Former PDP National Secretary, Rex Onyeabo, passes away at 80

By EZEKIEL OBI, Abuja-

Family of Sir Rex Onyeabo, a former National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has announced his passing at the age of 80.

Dr. Obiora Onyeabo, his son, confirmed in a statement released on Thursday in Enugu that the respected PDP leader died peacefully on August 7, 2025.

“With profound sorrow yet deep gratitude for a remarkable life, we, the Onyeabo family of Enugu State, announce the passing of our beloved patriarch, Chief (Sir) Rex Chuma Onyeabo (KSM),” the statement read.

Onyeabo, revered as the Eze-Ugo 1 of the Abuja Igbo Community, Onwa na-etili Ora 1 of Ugbawka, Ijele 1 na Akaegbe-Ugwu, and Ada-Idaha of the Efik Kingdom, was a founding member of the PDP.

He served as its National Secretary in 1999 and remained a member of the party’s Board of Trustees until his death.

A Carnegie Mellon University engineering graduate, Onyeabo dedicated his life to public service upon returning to Nigeria.

He held prominent roles, including deputy chairman of the Federal Capital Development Authority’s governing board, chairman of the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital’s governing council, and chairman of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital.

Additionally, he served as chairman of Nike Lake Resort Hotels in Enugu and as permanent secretary in the Enugu State Ministry of Works, Housing, and Transport. His contributions extended to roles in the Local Government Services Commission, the Information and Culture sector, and as chairman of the Institute of Directors in Abuja.

Beyond public service, Onyeabo was a successful entrepreneur, managing several thriving businesses.

A devout Catholic, he was a committed member of the Knights of St. Mulumba and actively participated in the Abuja and Enugu Catholic communities.

The family stated, “Funeral arrangements will be shared in due time. We kindly request your prayers and support during this period.” For inquiries, they directed contacts to Dr. Obiora Onyeabo and Mr. Arinze Onyeabo at 08023355509 or 08144151675, or via email at Onwaliveson2025@gmail.com.