A former Anambra State governor, Chinwoke Mbadinuju, has been confirmed dead.
The death of Mbadinuju was related to the Press in a statement by his first son, Barrister Cheta Mbadinuju, who said he died at the Abuja National Hospital on this morning after a brief sickness. He died at 78 years, according to his son.
The statement read, “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 April 11, 2023 at the National Hospital, Abuja after a brief illness, surrounded by his family and loved ones.”
Cheta further spoke about the funeral arrangements, saying: “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.”
Mbadinuju, commonly known as “Odera”, was the governor of Anambra between 1999 and 2003 as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He had earlier served as a personal assistant to a former governor of old Enugu State, Jim Nwobodo, between 1979 and 1980. Then, he worked in the same capacity for Shegu Shagari, a former Head of State of Nigeria between 1980 and 1983.
Mbadinuju was said to have served Anambra as governor during the period when the state saw its peak of political struggle.