Dr Clement Chinwoke Mbadinuju, the Governor of Anambra State from May 29, 1999 to May 29, 2003, sadly passed away on Tuesday, April 11, 2023.
Born on June 14, 1945, he was elected on the platform of Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) and was sworn in as Governor of Anambra State at the return of civil rule on May 29, 1999. As the first executive Governor of Anambra State in the fourth republic, Dr Mbadinuju had to confront many teething challenges such as setting up the bureaucracy of the state government, developing necessary infrastructure, guaranteeing security and many others.
He was fondly called Odera, and was quite charismatic and jovial in his lifetime. A native of Uli in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, he started his education at Mgbidi Central School, Oru, in Imo State in 1955. He did not have a formal secondary education. He was self-taught to pass the General Certificate of Education (GCE) in flying colours at both the Ordinary and Advanced levels. He attended Bishop Lasbery Teachers’ College, Irete, Imo State from 1959 to 1962.
The young Chinwoke earned a scholarship to study for a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science at the State University of New York. A determined pursuer of knowledge, he obtained a degree in Law from the University of Southampton in England and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1979 when returned to Nigeria. He equally took a doctorate degree in Government from Cornell University in New York and was then appointed an Associate Professor of Politics and African Studies at the State University of New York.
After his return to Nigeria, He lectured at Times Training School, Lagos, owned by the largest media company in Nigeria at the time, the Daily Times Group between 1977 and 1978. He was later appointed the Editor of Times International magazine. Transferring his services to the old Anambra State, he was appointed the General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of Star Printing and Publishing Company Limited, Enugu, publishers of Daily Star in 1979. He also served as a Personal Assistant to the then Governor of old Anambra State, Dr Jim Nwobodo from 1979 to 1980 and later returned to Lagos and to serve the then President Shehu Shagari also as Personal Assistant from 1980 to 1983.
A devout Christian, Dr Mbadinuju wrote ten books on Christian spirituality.
A remarkable achievement of his administration in Anambra State is the establishment of Anambra State University now Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University. He also tackled the issue of insecurity by signing into law the bill that created Anambra Vigilante Services. He won several national awards for fighting insecurity in Anambra State although his adoption of the unorthodox Bakassi Boys in this process eventually became controversial.
In his youthful days, Mbadinuju was a keen sportsman. He was a remarkable athlete in track and field events at Bishop Lasbery Teachers’ College, Irete in Imo State. He was also a footballer who excelled in his undergraduate days in the United States where represented his college in various competitions.
He was also a talented organist.
Dr Clement Chinwoke Mbadinuju was married to Mrs. Nnenne Mbadinuju, and the marriage is blessed with five children.
The funeral arrangement for the State burial ceremony of former Governor Chinwoke Mbadinuju will begin tomorrow, Wednesday, November 22, 2023 when the Anambra State Government will receive his body at the Government House Courtyard by 3pm for lying-in-state. It will then be followed by a commendation and thanksgiving service at the International Convention Centre, Awka which will be held by the Anambra State Government On Thursday November 23, 2023 by 11am. Tributes will commence immediately after the service. Praise, worship and tribute sessions will also hold later in day by 5pm at his country home in Uli, Ihiala Local Government Area.
Then, on Friday, November 24, 2023, At 10am there will be an Interdenominational burial service at his country home, Uli, and interment will follow immediately. Later on Sunday, November 26, 2023, there will be an outing service as planned by the family.
As we bid farewell to His Excellency, Dr Clement Chinwoke Mbadinuju (Odera), it is fitting to re-echo his famous slogan: “It Shall Be Well With Anambra State!”
Oderaaaaa! Odegoooo!
Written by SIR PAUL NWOSU
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