Elumelu Mourns Chief Israel Ogbue, Condoles Family and UBA Over Patriarch’s Passing at 99
The immediate past Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former Chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Chief Israel C. Ogbue, describing his transition at the age of 99 as the glorious home call of an accomplished statesman and revered patriarch.
In a condolence message, Rt. Hon. Elumelu sympathised with his elder brother, the Group Chairman of UBA Group, Mr. Tony Elumelu, and his wife, Dr. Awele Elumelu, daughter of the late elder statesman.
He also extended his condolences to the Board of Directors and Management of UBA Plc, as well as the entire Ogbue family.
Chief Ogbue, who died peacefully at 99, was widely respected for his sterling contributions to Nigeria’s public and private sectors. Born on February 18, 1927, in Onicha-Olona, Delta State, he began his career in the Federal Civil Service before furthering his studies in the United Kingdom. He later rose through the ranks at the National Insurance Corporation of Nigeria (NICON), serving with distinction until his retirement in 1988.
Elumelu noted that Chief Ogbue’s wealth of experience and integrity earned him appointments to the boards of reputable institutions, including UBA, where he joined as a Non-Executive Director in 2005 and later served as Chairman from 2011 to 2013. During his tenure, he was credited with providing steady and principled leadership that strengthened corporate governance and institutional sustainability within the bank.
“Chief Israel Ogbue was a man of honour, discipline and deep faith whose life exemplified service, wisdom and humility. He was not only an accomplished administrator and boardroom icon but also a devoted father and mentor who raised a generation of leaders and inspired many more,” Elumelu stated.
The former Minority Leader further condoled with the people of Onicha-Olona and the entire Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, describing the late nonagenarian as a pride of Anioma land whose legacy of excellence would continue to resonate across generations.
He prayed that God would comfort Mr. Tony Elumelu, Dr. Awele Elumelu, the Ogbue family, and all who mourn the departed patriarch.
Rt. Hon. Elumelu also offered prayers for the repose of the soul of the late elder statesman, saying, “May God, in His infinite mercy, grant the soul of Chief Israel Ogbue and the souls of all the faithful departed eternal rest and perfect peace.”
