A former governor of Abia State, Senator Orji Kalu, on Monday announced the death of his wife, Ifeoma. She was aged 61.
The Chief Whip of the Senate made the announcement on his official social media page.
Kalu wrote: “With a heavy heart and pain, we announce the passing onto the eternal glory of Mrs Ifeoma Ada Kalu, aged 61.
“She was a woman of virtue who was committed to the service of God and humanity.”
Kalu added, “A memorial service in her honour is scheduled to hold in the United States of America. Please, remember her and her loved ones in prayers during this difficult period. May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.”
In a statement on Monday, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, expressed shock over the death of Kalu’s wife.
Ohanaeze, in a statement by its spokesperson, Dr Alex Ogbonnia said, “Although death is an inevitable reality for all mortals, it is the reminisces that we shall forever miss her beauty, charm, warmth, care, passion and the invaluable services she rendered to humanity while alive that throw us into deep mourning.
“While we send our condolences to the distinguished senator, the children and the extended family we also pray to the Almighty to grant the soul of Mrs Ifeoma Orji Uzor Kalu an eternal rest in his bosom.”
Also, the President-elect, Bola Tinubu, in a statement by his media aide, Tunde Rahman, commiserated with Kalu.
“Please be consoled by the memories of the good time you both shared and the fact that the late Mrs Ifeoma Kalu lived most of her life in the service of God and humanity,” Tinubu said.
The President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan,also condoled with Kalu.
He said, “The death of a darling wife is traumatic and harrowing but we must accept the will of the Almighty.
“We further take consolation in the fact that Mrs Kalu lived a virtuous life invested in the service of family, community and God,” Lawan said in a statement.
Also, the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, described Ifeoma’s death as shocking.
He said, “On behalf of my family and the people of Lagos State, I commiserate with former Governor of Abia State and Senate Chief Whip, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, on the demise of his beloved wife of 33 years, Mrs Ifeoma Ada Kalu.
“I also sympathise with all the children of the deceased – Neya Uzor Kalu, Michael Uzor Kalu, Olivia Uzor Kalu, and Nicole Uzor Kalu – over the death of their mother.”
