Explainer: The Sad Story of How Dora Akunyili’s Husband Got Murdered Returning From An Event to Honour His Late Wife

Dr Chike Akunyili, the husband of late ex-Information Minister, Prof. Dora Akunyili, is dead.

He was murdered by unknown gunmen yesterday, September 28, 2021.

Here’s what happened

Akunyili was reportedly on his way back from an event to honour his late wife, Dora, who passed away in 2014.

According to a source close to the family, he received a posthumous award of excellence for his late wife and made a donation of N500,000 to the organisers of the event which was held at Onitsha.

His late wife was the Director-General of the National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC). Under her leadership, the association received global acclaim, from 2001 to 2008.

Telling The Nation about the event, the anonymous source said, “I was with this man yesterday same yesterday at Sharon Hall, All Saints Cathedral, Onitsha. It was an occasion of University of Nigeria Nsukka Alumni Association (UNAA), Onitsha branch event where they honoured late Dora Akunyili.

“He spoke glowingly about Dora and made a donation of 500k to the association. He was there with his son, Obum now working with Anambra State government. We saw them off to the car and it was emotional when Obum hugged him tight as both of them separated to join their respective vehicles. Obum was in a white Hilux while the man was in a big Jeep (I think Prado). God have mercy!”

Returning from Onitsha to Umuoji at Eke Nkpor, Anambra State in the evening, Dr Akunyili came across hoodlums who shot him in the head in the company of his driver and escort.

Punch reports that the hoodlums were chanting, “No election in Anambra in November.”

The news has been confirmed by the Anambra State Commissioner for Information.

Who killed Dr Akunyili?

Initial reports blamed the killing on members of the separatist Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB) who were enforcing a sit-at-home and election boycott directive in the state.

Several hours later, the group has put out a statement distancing itself from the murder. The group claims the killing is an assassination with political motives.

“We have no issues with Chike Akunyili and we don’t know him, those behind this act must stop this and stop using IPOB name, we don’t want anybody to blame IPOB because we must get them, this is pure political assassination going on in Anambra State now and it been perfected by Nigeria DSS security agents are doing this to paint IPOB back in the face of support and encouragement we are getting from our people, the statement reads.

“We know their plans and gimmick to discourage Biafrans who are encouraging and supporting us but it can’t work for them, in the near future those committing these atrocities in Imo and Anambra state will hear from IPOB and our people should not blame us because we must get them.”

The group’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, added that anyone guilty of trying to ruin the group’s public image would be dealt with.

The recent unrest in the southeast region which has resulted in the death of dozens of civilians and security operatives have been attributed to IPOB and its militant wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

Following the painful incident, Punch reports that the Agulu community is mourning their loss adding that “Nobody is ready to talk to the Press.”

Today, September 29th, the Senate observed a minute silence to mourn his death.

Prior to his murder, Dr Akunyili was the Medical Director of St. Leo Hospital Enugu. He was also an academician, who contributed to Nigeria’s healthcare sector.