The Board of Directors, Management, and Staff of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc have announced the death of their former Chairman, Chief Israel C. Ogbue. He died peacefully on Wednesday at the age of 99.

A respected figure in corporate governance, Chief Ogbue dedicated over six decades to Nigeria's public and private sectors. Born on February 18, 1927, in Onicha-Olona, Delta State, he began his career in the Federal Civil Service before pursuing further studies in the United Kingdom (UK). He built a distinguished career at the National Insurance Corporation of Nigeria (NICON), where he served until his retirement in 1988.

Chief Ogbue's expertise led to appointments to the boards of several institutions, including UBA. He joined the UBA Board in 2005 as a Non-Executive Director and was appointed Chairman in 2011, a position he held until his retirement in 2013. During his tenure, he emphasized corporate governance, accountability, and long-term sustainability.

He was the father of Dr. Awele Elumelu and father-in-law to the Group Chairman of UBA Group, Mr. Tony Elumelu.

UBA Group released a statement expressing condolences to his family and celebrating his contributions to the bank and Nigeria's corporate landscape.

Chief Ogbue is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren. Funeral arrangements will be announced by the family later.