Former chief executive of Anambra State, Gov Chinwoke Mbadinuju dies at the age of 78, his family has announced.
Chetachi Mbadinuju, his first son, said in a press statement that his father passed on yesterday morning at the National Hospital, Abuja.
He did not disclose the cause of death but said his father gave up the ghost “after a brief illness.”
Chetachi released the following brief statement on behalf of the family:
“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 11 April 2023 at the National Hospital, Abuja after a brief illness, surrounded by his family and loved ones.”
His Political Life
Dr. Mbadinuju was the first civilian governor of Anambra in this Fourth Republic, ruling between 1999 and 2003.
His tenure as governor was tempestuous as he contended in turn with two powerful Anambra godfathers – Sir Emeka Offor who sponsored his election, and Chief Chris Uba.
The battle to free his government from the influence of the godfathers affected governance in Anambra State during his tenure.
He ultimately lost the battle as the godfathers subsequently played him out of a second term contest, even after winning the party primaries.
Although a foundation member of the Peoples Democratic Party, Mbadinuju defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress where he remained until his passage yesterday.
He joined politics in 1979 when Gov Jim Nwobodo of old Anambra State appointed him special assistant, serving concurrently as chief executive of the State newspaper, Star Printing and Publishing Company.
The following year (1980), however, Vice President Alex Ekwueme secured a position for him in Abuja as special assistant to President Shehu Shagari, serving in the office of the VP.
He remained in this position until 1983 when Brigadier Muhammadu Buhari, the current President, aborted Nigeria’s democracy and kicked out the politicians in a military coup d’état .
His private life
Born in Uli, Ihiala LGA on 14 June 1945, he had his early education at nearby schools, now located in Imo State. They include Mgbidi Central School, and Bishop Lasbery College, Irete (1959 to 1962).
He thereafter travelled to the United States for his university education, earning a bachelor’s degree in political science at the State University of New York and a doctorate at the Ivy League Cornell University also in New York, USA.
He taught political science at the State University of New York before returning to Nigeria to start another teaching position at the Daily Times of Nigeria.
Mbadinuju served as a lecturer at the Times Training School in Iganmu and later served as stint as editor of Times International.
The amiable gentleman leaves behind a wife, Nnebuogo, and five children – Ada, Chetachi, Nwachukwu, Uche and Chima Mbadinuju.
Gov Chinwoke Mbadinuju dies aged 78
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