Former Governor of Imo State, Dr Ikedi Ohakim, has expressed sorrow over the death of elder statesman, businessman, former federal legislator and pro-democracy activist, Chief Ralph Obioha.
THE WHISTLER reports that the late Obiora was Okpuruisizuruoha II of Arondizuog in Imo State. Ohakim described his passing as “a devastating shock and a great loss to Nigeria”. It was gathered that Chief Obioha died on October 3, 2026, at the age of 80.
Ohakim, in a condolence message made available to our correspondent on Tuesday, said Obioha’s death was particularly painful because despite his age, many Nigerians still looked forward to benefiting from his experience, wisdom and contributions to national development.
Quoting Ohakim, “It is said in our native parlance that there is never a good time to die, but the news of the passage of our big brother, Chief Ralph Obioha, came to me as a great shock. I am devastated by his death because, even at the age of 80, many of us still looked forward to his continued contributions to the good of our country.”
Ohakim recalled Obioha’s courage and sacrifices during Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle, particularly his association with the late Chief MKO Abiola and his presence at Epetedo, Lagos, on June 11, 1994, when Abiola asserted the mandate of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election.
He recalled that following the military crackdown, Obioha went into exile and became active in NADECO, campaigning internationally for the restoration of democracy and the validation of the June 12 mandate.
“He was one of those Nigerians who paid a heavy personal price for standing on the side of democracy and justice,” Ohakim said, noting that the struggle came at considerable cost to Obioha, including the loss of significant business interests.
The former governor also paid tribute to Obioha’s achievements as an entrepreneur and public servant. He recalled that Obioha, a member of the Second Republic House of Representatives between 1979 and 1983, built substantial business interests in banking, brewing, oil, cement and hospitality, while continuing to participate in national and Igbo affairs after the return to democratic rule in 1999.
Ohakim said Obioha’s greatest legacy, however, was his commitment to Nigeria and the ideals of service, courage, honesty and good governance.
On his words, “Those of us who are surviving him will do his memory no greater honour than to uphold the ideals of humility, honesty, courage and hard work which he lived for.”
