconventional educational journey, teaching himself through correspondence courses to qualify for university admission. He earned a BSc in Economics from the University College Ibadan and pursued postgraduate studies at Harvard University, where he obtained both a master’s and a PhD degree in 1972.
Ezeife’s career spanned various roles, including a School Headmaster, a lecturer at Makarare University College in Kampala, Uganda, a Teaching Fellow at Harvard University, and a Consultant with Arthur D. Little in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He joined the civil service, ascending to the position of Permanent Secretary.
In 1992, Ezeife made a foray into politics, contesting for and winning the governorship of Anambra state under the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). His tenure, unfortunately, was curtailed by the political changes following a military coup led by General Sani Abacha in 1993.
Known for his strategic planning and focus on long-term development, Ezeife played a pivotal role in ensuring the survival of Nnamdi Azikiwe University and Federal Polytechnic, Oko, by transferring them to the federal government.
In the Nigerian Fourth Republic, Ezeife served as the Presidential Adviser on Political Matters to President Olusegun Obasanjo. His dedication to social democracy and advocacy for credible elections remained evident throughout his later years.
Chukwuemeka Ezeife Cause of Death.
The circumstances surrounding his death remain shrouded in mystery, as he battled an undisclosed illness until his untimely demise in Abuja. The Ezeife family plans to release more details about his funeral arrangements at a later date, as the nation mourns the loss of a distinguished statesman.
