The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Nigeria’s political community have been thrown into mourning following the death of Sir Rex Chuma Onyeabo, a former National Secretary of the party. He died at the age of 80.
His passing was confirmed in a statement issued on Thursday, August 14, in Enugu by his son, Dr. Obiora Onyeabo, who revealed that the veteran politician and statesman passed away peacefully on August 7, 2025.
“With heavy hearts but gratitude to God for a life well spent, the Onyeabo family of Enugu State announces the passing of our patriarch and statesman, Chief (Sir) Rex Chuma Onyeabo (KSM),” Dr. Obiora said.
Chief Onyeabo, fondly remembered as the Eze-Ugo I of Abuja Igbo Community, Onwa na-etili Ora I of Ugbawka, Ijele I na Akaegbe-Ugwu, and Ada-Idaha of Efik Kingdom, was a founding member of the PDP and served as its National Secretary in 1999. He was also a member of the party’s Board of Trustees until his death.
A distinguished professional, Onyeabo was an engineering graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, USA. He returned to Nigeria to serve in various leadership positions, including Deputy Chairman of the Federal Capital Development Authority, Chairman of the Governing Council at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, and Chairman of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital.
He also chaired the Nike Lake Resort Hotels Board, served as Permanent Secretary in the Enugu State Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport, and headed the Local Government Services Commission as well as the Information and Culture Department.
Beyond politics, Sir Rex was a respected businessman, running several successful enterprises. A devout Catholic, he was a member of the Noble Order of Knights of St. Mulumba and played active roles in both the Abuja and Enugu Catholic communities.
The family has announced that funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course, requesting prayers and support during this period.
“Sir Rex Onyeabo lived a life of service to God, community and country. We are comforted by the knowledge that his legacy will live on,” the statement concluded.
