Ikedife was defender of the poor, oppressed – Oye

Dr Victor Oye, National Chairman, All Progressives Grand Alliance, has lamented the death of Chief Dozie Ikedife, former President-General of Igbo Socio-Cultural organisation, Ohaneze Ndi Igbo.
Oye said in Awka on Thursday that the late Ikedife was a man who devoted his lifetime to the defence of the poor and oppressed in the society.
Ikedife, born on August 24, 1932, died at about 7 pm on December 11, in his Nnewi country home, Anambra at the age of 86 years.
He was buried in his home in Otolo village, Nnewi on Wednesday evening according to his wish.
Oye said his demise will leave an indelible mark in the hearts of those who were close to him and understood what he stood for.
The chairman recalled the statesman’s contribution to national development and Igbo unity, especially during his reign as president-general of Ohaneze.
He said: “Dr. Dozie Ikedife led a life of devotion to the cause of the poor and oppressed and entrenchment of social justice and equality.
“His death at this time of our national development is a huge loss to all of us, especially those that believed in the ideals for which he lived and died.
“As the president-general of Ohaneze Ndigbo, he left an indelible imprint for which generations unborn will remember him.
“We condole with the family over this irreplaceable loss and pray God to console them.”
Also mourning, Oseloka Obaze, a Peoples Democratic Party chieftain in Anambra, said Ikedife was a true Igbo son who would be sorely missed.
Obaze, a former gubernatorial candidate in Anambra said on his tweeter handle that Ikedife was a gift to humanity.
He said: “The passing away of Dr Dozie Ikedife is a loss of a true son of Igboland and an eminent Nigerian.
“Ikenga Nnewi as he was popularly known was a bold and blunt man who always spoke the truth to power.
“He didn’t suffer fools gladly, but all the same was quite witty; he served humanity well and will be missed.”
Ikedife was a reputable medical practitioner; he acquired a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery degrees from the University of Glasgow, Scotland in 1958 and 1959 respectively.