The House of Representatives has mourned former lawmaker and National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) chieftain, Chief Ralph Kanu Obioha, with Speaker Tajudeen Abbas assuring his family that the National Assembly would send a delegation to his burial in Imo State.
The House’s decision followed a death notification presented on Wednesday by Ikenga Ugochinyere Ikeagwuonu, who represents Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency.
Obioha, the Okuruisizuruoha I of Arondizuogu, died on October 24, 2026, aged 80.
A member of the House during the Second Republic between 1979 and 1983, Obioha later emerged as a prominent figure in Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
He was a founding leader of NADECO, the coalition that mobilised opposition to military rule and campaigned for the restoration of democratic governance in the country.
His contributions to the struggle for democracy earned him recognition as one of the figures associated with Nigeria’s fight against military dictatorship.
Beyond his involvement in the pro-democracy movement, Obioha founded and chaired the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Caretaker Committee and served as chairman of the Justice Party.
In June 2026, the Federal Government honoured him for his contributions to the June 12 struggle.
During the presentation of the death notification, the deceased’s family appealed to the leadership of the House to send representatives to his funeral and observe a minute of silence in his honour.
Responding, Speaker Abbas assured the family that the House would be represented at the burial scheduled for Friday, December 11, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.
The funeral will take place at Obioha’s compound in Ndi-Akeme, Arondizuogu, Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State.
The House extended its condolences to the bereaved family, the people of Arondizuogu and the wider political community, recognising Obioha’s contributions to legislative service and the struggle for democratic rule in Nigeria.
