Ifeanyi Ubah, a brave leader who spoke out against IPOB’s destructive ways, is gone.
He left a big gap in the South East and Nigeria.
When others were too afraid to talk, Ubah boldly spoke up for peace and unity.
Now, his voice is silenced, but his legacy lives on.
As Nigerians mourn the passing of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, the life, time, and legacy of the man, described as a human octopus, has now come under the spotlight of public attention.
Ubah, a senator representing Anambra South senatorial district passed away early Saturday morning, July 27, 2024 at 52, in London, the UK.
Analysts described him as a brave politician, consummate business mogul, and passionate sports investor.
‘A brief background’
Born on September 3, 1971, Ifeanyi Ubah rose to the prominence of different career trajectories due to his industry, resilience, and doggedness. Ifeanyi, the first son of seven children to Mr. and Mrs. Alphonsus Ubah in Otolo, one of the four quarters of Nnewi in Anambra state, Nigeria.
Despite a challenging start that led to his withdrawal from Premiere Academy in Abuja, Ifeanyi Ubah went on to forge a unique path to success.
He leveraged the vast opportunities in Nigeria and beyond to build a thriving business empire.
According to reports, he became a prominent exporter of motor tyres and spare parts, dominating the West African market, including Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and DR Congo, before expanding his business reach to Europe
He later founded Capital Oil and Gas Limited in 2001, followed by the Authority Newspaper and Ifeanyi Ubah F.C in 2015.
‘Against the run of IPOB’
In 2014, when Ifeanyi Ubah lost the Anambra governorship election under the platform of the Labor Party, he had no idea he would one day stand against the deadly IPOB. Though he contested and won election and re-election to the red chamber under the Young Progressives Party, he decamped to the APC on October 12, 2023.
While alive, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah was a champion of his people. He dared in the faces of intimidation and victimization. He was a vocal critic against the disruptive and destructive activities of IPOB. He also leveraged his influence to fight the organization to a standstill. Regardless of whose ox is gored, he never backs down in his choice of action.
He once led a massive rally against the sit-at-home IPOB order in Anambra. He said as a representative of the good people of Anambra South (District), Nnewi North, he deemed it fit to say enough is enough to the harmful IPOB order. He said the region cannot allow the activities of a group to ground its socioeconomic activities because of their selfish interests.
‘ A treasure stake in football’
In 2015, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah founded the FC Ifeanyi Ubah following the acquisition of Gabros international football club. Nine years after its formation, the club nicknamed, ‘Anambra Warriors’ became a household name owing to its impressive stats. In 2016, the club won the historic Federation Cup after beating Nasarawa United FC on penalties. It was a club major trophy. Apart from its remarkable stats, the club also attracted foreign players from as far as Brazil which added more feathers to the laurel of Nigerian football.
He was survived by a wife and five children.
