*As Uzodinma confirms Obiozor’s death
Boniface Okoro, Umuahia
Abia State governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, says by the demise of President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Prof. George Obiozor, death has robbed Ndigbo of one of her finest sons.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Onyebuchi Ememanka, Ikpeazu expressed deep sadness at the news of the passage onto eternal glory of Obiozor.
Obiozor who was elected to lead the apex socio-cultural organization of Ndigbo in 2021 is said to have died last Monday.
Though the news of the academic giant and great diplomat was steeped in controversy, Imo State governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, confirmed Obiozor’s death.
Announcing the Diplomat’s death, Uzodinma wrote in a statement he personally signed: “On behalf of the Government and people of Imo State, I, Senator Hope Uzodimma, the Executive Governor of Imo State, sorrowfully announce the passage of a great Son of Imo State and Nigeria, the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Prof George Obiozor.
“A renowned academic, an exceptional diplomat, a statesman and a tenacious patriot, Prof George Obiozor passed on recently after a brief illness.
“The death of this foremost Igbo leader and former Nigeria’s” ambassador to the United States and the State of Israel, is a big loss to Imo State, the South East and the entire Nigeria. I have no doubt that both Nigeria and the international community will miss his profound intellectual contributions and wise counsel on national and global issues.
“His burial arrangements will be announced in due course by the family.”
Reacting after Obiozor’s demise was made public, Ikpeazu said Ndigbo has lost a great son, adding that it was painful that the Ohaneze President-General died at a time when the Igbo nation was still grappling with issues around leadership and her place in a united Nigeria.
His statement entitled: “Ikpeazu Saddened By The News Of The Death Of Professor George Obiozor,” reads: The Governor of Abia State, Dr Okezie Victor has expressed deep sadness at the news of the passage onto eternal glory of the President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Professor George Obiozor.
“Governor Ikpeazu remembers Professor Obiozor as a ranking member of the global academic community, a world acclaimed Professor of International Relations, Diplomat of the finest grade, Nigeria’s former Ambassador to the United States of America and President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide.
“According to Governor Ikpeazu, “the death of Professor Obiozor has robbed Igbo land of one of her most illustrious sons. He was clearly one of our most powerful men global diplomatic level. Our decision to support his emergence as President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide was based squarely on his pedigree and integrity. His death is even more painful coming at a time like this when the Igbo nation still grapples with issues around leadership and our place in a united Nigeria.
“Professor Obiozor left imperishable legacies and indelible footprints on the sands of time. He will be sorely missed. We are consoled by the fact that his place in our history is assured”.
“On behalf of the Government and People of Abia State, Governor Ikpeazu sends his deep condolences to the family of the Late Professor and indeed the entire Igbo nation.”