Ojo Maduekwe died 3 days before his wife’s birthday – Source

– Maduekwe, a former minister of foreign affairs, was aged 71

– He died at a time his family were preparing for a celebration

A source close to the Late Chief Ojo Maduekwe has told NAIJ.com that the former minister died just three days to the celebration of his wife’s birthday.

Chief Maduekwe’s spouse, Mrs Ucha Maduekwe was said to be preparing to celebrate her birthday on Saturday, July 2.

According to the source who choose to be anonymous, efforts were already in top gear to celebrate Mrs Maduekwe by her friends and family before the sudden death of her husband.

His words: ”Madam was supposed to celebrate her birthday on Saturday, and preparations were ongoing by everybody to ensure it went well.

”That was even why oga was returning back to Nigeria. Unfortunately he died few minutes after he landed. We are still in shock.”

The source also revealed that some of the relations of Mrs Maduekwe outside the shores of Nigeria were already around for the birthday, adding that the clothes meant for the party had also been distributed.

”Aso-ebi had been distributed and the family had invited all their loved ones only for this to happen. It is just sad.” he added.

The Late Maduekwe was said to have fallen ill on a flight from Dubai and was rushed to the hospital as soon as the plane landed in Abuja where he passed away before doctors could attend to him.

Family, friends and associates have paying homage to a man many say had a calming influence in Nigeria’s political space.

correspondent was at the home of the Maduekwes this morning at the Ministers Hill, Mabushi where many prominent Nigerians had gathered to pay their respects.

Early callers at the residence include former minister of Niger Delta affairs; Elder Godsday Orubebe, former governor of Rivers state; Dr Peter Odili, former deputy governor of Plateau state; Mrs Pauline Tallen and former minister of health, Dr ABC Nwosu.