Elder Statesman, Dr Anagha Ezikpe, died as a result of the wounds he sustained after a fall in the Abia State Government House – specifically in the office of the Secretary to State Government (SSG), Chris Ezem, it has been confirmed.

Ezikpe’s death was made known to Governor Okezie Ikpeazu by a delegation of Abiriba traditional rulers led by Enachioken of Abiriba, HRM Eze Kalu Kalu Ogbu, at his Aba Lodge on Sunday.

Our reporter who investigated the event leading to the death of the elder statesman said he died on Christmas Day after falling into a coma for two days. After his fall in the Abia SSG’s office last Thursday, December 23, 2023, doctors at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Umuahia, it was revealed, battled strenuously to revive Dr. Ezikpe through multiple operations but to no avail.

It was learnt that when the news got to the governor, he immediately directed that the elder statesman should be flown abroad for treatment, but the plan was aborted when he was later told that he had died.

Meanwhile, Governor Ikpeazu has expressed deep pains and sadness over the death of Ezeogo (Dr) Anagha Ezikpe, one of the founding fathers of the state.

A statement from the office of the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Onyebuchi Omemanka, explained that Governor Ikpeazu was informed of the death of the Chairman of Abia State Advisory Council by his first son, Mr George Ezikpe, who also thanked the governor for caring for his father whom he described as “the best among fathers.”

“Responding, Governor Ikpeazu who was joined by the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, Chairman of Ohafia Local Government, Dr Okoroafor Ukiwe, and businessman, Elder Raymond Aliga, described the late elder statesman as his mentor who taught him many virtues during their meetings.

“Ezeogo has no copies available, so where are we going to find another Ezeogo? Where are we going to find people that are so frank, so selfless, so transparent, so bold, so committed to the service of other people, the community, and the society?” the governor mourned. (Adapted from a Daily Independent report)