A former governor of Anambra State, Dr Chinwoke Mbadinuju, has been announced dead.

Mbadinuju was said to have died at the National Hospital in Abuja on Tuesday, at the age of 78.

Mbadinuju, who was fondly called “Odera”, was the Anambra governor between 1999 and 2003 under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.

A press statement signed by his son, Mr Cheta Mbadinuju, on behalf of the family on Tuesday, revealed that he died after a brief illness.

The statement read, “With heavy hearts but utmost gratitude to God for a life well spent, we announce the passing of our father, grandfather, uncle, friend and associate, Dr Chinwoke Mbadinuju, a former governor of Anambra State and elder statesman.

“Odera, as he was fondly called, passed peacefully at the age of 78 years on the morning of April 11, 2023 at the National Hospital, Abuja after a brief illness, surrounded by his family and loved ones.

“At this trying time, we pray for God’s grace and mercy upon him and those left behind to mourn him. His funeral arrangements will be announced in due course by the family.”

Mbadinuju, was said to have governed Anambra at a time when the state experienced the highest level of political turbulent.