Chief Israel C. Ogbue, former Chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc and father-in-law to businessman Mr. Tony Elumelu, has passed on at the age of 99.
Gatekeepers News reports that the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of UBA announced his death in a statement on Wednesday, describing his passing as a profound loss to the institution and the Nigerian corporate sector.
Born on February 18, 1927, in Onicha-Olona, Delta State, Chief Ogbue began his career in the Federal Civil Service before travelling to the United Kingdom for further studies. He later built a distinguished professional path at the National Insurance Corporation of Nigeria (NICON), where he rose through senior management ranks and served until his retirement in 1988.
After his exit from NICON, his reputation for discipline, integrity, and sound corporate governance earned him board appointments across several major institutions, including UBA. He joined the UBA Board in 2005 as a Non-Executive Director and became Chairman in 2011, a position he held until 2013.
During his tenure, he provided firm and principled leadership at a critical period in the bank’s transformation, strengthening its corporate governance framework, accountability standards, and long-term sustainability strategy.
Beyond the boardroom, Chief Ogbue was a devoted family man, mentor, and man of faith. He was the father of Dr. Awele Elumelu and father-in-law to UBA Group Chairman, Mr. Tony Elumelu.
UBA Group extended its heartfelt condolences to the deceased’s children, grandchildren, extended family, friends and associates. It added, “We celebrate a remarkable life of service, wisdom and impact, and we honour his invaluable contributions to UBA and to Nigeria’s corporate landscape.”
Chief Ogbue is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren. Funeral arrangements will be announced by the family in due course.
