Former Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations, Chief Arthur Christopher Mbanefo, has died at the age of 95.
The death of the respected diplomat, accountant and elder statesman was confirmed on Thursday, sparking an outpouring of tributes from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, family members, professional associates and leaders across the country, particularly in Anambra State, his home state.
President Tinubu, in a statement issued in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, expressed deep sorrow over Mbanefo’s passing, describing him as an iconic public servant whose life was defined by integrity, excellence and patriotic service to Nigeria.
According to the President, the late Mbanefo was an accounting luminary, a seasoned administrator and a distinguished technocrat whose contributions to public service and the private sector left an enduring imprint on national development.
“Chief Arthur Mbanefo belonged to one of the finest stocks of Nigeria’s elder statesmen. His professional excellence, ethical standards and uncommon dedication to duty left lasting footprints in Nigeria’s development history,” Tinubu said.
Beyond his diplomatic service at the United Nations, Mbanefo played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s education sector. He served as Pro-Chancellor of several leading universities, including the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, and Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, where he was widely respected for his commitment to academic governance and institutional stability.
He was also a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), and is credited with pioneering innovations in Nigeria’s accounting, taxation and audit systems during his long professional career.
President Tinubu noted that Mbanefo distinguished himself in both public and private life with a rare sense of discipline and responsibility, earning him national and international respect.
The President also commiserated with the government and people of Anambra State, urging them to take solace in the enduring legacy of service, leadership and integrity left behind by the late diplomat.
“He lived a fulfilled life of service, and his contributions remain indelibly etched in the annals of our nation’s history,” Tinubu added.
The President prayed for the peaceful repose of Mbanefo’s soul and asked God to grant comfort and strength to his family, associates and all those mourning his loss.
Chief Arthur Christopher Mbanefo is survived by children, grandchildren and a wide circle of admirers across Nigeria’s diplomatic, academic and professional communities.