Chief Benjamin Afagu Ekwealor, a respected statesman, educator, and legal practitioner, has died at the age of 89.
His family confirmed in a statement on Wednesday that he passed away on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at his home in Nzam, Anambra West Local Government Area of Anambra State.
His son, Mr Chuba Ekwealor, stated that his father, a trained lawyer, applied his legal expertise across various areas of public service.
In 1998, the Anambra State government appointed him to the Judicial Service Commission as a representative of the Nigerian Bar, a position he held for nearly ten years.
He gained recognition for his principled approach and unwavering dedication to judicial integrity during his time on the commission.
Before fully transitioning into law and politics, Chief Ekwealor had a distinguished career in education, retiring as a school principal in 1977. That same year, he answered the call of his community to enter politics.
As a member of the now-defunct National Party of Nigeria, he secured election to the Old Anambra State House of Assembly in 1979. He won re-election in 1983 and eventually served as Speaker of the Assembly, which then encompassed the present-day states of Anambra, Enugu, and Ebonyi.
Outside political office, Chief Ekwealor earned wide respect as a community leader and elder statesman who dedicated his life to public service.
His enduring legacy spans law, education, and politics, leaving a meaningful impact on Anambra State and beyond.
He is survived by six children and several grandchildren. The family is expected to announce funeral arrangements in the coming days.