The Anambra State House of Assembly is mourning the loss of former Deputy Speaker Ikechukwu Oseke, who passed away on Monday at the age of 64.
Oseke, who had celebrated his last birthday on July 27, reportedly collapsed during his morning exercise at the Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, the Anambra State capital. He was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Born in 1960, Oseke hailed from Umuawulu in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State. He represented Awka South 2 Constituency in the State House of Assembly from 2011 to 2019 under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). During his tenure, he served as the Deputy Speaker of the sixth Anambra State House of Assembly.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Speaker of the Anambra State Assembly, Somtochukwu Udeze, expressed deep sorrow over Oseke’s death, describing it as a “rude shock and devastating” for the legislative institution.
Udeze praised the late deputy speaker for his distinguished service, particularly his contributions to his political career, during which he empowered many people and initiated numerous constituency projects.
He added, “The deceased was known for his peaceful disposition, humane nature, philanthropy, legislative expertise, and conviviality. His community of Umuawulu in Awka South LGA, the State House of Assembly, Anambra State, and Nigeria at large have lost one of their finest politicians.”
The Speaker extended his condolences to Oseke’s immediate family, urging them to uphold his legacy of excellent service to God and humanity as a devout Christian.
In addition to his legislative career, Oseke had also contested APGA’s primary to represent the Awka North and Awka South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. Although he lost to the late Anayo Nnebe, who became the party’s flag bearer, Oseke went on to enter the freight forwarding business in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and later started importing fish feed. He also pursued his legal studies and recently completed a Ph.D. in Public Administration.
Oseke is survived by his wife, children, and other relatives.
