The Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, and his immediate past predecesor, Mr. Peter Obi, today expressed shock at the passage of former Foreign Affairs Minister, Chief Ojo Maduekwe, and renowned novelist, Chief Elechi Amadi. Maduekwe, 71, died suddenly on Wednesday night in Abuja, barely 24 hours after the death of the 82 years old Amadi.

In a statement made by Obiano in Awka through his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr. James Eze, he said the late Maduekwe, who was at various times, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tourism, as well as Transport, had a rich career in public service saying that he passed on at a time when he was needed most in Nigeria.

Obiano described Chief Maduekwe as a deep thinker and a consummate bridge builder whose wise counsel would have been very helpful in this phase of the country’s growth when the very idea of nationhood was being challenged.

The statement read: “Ojo Maduekwe was unapologetic in his views on the major themes of his time. He spoke his mind freely on any issue and helped to shape perception on matters that needed a deeper reaction from the citizens.

“Ojo was passionately patriotic and fearless in making his views known. We shall miss him dearly.”

Obiano consoled Maduekwe’s family, urging them to take heart and take solace in the fact that their patriarch led a meaningful life and left a huge legacy that would inspire the young ones.

The governor also condoled with the family of late Elechi Amadi whom he described as a great man of letters. “I read The Concubine, one of Amadi’s books, when I was younger and it helped open my eyes to the many perplexities of life. I have no doubt that though he is gone, Elechi Amadi’s books will continue to speak to us through the ages,” he stated.

He further noted that the thoughts and prayers of Ndi Anambra were with the governments and people of Abia and Rivers states and the families of Maduekwe and Amadi in this moment of grief and sorrow and prayed that God Almighty would grant the grieving families the fortitude to bear their losses.

Reacting to the death the duo, Mr. Peter Obi described Chief Ojo Maduekwe as an unusual politician, who was not afraid of his own voice, especially in speaking out on matters bordering on the way forward for the country.

He pointed out that if Maduekwe was brutal at certain points, it was just an insight into the depth of his passion.

Obi also mourned the death of Elechi Amadi, relating him as one of the literary generals that helped in conquering the factors that militated against literary growth in the country adding that he would remain alive through his literary works.

The former governor prayed God to grant the duo eternal rest, and to grant those they left behind the courage to bear the losses.

•Photo shows late Elechi Amadi.

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