By Steve Oko
Former Imo State Governor, Dr Ikedi Ohakim, has described the death of elder statesman and pro-democracy campaigner, Chief Ralph Obioha, as a painful loss to Nigeria, recalling his sacrifices in the struggle for the restoration of democratic rule.
Obioha, who died on October 3, 2026, aged 80, was a businessman, former federal legislator and founding member of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO). He was also active in the campaign against military rule following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
Ohakim, in a condolence message made available to Vanguard through Chief Aloy Ejimakor, said Obioha’s death was particularly painful because Nigerians still had much to gain from his experience, wisdom and commitment to national development.
He recalled that Obioha was present at Epetedo, Lagos, on June 11, 1994, when the late Chief MKO Abiola publicly asserted his mandate from the annulled presidential election.
According to Ohakim, the military crackdown that followed forced Obioha into exile, where he joined other pro-democracy activists in mobilising international support for the restoration of democratic rule and the validation of the June 12 mandate.
“He was one of those Nigerians who paid a heavy personal price for standing on the side of democracy and justice,” Ohakim said, noting that Obioha’s activism came at considerable personal and business cost.
The former governor also recalled Obioha’s record as a businessman and public servant, including his service in the Second Republic House of Representatives between 1979 and 1983.
He said Obioha built business interests spanning banking, brewing, oil, cement and hospitality, while remaining actively involved in national and Igbo affairs after Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999.
Ohakim, however, said Obioha’s most enduring legacy was not his business achievements or political positions, but his commitment to Nigeria and the principles of courage, honesty, hard work and good governance.
He urged Nigerians inspired by Obioha’s life to preserve those values.
“Those of us who are surviving him will do his memory no greater honour than to uphold the ideals of humility, honesty, courage and hard work which he lived for,” he said.
Ohakim condoled with the Obioha family, the people of Arondizuogu and all Nigerians mourning the elder statesman, praying God to grant the family the strength to bear the loss and the deceased eternal rest.
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