Ben Nwabueze, former secretary general of the Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbois dead.
Mr Nwabueze, a law professor and senior lawyer of Nigeria, died on Sunday at his residence in Lagos StateSouthwestern Nigeria.
He was 91 years old.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo spokesperson Chiedozie Ogbonnia confirmed his death in a statement sent to Newslodge on Monday.
Ogbonnia said the Igbo group was shocked by his death, which he described as “devastating”.
The spokesperson said the Ohanaeze President General could not “repress his grief” over the loss, especially considering the fact that the Igbo have lost former leaders of the group in very close sequence.
“Throughout his invaluable services, he displayed amazing intellect, courage, ingenuity, tenacity, hard work and patriotism; a man who spoke truth to power with lucid erudition and inspiring conviction.
“His roles in Ohanaeze describe him as an exemplary scholar who had not allowed his exploits in academia to distance him from his cultural roots,” the statement read in part.
Soludo is in mourning
Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State has expressed sadness over the demise of Mr. Nwabueze, a native of the state.
In a statement by his spokesperson, Christian Aburime, on Monday, Soludo said the late leader’s “phenomenal contributions” to the state will never be forgotten.
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The governor said Mr Nwabueze’s influence extended far beyond Anambra, adding that he “lived his entire life inspiring generations of legal minds and citizens alike to strive for a more just and equitable society.”
He said the deceased’s wisdom and his “tireless efforts to uphold democratic ideals have also guided our nation through some of its most crucial moments.”
Nwabueze at a glance
Mr. Nwabueze was born on December 22, 1931. He came from Atani, a community in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The constitutional lawyer was Nigeria’s Minister of Education.
