- Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who recently passed, was a successful businessman and federal lawmaker
- Born in 1971, he rose from grass to grace and was being touted to become the next governor of his state, Anambra
- TheRadar profiles the Nigerian politician who survived assassination in 2022 but eventually succumbed to the cold hands of death on July 27
Senator Ifeanyi Ubah’s life journey was marked by a dynamic blend of entrepreneurial success and political ambition.
With a humble start in life, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah was known for his amiable and good-natured personality. He was an entrepreneur, a businessman, and a Nigerian politician who served as the Senator representing Anambra South senatorial district from 2019 until his passing on July 27, 2024.
The Nigeria Southern Senators Forum (SSF) acknowledged Ubah’s valuable contributions to business, legislative activities, Anambra State, and the country in a statement that was made on Saturday, July 27 by Senator Adetokunbo Abiru, the chairman of the forum.
The statement read, “They commended his dedication and effectiveness as a legislator, where his efforts were instrumental in shaping policies and advancing the interests of his constituency and the nation at large”.
A glimpse at Ubah’s early life
Born as the eldest of seven children on the 3rd of September, 1971 to the family of the late Mr. and Mrs. Alphonsus Ubah of Umuanuka, Otolo, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria, Ubah had to leave Premier Academy, Lugbe, Abuja early due to his family's financial difficulties.
He pursued trade instead and later participated in various local and international courses and seminars on leadership and business management.
Ifeanyi Ubah was married to Uchenna Ubah, a Business Administration graduate from Ahmadu Bello University in Nigeria, and they have five children together.
Ubah was a successful business mogul
Operating mainly as an importer of motor tyres and spare parts in West Africa, Ubah's business covered countries such as Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and DR Congo. He later expanded into Europe, including Belgium and the United Kingdom.
He set up Capital Oil and Gas Limited in 2001 and founded The Authority Newspaper, a daily publication in Nigeria. He also bought Gabros International Football Club, transforming it into Ifeanyi Ubah F.C., a club in the Nigeria Premier League.
Ubah’s political journey was marked by victory and defeat
Ifeanyi Ubah faced defeat in the 2014 Anambra gubernatorial election as a Labour Party candidate. On February 24, 2019, he won the Anambra South Senatorial race with the Young Progressive Party (YPP) but subsequently joined the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC). He had expressed his desire to contest the Anambra gubernatorial election on the APC platform in 2025.
Senator Ubah survived assassination attack in 2022
In September 2022, Ifeanyi Ubah's convoy was targeted by gunmen in Enugwu-Ukwu, Anambra State, while he was heading to Nnewi. The attack led to the deaths of five individuals, including two policemen, but Ubah survived due to the bulletproof protection of his vehicle. Unfortunately, the visionary businessman and politician died in London on July 27, 2024.
How Ubah died at 52 in London
Senator Ubah's sudden death at 52 leaves a profound gap in Nigeria's political and business spheres. The Capital Oil founder reportedly died of a cardiac arrest in London on Saturday, July 27.
He had travelled to London on July 24 with his family for the summer holiday, with the hope of taking a break from the rigours of Nigeria’s politics, especially as citizens and government continue to drag holding protests on the ravaging hunger and hardship.
According to TheWill, Ubah had returned from a walk and complained to his wife, Uchenna, that he was feeling unusually weak and tired.
“Seeing how weak her husband had become, she called emergency services for help. He slumped before the ambulance and first responders arrived at their residence. He was confirmed dead at the hospital,” a source disclosed.
Tributes to the late lawmaker
Senator Ahmad Lawan, the former Senate President, honoured his memory, emphasising that he was a dedicated public servant.
He said, “Senator Ifeanyi Ubah was not just a distinguished member of the Senate; he was a dedicated public servant whose passion to serve our country was evident in all his endeavours. His commitment to the welfare of his constituents and his advocacy for crucial policies will be deeply missed. Senator Ubah was a champion for progress and unity, who during his lifetime strived tirelessly to improve the living standard of those he represented”.
The chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramody, said, “It is with deep sorrow and profound regret that the Nigeria Senate announces the passing of our esteemed colleague, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who until his passing represented the Anambra South Senatorial District”.
“Senator Ubah was an exemplary leader, a committed public servant, and a tireless advocate for his constituents. His untimely departure represents a significant loss to the Senate, his community, and the nation at large.
his passing is a profound loss for both Anambra State and the country as a whole,” he added.
The 10th National Assembly has lost 4 members since inauguration
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the National Assembly had witnessed four deaths since its inauguration on June 13, 2023.
The lawmakers who have died since the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly include: Abdulkadir Danbuga, the lawmaker represented Isa/Sabon Birni Federal Constituency of Sokoto State; Isa Dogonyaro, a member of the House of Representatives who represented Babura/Garki Federal Constituency, Jigawa State; Musiliudeen Akinremi, he represented Ibadan North Federal Constituency, Oyo State.