Irukwu, Former President, Ohanaeze, Dies At 89

By Charles Igbo

The Igbo race has lost a credible voice and a revered son. Professor Joe Irukwu, a former President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has died.

Former President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

His death was announced in a statement by Prince Harrison Eze Okorie, President General, Amaokwe Item Welfare Union.

It reads: “The Amaokwe Item Welfare Union, on behalf of entire Amaba Ukwu kindred and the immediate family hereby announce the glorious, but painful demise of our great patron, father, grandfather, son and brother, PROF (CHIEF)JOSEPH OGBONNAYA IRUKWU,SAN, CFR.

“The Union, on behalf of  Amaokwe Community, commiserates with the family and pray to God to grant his soul peaceful rest.

“The Union enjoins all Amaokwe sons and daughters to mourn the exit of this giant as we also remember to uphold his family in prayers in this moment of grief.”

Irukwu, was a lawyer, lecturer, author and insurance guru. He was the founding Managing Director of Nigerian Reinsurance Corporation.

He founded African Development Insurance Company thereafter, which was later sold to Diamond Bank.

Prof. Irukwu obtained a degree in Law and Insurance from in 1962 from a British University.