Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has described George Obiozor, president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, worldwide, as “a dear elder brother and friend who was a patriot and served Nigeria and Ohanaeze selflessly and diligently”.
Hope Uzodinma, governor of Imo state, announced Obiozor’s death on Wednesday night.
On Tuesday, there were reports that he had died but the Igbo social-cultural organisation said he was alive at the time.
Tributes have been pouring in for the late Obiozor, who was elected president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide in January 2021.
Obi said, “He was witty, well-heeled in history and effusive in his personal charm and warmth. The death of this foremost Igbo leader is a huge loss to the entire Obiozor Family, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo and Nigerians in general,” Obi said.
Atiku Abubakar, in a condolence message, described the late Obiozor as “a charismatic personality and a consummate diplomat who believed in consensus and had a stabilising influence”.
“His vast experience in foreign diplomatic missions garnered over decades and across diverse postings was very handy in making him a pan-Nigerian,” Atiku said.
“He will be dearly missed, also his voice of wisdom and reason, which is needed at this crucial time of our socioeconomic and political evolution. His was a purposeful life well lived.”
In his tribute, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said Obiozor’s death has robbed Nigeria of one of its finest public servants and committed leaders.
Tinubu noted that Obiozor’s career made him one of the foremost patriots who served the country with diligence, honour and integrity.
“I am deeply saddened by the news of the death of Ambassador George Obiozor, President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide. This great Igbo leader and Nigeria’s elder statesman was a distinguished academic and diplomat who served his people and entire country with honour, dedication and distinction,” he said.
“As the leader of Ohaneze, Ambassador Obiozor championed the course of national unity and economic development while seeking a more equitable and even-handed federation where all the constituent units and ethnic groups can live together in peace and harmony.
“The ideals of a better and more inclusive country where justice and equity would prevail, which Ambassador Obiozor lived for will forever be cherished.”
