Joe Nwodo Dies At 77 |The Source

By Charles Igbo

The South east has lost a prominent son from the Nwodo family of Nsukka Enugu State.

Joe Nwodo, a former Presidential candidate under the defunct National Republican Party, NRC, has died. He died on March 10, 2021, aged 77, in the United kingdom, after a protracted illness.

He was an elder brother to the immediate past Ohaneze Nd’Igbo President, Chief Nnia Nwodo.

A brilliant politician, he was primed to be the Governor of Enugu State but was disqualified  from contesting. He stepped  down, and handed over the baton to his younger brother, Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo, who won and became the Governor.

Announcing his passing, on behalf of the family, his son, Emeka Agunechibe Nwodo, in a statement said:

“With profound sadness but total submission to God’s will, the family of Igwe J. U. Nwodo, regrets to announce the passing away of their Patriarch, husband, father, grandfather and brother, Dr Joseph Nnabuchi Nwodo, the Agadagbachiriuzo1 of Ukehe aged 77 years.

“Dr Nwodo completed his earthly race on the 10th of March, 2021, at a hospital in the United Kingdom after a protracted illness which he battled indefatigably.

“He lived a very fulfilled life. Was one of the most notable politicians to emanate from Nsukka cultural zone also known as Enugu North Senatorial zones, and indeed Nigeria.

“Was once a Presidential aspirant of the defunct National Republican Convention, NRC, when he showcased a political style and flair that was second to none.

“He was a social phenomenon. A man who wrote the most brilliant and sesquipedalian speeches. Gigantesque in size and in intellect. Many referred to his intellectual and literary ability as “a gift,” inborn”, “a knack”, “a talent”.

“One thing was certain, Joe Nwodo operated on a literary frequency higher than most, one that could only be compared to a supernatural being, “god-like”. He was indeed a rare breed. A mastermind, and genius of our time.

“He was a lover of the poor. “Ochendo umu-ogbenyi”. His love and ambitions for the great people of Nsukka was unfathomable as it was immeasurable.

“He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, and the great people of Nsukka who remained embedded deeply in his heart, mind and lips even at the point of death.”