(DDM) – Labour Party presidential candidate and former Anambra State governor, Mr. Peter Obi, has paid glowing tribute to the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, describing him as a timeless symbol of courage, intellect, and dignity in Nigeria’s political history.
In a heartfelt message obtained by Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), Obi commemorated Ojukwu’s birth anniversary with prayers for the peaceful repose of his soul, emphasizing that the late Biafran leader’s ideals continue to inspire generations.
“Ojukwu was more than a figure in our history,” Obi wrote. “He embodied courage, intellect, dignity, and firm conviction.
His life reminds us that leadership is not merely a position, it is a calling, a burden, and, at times, a test of one’s deepest values.”
According to DDM, Obi’s message struck a deeply emotional tone across the Southeast and beyond, where Ojukwu remains an enduring symbol of Igbo pride and resilience.
His legacy as the Biafran leader who fought for self-determination and justice during Nigeria’s civil war continues to resonate decades after his passing.
Obi urged Nigerians to draw inspiration from Ojukwu’s life and principles, which he said were rooted in truth, equity, and humanity.
“As we reflect on his legacy,” he said, “may we be inspired to build a society grounded in truth, equity, and humanity, ideals he held dear and defended resolutely.”
Ojukwu, fondly called the Ikemba Nnewi, was born on November 4, 1933, into one of Nigeria’s most influential families.
He rose from the ranks of the Nigerian Army to become the military governor of the Eastern Region in 1966 and later led the Biafran secession between 1967 and 1970, a defining chapter in Nigeria’s history.
Despite the war’s tragic toll, Ojukwu’s legacy of valor and conviction continues to be celebrated by many Nigerians who see him as a patriot who stood for justice and regional autonomy.
Obi, who has often cited Ojukwu as one of his greatest inspirations in leadership, reiterated that the values Ojukwu lived for, fairness, equity, and service, remain essential for rebuilding Nigeria’s fractured national unity.
“May his soul continue to rest in perfect peace,” Obi concluded, “and may his legacy remain a guiding light for all who believe in justice, honour, and the power of a principled life.”