Former House of Reps member , Ojougboh, slumps, dies watching Nigeria, South Africa match
An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain and former member of the House of Representatives, who represented the Ika Federal constituency of Delta state at the National Assembly, Cairo Ojougboh, is dead.
Ojougboh, who was popular for being outspoken, reportedly died on Wednesday, February 7, while watching Nigeria’s semi-final clash against South Africa at the ongoing 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
A reliable source reported that the politician died during a penalty kick against Nigeria.
The source said: “As soon as a penalty kick was awarded against Nigeria during the AFCON match with South Africa on Wednesday’s semi-final clash in Bouake, Ivory Coast, he slumped.”
Ojougboh, a former project director of the interim board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), was one of the APC chieftains expelled from the party over alleged anti-party activities during the 2023 general election. The expulsion letter was signed by Hilary Ibude, the chairman of the APC in the Ika South local government area of the state, and dated March 27. Ibude stated that the late Ojougboh was expelled from the party after a series of petitions accusing him of orchestrating the failure of the party.
In his defence, Ojougboh denied the allegation, adding that it was the handwork of the former deputy senate president, Ovie Omo-Agege and some members of the APC executive in the state. The national leadership of the APC later nullified his expulsion in June 2023.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has taken to his social media page to mourn the late politician, describing him as a close friend and patriotic person.
His tweet reads in part: “The sudden passing of my close friend, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, deeply saddens me. His love for our country was profound.” Lauretta Onochie, a former chairman of the NDDC and ex-aide to the immediate past president Muhammadu Buhari, has also taken to her social media page to mourn the politician.
