By Gloria Acholonu (Imo State Correspondent, in Obowo)
The remains of Chief Alexander Chukwuemeka Mbakwe, first son of the late Chief Samuel Onunaka Mbakwe, the first civilian governor of old Imo State, were laid to rest on Friday, November 13, 2026, at his country home in Avutu, Obowo Local Government Area of Imo State, South East, Nigeria.
The funeral ceremony drew dignitaries from across the state and beyond, among them the deputy governor of Imo state, Her Excellency, Lady Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaru,
who represented her boss, governor Hope Uzodinma.
Also, the Imo state two-time Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security and a prominent son and political figure from Obowo town, Chief Longers Anyanwu (Ebubedike of Obowo), was present, among other leading political personalities, business leaders and associates of the Mbakwe family.
Chief Alex Mbakwe, an engineer by training, passed away recently after a brief illness, according to family sources. Until his death, he was a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State and was widely regarded as the heir apparent to his father’s political and community legacy.
Specifically, the burial rites of Chief Alex Mbakwe began on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, with a service of songs at the Sam Mbakwe Villa in Avutu, Obowo Local Government Area, where family, friends, and well-wishers gathered to sing and pray for the repose of his soul. The funeral service followed on Friday at Saint Paul’s Anglican Church, Avutu, Obowo, before his interment at his country home.
Representing the Imo state governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma at the ceremony, his deputy, Lady Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaru, who equally adorned a white lace dress for the funeral, conveyed the condolences of the Governor, the 3R Government, and the good people of Imo State to the bereaved Mbakwe family.
In the message, the Governor described the late Chief Alex Mbakwe as a good man, “a cheerful, loving and remarkable personality whose warmth and kindness endeared him to many,” while also reflecting on the enduring legacy of his father, the late Governor Sam Mbakwe, whose contributions to the development of Imo State remain deeply rooted in the state’s history.
Governor Uzodinma encouraged Chief Alex Mbakwe's family, particularly his wife, children, and the deceased's mother, Lady Victoria Mbakwe, the former First Lady of Imo State, to remain strong and find comfort in God during this difficult period, reminding all present of the importance of living meaningful lives and leaving lasting memories in the hearts of those encountered.
Chief Alex Mbakwe was born into one of the most storied political families in Imo State. His father, Dr. Sam Mbakwe, popularly known as “Dee Sam,” governed old Imo State from October 1, 1979, to December 31, 1983, and is widely remembered as the architect of modern Imo State. Under his administration, landmark institutions such as the Imo State University (IMSU), Owerri, and the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport were established, alongside other legacy projects including the Concord Hotel, Owerri, and the Imo Glass Industry. His leadership remains a benchmark against which successive administrations in the state are measured.
Following his father’s death in 2004, Chief Alex Mbakwe assumed the role of head of the Mbakwe family alongside his mother, Lady Victoria Mbakwe, and his sister, Patience. Though he never attained the political heights of his father, he, however, remained active in public life.
In 2003, he contested the Imo State governorship on the platform of the Party for Social Democracy (PSD), though with limited electoral impact. More recently, in 2023, he led his mother and other family members to endorse Governor Hope Uzodimma for a second term in office, conferring on the Governor the “Beacon of Hope for Good Governance” award under the platform of the Chief Sam Mbakwe Leadership Award 2023.
At that 2023 ceremony, Chief Alex Mbakwe spoke passionately about his father’s leadership, stating that, “My late father, until his demise, was a great leader, an icon who was highly recommended for his immense leadership achievements by Imolites and Nigerians… All we are saying is that let his leadership blueprints and achievements in governance be replicated by the governors of the state”. His words underscored a lifelong commitment to preserving and promoting the Mbakwe legacy.
The news of Chief Alex Mbakwe's passing in October 2026 sent shockwaves through Imo State, as many were unaware that he had been ill. Rt. Hon. Ike Ibe, a former Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, paid a condolence visit to Lady Victoria Mbakwe, describing the late Alex as “a great friend and brother whose passing has left a painful void”. “May the soul of my brother and friend Alex rest in peace, and may his memory be a blessing. May God take absolute control,” Ibe said.
The Mbakwe family has remained a respected institution in Imo State politics. In December 2025, Lady Victoria Mbakwe commended Governor Hope Uzodimma for his consistent support for the family, noting that he had stood by them “without waiting for festive seasons”. The Governor’s representation at the burial ceremony further underscored the enduring relationship between the Uzodimma administration and the Mbakwe dynasty.
Chief Alex Mbakwe is survived by his wife, children, his mother, Lady Victoria Mbakwe, his sister, Patience, and a host of other relatives and associates. As his remains were committed to the earth in Avutu, Obowo, the ceremony marked not only the end of a life, but also the continuation of a family name that has become synonymous with the history and development of Imo State.
The Governor’s message concluded with a prayer that echoed the sentiments of many in attendance, which is that “...God grant his soul eternal rest and give the entire Mbakwe family the strength to bear this irreparable loss. Amen.” NNL.
