Former governor of Anambra State, Dr Chinwoke Mbadinuju has joined his ancestors aged 78 years.
Popularly called “Odera” Mbadinuju was the second civilian governor of the new Anambra State after Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife between 1999 and 2003.
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According to a statement by one of his sons, Mr Cheta Mbadinuju, a lawyer, Odera was said to have died at the National Hospital in Abuja on Tuesday, at the age of 78. Mbadinuju, according to Cheta, died during a brief illness.
The statement reads in part, “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 during 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.”
Mbadinuju has been described as “very kind hearted man who governed Anambra State at a time when the state experienced the highest level of political turbulence.”
He lost the battle of returning as governor of the state in 2003, as a result of gang up against him by political godfathers of Anambra State.
His era had also witnessed political upheaval, including killings, destruction of public institutions and industrial action, most of which were said to have been engineered to make him unpopular, and deny him reelection.