Lagos ex-Gov Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Senator Onyeabo Obi die

 

Two prominent Igbo sons, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (rtd) and former Senator of the Federal Republic Onyeabo Obi, are dead.

Ndubuisi Kanu, former Military Governor of Lagos and Imo states, reportedly died today, January 13 2021 at the age of 78.

A chieftain of the pro-democracy group, the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), Kanu was said to have died in the early hours on Wednesday, at an undisclosed hospital after a brief illness.

The cause of death was yet to be confirmed at the time of this report.

A relative, Ireke Kanu, who worked closely with the former military governor, confirmed his death to Vanguard.

“I can tell you he passed on this morning. He was 78. We celebrated his last birthday in November 2020. I don’t have much details. I am still in the village,” he said.

Kanu, who was appointed into the Supreme Military Council headed by the late Head of State, Gen. Murtala Muhammed, in 1975, became a human rights activist after leaving the military.

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He was appointed military governor of Imo State, in March 1976, during the military regime of General Olusegun Obasanjo. He was the first governor after the decree that established the state from part of the old East Central State. He was transferred to become governor of Lagos State in 1977, leaving office in July 1978.

He later became Rear Admiral and Naval chief.

Kanu became a top National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) chieftain and became Chairman of the coalition in 2013.

Senator Onyeabo Obi, according to a terse statement by his younger brother, Zik Obi, died Tuesday at the age of 82.

He wrote on a group chat: “Good morning all, pending a formal announcement from the family later today, I wish to personally inform members of Otu Oka Iwu that my eldest brother and past President of Otu Oka Iwu and Bencher, Senator Onyeabo Obi, Os’oji Nnewi, passed on to greater glory yesterday at the age of 82 years. We are grateful to God for his life.

“Kindly note that due to the current COVID-19 safety protocols, physical condolence visits are not necessary or encouraged. Thank you so much.

“Best regards. Zik Obi.”

Senator Obi represented Anambra West Senatorial, District between 1979-83 and was Secretary, NPP Senate Caucus; Vice-Chairman, Arbitration Committee.