Ndigbo Lagos has described the demise of Prof Joe Ogbonnaya Irukwu as an exit of a colossus.

A statement from Ndigbo Lagos, signed by its President General, Major General Obi Abel Umahi (rtd), entitled, “EXIT OF A COLOSSUS, PROFESSOR JOSEPH OGBONNAYA IRUKWU,” reads:

“We received the news of the demise of one of our Leader, Senior citizen, and the First elected President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide, Professor Joseph Ogbonnaya Irukwu, and a deep sense of loss.

His death is yet another heavy blow to the Igbo nation.

Death is painful; however, death taking a sage like Prof. Irukwu now, is painful. He is a man with a good heart who cared so much about friends and family. He impacted in the development of so many persons he met on his life’s path and he never seized to be an inspiration.

Prof Irukwu was greatness personified in various fields and approach to issues. His contribution to the founding of the Imo State University, now Abia State University as a pioneer member of the Governing Council was tremendous. Also he played a prominent role in fostering community development in his hometown of Item and was a Frontline member of the Old
Bende Union which engendered the development of the area.

His brilliance and Administrative qualities is first-class. He was a man of many parts. He was an Administrator per excellence, an Academic, a Lawyer, an Insurance ‘guru’ (many refer to him as Nigeria’s Father of Insurance).

He made so many people happy with his soft spoken and easy going approach to matters; over the course of a long successful life, he mentored a good number of people across the country into greatness.

He was not great in isolation; he made all of us great too. Dee Ọgbọ was without a doubt a great personality; intelligent, discerning, attentive, and full of knowledge. He showed so much compassion and displayed a lot of humility so much that every one who knew him sought to emulate him.

Your loving memory will ever remain a monument in our hearts.
He served in various capacities in the public and private sectors and was known to have distinguished himself in various walks of life.

Professor Joe Irukwu, Dee Ogbo, as he was popularly and fondly known, was the first President-General of the democratised Ohanaeze Ndigbo, a Founding and pioneer member of Ndigbo Lagos.

Until his death, was a member of the Council of Elders of Ndigbo Lagos.
Ndigbo Lagos joins his family, Abia State, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, the good people of Igboland and Nigeria in general in mourning this outstanding gentleman and patriot. We shall sorely miss him. Thank you for a life well spent.
May his soul find rest in the bosom of the Almighty. Amen!

For: Ndigbo Lagos

Major General Obi Abel Umahi (rtd) OFR

President General