Lagos-based businessman and politician, High Chief Okey Ezeibe, has been found dead in his hotel room in Owerri, Imo State.
Ezeibe, who was from neighbouring Anambra State, was in Owerri for a scheduled meeting with Chief Martins Agbaso, the Imo State 2027 governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
The businessman was initially expected to meet Agbaso over dinner on Saturday, but the meeting was postponed after the NDC candidate travelled to Delta State for another engagement. The two subsequently agreed to meet over breakfast on Sunday, September 20.
However, when Ezeibe failed to arrive at the agreed time, his associates went to his hotel room and knocked repeatedly. They eventually forced the door open and found him dead inside.
Although reports suggested that he may have suffered a heart attack, the circumstances surrounding his death had not been officially established as of the time of filing this report.
Until his death, Ezeibe was the Chief Executive Officer and founder of Legacy Motors, also known as Legacy Urban Peony Services Limited. He was also a former President and Board of Trustees member of the Balogun Business Association (BBA) in Lagos.
Ezeibe was a longtime friend of former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar. Atiku had travelled to Marrakech, Morocco, in May to chair the wedding of Ezeibe’s son, Muna, who married Cherina, daughter of former Burkina Faso Prime Minister Lassina Zerbo.
Atiku had described his attendance at the wedding as an honour to a personal friendship with Ezeibe spanning more than 45 years.
In the build-up to the 2027 elections, Ezeibe was also reported to have supported the presidential bid of NDC candidate Peter Obi.
News of his death has sparked tributes from friends and associates, who described him as humble, accessible and influential in Lagos’ business community.
Chief Emeka Alex Duru, in a WhatsApp group message, described Ezeibe as “simplicity personified” and credited him with playing a major role in the development of the Balogun Business Association, popularly known as Lagos Trade Fair Market.
Another associate, Sir Ike Abonyi, described his death as “devastating,” recalling him as “such a humble, easy-going man.”
About The Author
