SAN FRANCISCO, March 12, (THEWILL) – Chief Ralph Uwechue, a former President of the Igbo cultural organization, Ohaneze Ndigbo is dead, multiple sources with ties to the organization have told THEWILL.
THEWILL gathered that Chief Uwechue, OFR, 79, died at the National Hospital, Abuja, on Thursday afternoon after a protracted ailment.
Born in Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State in 1935, Uwechue, a career diplomat served Nigeria in various missions abroad including Paris, Mali, and Cameroun. He also served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Liberia and was also publisher of the defunct African Today newsmagazine.
He obtained a BA (Hons) degree in History from the University College, Ibadan, 1960 and a Diploma in International Law and French language, 1964, from the Geneva African Institute, Switzerland.
In recognition of his “meritorious service to Black and African Peoples worldwide”, Uwechue was awarded an honorary membership of the “American Conference of Black Mayors” in 1982.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Speaker of the House Of Representatives, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha has described the late diplomat as a “Quintessential Statesman” whilst describing his death “as painful, unfortunate and regretful.”
The deputy speaker, who expressed shock at the sad development, noted that Ndigbo has lost a quintessential statesman, father figure and rallying point for unity and progress of the Igbo race and one who led brilliantly during his tenure as President of Ohaneze Ndigbo.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Oke Epia, Ihedioha said Uwechue made his mark as a fine diplomat who brought great skills and experience to bear during his leadership of the pan-Igbo body and remained an elder statesman who commanded respect and admiration until his death.
“His exalted position as president of Ohaneze Ndigbo did not in any way detract from his nationalist posture and an elder statesman with reach, contact and networks throughout the country and across the world,” Hon. Ihedioha said of late Uwechue, with whom he had a personal relationship.
He prayed God Almighty to grant his soul peaceful passage to eternal rest while consoling the family left behind and indeed, the entire Ndigbo whom he urged to bear the loss with equanimity and submission to the will of the immortal creator.
