Disbelief, Shock, Tears As Chris Asoluka Passes

By Charles Igbo

Dr. (Chief) Chris Chigoziri Asoluka, a renowned development and public policy strategist is gone.

Popular as Okwuruoha, Asoluka passed on in Owerri, Imo State, in the late hours of Friday, May 9, 2025.

The devastating news was broken in the afternoon of  Saturday, May 10, 2025.

Initially when it broke, it was welcomed by doubts and whispers and disbelief. But those were until his first son, Jamachi Chris-Asoluka, confirmed it in a heartbreaking, emotional statement.

In the statement  dated May 10, 2025, which was, at once, celebratory and dispiriting, Lemachi said his beloved father passed just before 12 midnight, May 9, 2025 in a dignified  manner.

“Daddy transitioned from this world just before midnight on Friday May 9th 2025, with the calm dignity that defined his life

“Though our hearts sag heavy, we take comfort in the fullness of his legacy – the values he instilled, the lives he touched, and the unmatched example he set.”

The Source gathered that Dr Asoluka, popular as Okwuruoha Owere, traveled to Owerri from Lagos for the funeral of the Traditional Ruler of his Community, Ihiagwa, His Royal Highness, Lucky Ajoku. Asoluka, unfortunately, fell ill on the eve of the funeral and had to be hospitalized in one of the best hospitals in Owerri since it was not medically advisable to fly him back to Lagos or to anywhere else in the world.

An eye witness account said he was making good progress when he suddenly had a relapse and passed just before 12 midnight Friday.

Jamachi’s statement which confirmed his father’s passing read:

“A Message from the Chris-Asoluka Family

“On the Peaceful Passing of Our Patriarch, Dr. Chris Asoluka (Okwuruoha)

“With deep sorrow but grateful hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, in-law, friend, and patriarch, Dr. Chris Asoluka (Okwuruoha).

Surrounded by love and held in grace, Daddy transitioned from this world just before midnight on Friday May 9th 2025 with the calm dignity that defined his life. A man of unwavering principles, strength, generosity, rare intellect, and profound wisdom, he lived a life rooted in service, compassion, and an unshakable commitment to family, community, and country.

“Though our hearts sag heavy, we take comfort in the fullness of his legacy — the values he instilled, the lives he touched, and the unmatched example he set. He was our anchor, our counselor, our lifetime inspiration. His earthly absence is profound, but his spirit remains — in every lesson, every memory, every story told, and every life shaped by his presence.

“We are thankful for the glorious gift of his life and for the grace with which he completed his earthly journey. As we begin this season of remembrance, thanksgiving, and celebration, we ask for your prayers, support, and love as we honour a man who meant so much to so many.

“May OkwuruOwere’s brilliant unforgettable soul rest in perfect peace.

“Important Dates to Note

• “Thursday 17th July 2025 – Service of Songs/Night of Tributes (Lagos)
• “Friday 18th July 2025 – “Commendation Service (Our Saviour’s Church, Lagos)
• “Wednesday 23rd July 2025 – Service of Songs/Wake Keep (Ihiagwa, Owerri)

□Thursday 24th July 2025 – Obsequies (Ihiagwa, Owerri)

• “Sunday 27th July 2025 – Family Thanksgiving Service (Ihiagwa, Owerri)

“– For the Chris Asoluka Family

Jamachi Chris-Asoluka (09081691729)”

Born to the Asoluka Family of Ihiagwa, Owerri Wpolyethylene, GovernmentArea, Imo State, in 1955,  Asoluka, a polymath, was a former Member of the House of Representatives. He was also a former Commissioner for Finance, Imo State and a consultant to a number of high profile companies. He authored a number of books and had degrees in Political Science, Law and at least, two Masters Degrees. He capped those with a PhD.

Dr Chris Asoluka was married to the beautiful Nneka Chris- Asoluka, a Lawyer. Between them, they had three very successful children in different fields, even though the three also have degrees in Law –  Jamachi, Somachi, and Lemachi.

He was aged 70 years.