TODAY IN HISTORY:ON THIS DAY,SEPTEMBER 25, 2003-THE DAY FORMER SENATE PRESIDENT CHUBA OKADIGBO DI€D
TODAY IN HISTORY:ON THIS DAY,SEPTEMBER 25, 2003-THE DAY FORMER SENATE PRESIDENT CHUBA OKADIGBO DI€D
On September 25, 2003, Nigeria l0st one of its most outspoken politicians and academics, Dr. Chuba Wilberforce Okadigbo, at the age of 61.
Okadigbo was more than a politici@n. He was a philosopher, political scientist, university lecturer, writer and one of the most colourful figures in Nigeria’s political history. He earned advanced degrees in philosophy and political science in the United States and later taught at Howard University before returning to Nigeria.
In 1979, he became Political Adviser to President Shehu Shagari. He later served as a senator representing Anambra North when Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999.
On November 18, 1999, Okadigbo became the 8th President of the Nigerian Senate, succeeding Evan Enwerem. He remained in office until August 2000.
His time as Senate President was controversial. His leadership came into conflict with members of the Senate and the executive, and he was eventually removed from office following allegations concerning the management of Senate contracts and expenditure.
But Okadigbo’s politic@l career did not end there.
He later became the running mate to Muhammadu Buhari in the 2003 presidential election under the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP).
Then, suddenly, his life came to an end.
On September 25, 2003, shortly after campaigning in Kano, Chuba Okadigbo died in Abuja at the age of 61. Contemporary accounts reported that he died after experiencing breathing difficulties.
He left behind a complicated political legacy — remembered by some for his intellect, powerful speeches and political conviction, and by others for the controversies that surrounded his time in public office.
Twenty-three years later, his name remains part of the story of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.
Today, his name lives on in Nigeria. Ebonyi International Airport was renamed the Chuba Wilberforce Okadigbo International Airport in his honour.
Chuba Okadigbo: 1941–2003.
Photo: National Library of Nigeria.
