By Joe Udo
ABUJA (CONVERSEER) – President Bola Tinubu has commiserated with the family, friends, and associates of late Chief Israel Ogbue, former Chairman of the United Bank for Africa (UBA), who passed away at the age of 99.
His commiseration was conveyed in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Sunday, 22 February 2026.
With a distinguished career in the Federal Civil Service, the National Insurance Corporation (NICON), and NAL Merchant Bank, Chief Ogbue served as a non-executive director of UBA from 2005 until 2011, when he was appointed Chairman. He served on the board until 2013. Throughout his tenure, he demonstrated dignity and strategic foresight, providing steady and principled leadership during a pivotal period in the bank’s transformation.
Chief Ogbue was the father of Dr Awele Elumelu, the wife of UBA Group Chairman Tony Elumelu.
The President extended his condolences to the Elumelu family and the extended family members over this loss. He also sympathises with UBA’s Board, management, and staff.
President Tinubu acknowledged the numerous testimonies praising the exemplary life and times of the late UBA Chairman, who was a devoted family man, committed public servant, and a Christian. He lived humbly, dedicating his time, treasures, and experience to serving the church, the poor, the vulnerable, and his community.
The President prayed that Almighty God would receive the soul of the departed patriarch and bless his family.
