Tragedy has hit Ohanaeze, the umbrella group of Ndigbo, with the death, after a brief illness, of the President of its Kano State Chapter in North-West Nigeria, Chief Tobias Michael Onyemachi Idika.

The shocking news of the popular Chief Idika was broken yesterday evening via a statement signed by Ohanaeze Ndigbo Kano State Secretary, Prince Chris D. Oha.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo Kano State Chapter formally announces the death of our leader and president, Chief Tobias Michael Onyemaechi Idika, which sad event occurred on Monday, January 13, 2014,” statement said, adding:

“Chief Idika died at Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, Abia State, after a brief illness.

“Chief Idika before his death was the President, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Kano State Chapter, President-General, Leaders of Ethnic Communities Resident in Kano.

“A dogged fighter, Chief Idika paid his dues in defence for justice and equity among non-indigenes and the indigenous community of Kano state. He can also be remembered for his consistent clamour for one and indivisible Nigeria.

“Burial arrangements and sequence of traditional rites would be announced later. He hails from Abia State, Nigeria.”

•Photo shows late Ohanaeze Ndigbo Kano President, Chief Tobias Idika.