Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, has confirmed the death of Professor George Obiozor, the President General of the apex Igbo socio-political organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
In a statement on his Instagram page on Wednesday night, Uzodimma said: “On behalf of the Government and people of Imo State, I, Senator Hope Uzodimma, the Executive Governor of Imo State, sorrowfully announce the passage of a great Son of Imo State and Nigeria, the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, worldwide, Prof George Obiozor.
“A renowned academic, an exceptional diplomat, a statesman and a tenacious patriot, Prof George Obiozor passed on recently after a brief illness.
“The death of this foremost Igbo leader and former Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States and the State of Israel, is a big loss to Imo State, the South East and the entire Nigeria.
“I have no doubt that both Nigeria and the international community will miss his profound intellectual contributions and wise counsel on national and global issues.
“His burial arrangements will be announced in due course by the family. May his great and gentle soul rest in peace.”
Meanwhile, the lawyer to Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Goddy Uwazurike, has expressed shock at the death of Obiozor.
According to a statement on Wednesday night, Uwazurike said: “It’s with shock but with gratitude to God for a life well spent that I learnt of the death of the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide as announced by the government of Imo State.
“Prof George Obiozo has been a high flier all his life. In academia, he was a star. In political life, he excelled in the appointments he held both during the military and civilian governments.
“In retirement from government services, he was elected the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide on Jan 20, 2020.
“In almost 2 years of service, he stood like a rock of Gibraltar, even in the face of health challenges. We salute him for his Life of service. Rest in peace, Great man!!!”