Arthur Mbanefo, a former Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations, has died at the age of 95.
Gatekeepers News reports that the family confirmed his death in a statement issued by Nwakibie Mbanefo, saying the elder statesman passed away in December.
Born in June 1930, Mbanefo held the traditional titles of Odu-Osodi III of Onitsha and Oluwo Adimula of Ife. He was widely regarded as a distinguished diplomat and administrator, known for his integrity and decades of public service in Nigeria and internationally.
At the United Nations, Mbanefo served as Chairman of the Group of 77, a coalition of developing countries, where he played a prominent role in advancing the interests of the Global South. He also made significant contributions to Nigeria’s higher education sector, serving as pro-chancellor of the University of Lagos, the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
A chartered accountant by profession, Mbanefo was a former president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. He also chaired Nigeria’s commission on state creation.
In recognition of his service to the nation, he was conferred with several national honours, including the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) and the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON). He also received national honours from Italy and Brazil.
Beyond public service, the family described Mbanefo as a committed philanthropist who invested heavily in education and the advancement of knowledge. Among his enduring legacies is the Arthur Mbanefo Digital Research Centre at the University of Lagos.
The family said details of funeral arrangements would be announced later.
Mbanefo is survived by his children, grandchildren and extended family members.
