Ohakim Mourns Paddy Obinna, Describe him as an advocate of egalitarianism, equity, fairness, justice"

 

Former Governor of Imo State, Dr. Ikedi Ohakim is deeply saddened by the passing of elder statesman, foremost art curator, and custodian of Igbo aesthetic heritage, Ndaa Paddy Obinna, who died at the age of 82.

In a condolence message on Friday, Dr. Ohakim said the news has left him “traumatised and devastated.”

“The art community, the people of Imo, and all lovers of equity, fairness, and justice have been jolted by this very sad and irreplaceable loss. With Ndaa Paddy’s death, a mighty Iroko tree has fallen in Imo,” he said.

Dr. Ohakim described the late patriarch as one of the earliest voices in the Southeast who insisted that “art is not mere decoration, but documentation.”

“He gave Ndigbo identity through art and culture. As a curator, he built collections, supported young painters and sculptors, and opened his home and gallery in Emekuku to students, researchers, and collectors. Those spaces became quiet classrooms where Igbo motifs and contemporary expression met, spoke, and endured,” he stated.

The former governor noted that Ndaa Paddy lived a life of uncommon reach and restraint. “As an elder statesman, he was measured in speech, steady in counsel, and generous with his time. He believed elders are not repositories of history but bridges between generations. As a democrat and advocate of egalitarianism, he preached equity, fairness, good conscience, and justice for all,” Dr. Ohakim said.

He added that Ndaa Paddy leaves behind an enduring standard: “that culture must be tended, that elders must teach and speak truth, and that the family must be held together in love and duty.”

Dr. Ohakim recalled with gratitude the deep bond between Ndaa Paddy and his younger brother, His Grace, Most Rev. Anthony J.V. Obinna, Archbishop Emeritus of Owerri. “It was rooted in shared values of faith, learning, discipline, and service to God and community. Ndaa Paddy took pride in his brother’s episcopal ministry, while the Archbishop drew strength from Ndaa Paddy’s wisdom and cultural grounding,” he noted.

The former governor extended heartfelt condolences to the entire Obinna family of Umuocham, Emekuku, Owerri North LGA, and to the people of Imo State.

“Though our patriarch has gone to be with the Saints Triumphant, his worthy legacies are indelible. Ndaa Paddy was a man of innovation and an ensemble of ideas. We will miss him dearly,” he said.

May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace,Dr.Ohakim prayed.