Tinubu mourns of UBA’s ex-chairman Ogbue at 99

Abdullateef Fowewe

President Bola Tinubu has expressed profound grief over the death of Chief Israel Ogbue, the former Chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA), who passed away at the age of 99.

In a statement issued on Sunday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu described Ogbue as a towering figure whose legacy endures.

“With a distinguished career in the Federal Civil Service, the National Insurance Corporation (NICON), and NAL Merchant Bank, Chief Ogbue served as a non-executive director of UBA from 2005 until 2011, when he was appointed Chairman,” the statement noted.

“He served on the board until 2013. Throughout his tenure, he displayed dignity and strategic foresight and provided steady, principled leadership during a pivotal period in the bank’s transformation.”

Ogbue, father of Dr Awele Elumelu—the wife of UBA Group Chairman Tony Elumelu—left an indelible mark beyond banking.

The President hailed him as “a devoted family man, committed public servant, and a Christian” who “lived humbly, dedicating his time, treasures, and experience to serving the church, the poor, the vulnerable, and his community.”

Tinubu extended condolences to the Elumelu family, UBA’s board, management, and staff, praying that “Almighty God will receive the soul of the departed patriarch and bless his family.”