We received the news of the passing in Lagos on 12th January 2021 of the Late Chief (Senator) Onyeabo Obi, Os’oji Nnewi, with a sense of loss and shock. Senator Onyeabo Obi was an alumnus of the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), the globally renowned social sciences university.
He was admitted to the School in 1959 and graduated in 1962 with the LLB. During the period of British colonial rule, the spirit of LSE, understanding the causes of things for the betterment of society, inspired generations of African LSE alumni to serve as leaders and changemakers upon their return to Africa. The LSE was then considered as the training ground of future African nationalist leaders and policymakers, while Oxford and Cambridge universities were deemed as nurturing future Colonial administrators. Onyeabo Obi imbibed the spirit of LSE, which inspired his style of selfless and inspirational leadership in his chosen fields of human endeavour.
In the legal profession, Senator Obi held several leadership positions, including Life Bencher, Member, Panel of Conciliators, International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes, Washington DC and Past President, Otu Oka Iwu. As a politician, he was a pioneer member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and member, PDP Board of Trustees. As a community leader, he was a former Chairman, Body of Titled Chiefs of Nnewi and Member, Igwe of Nnewi’s Cabinet.
Following the reactivation of the London School of Economics Alumni Association of Nigeria (LAAN) in 2005, Senator Onyeabo Obi served as a senior and committed member. He cherished his LSE experience and the bonds of friendship he formed with other international students. He was always proud that one of his children, Uzoamaka, followed his footsteps in graduating from the LSE. In recognition of his support and contribution to the LAAN, Senator Obi was recently appointed as Chairman of the pioneer Board of Trustees of LAAN. We will sorely miss his wit and wise counsel at our meetings.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, the Executive Committee, and the entire membership of LAAN, I wish to convey our deepest condolences to the entire Obi family on his passing. We shall keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers, particularly Uzoamaka, our fellow alum, and Evelyn, his wife of over 50 years. May his gentle soul continue to rest in perfect peace.
Your sincerely, Ubadigbo Okonkwo President