The people of Ebenator community in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State were thrown into mourning over the weekend following the death of their illustrious son and former Member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Dr. Harry Nnabueze Oranezi (Ifèmba).
The sad development, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, January 24, was confirmed in a statement issued on Sunday by the leadership of Ebenator Development Union (E.D.U.) and signed by the Community’s Public Relations Officer, Izunna Okafor, on behalf of the President-General, Amb. Henry Chigozie Anadi.
According to the statement, the passing of Dr. Oranezi, which occurred after a brief illness as was revealed by his elder brother, Barr. Chidi Oranezi, has cast a dark cloud of grief over the community, leaving behind pain, silence, and a huge irreplaceable vacuum in the community. E.D.U. further disclosed that the loss was particularly painful as it occurred only a few weeks after the late lawmaker marked his 59th birthday while still on his sick bed.
Providing details of his public life, Okafor noted that Dr. Oranezi, a medical doctor by profession, represented the Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives between 2003 and 2007, and was also the Director-General of the Atiku-Obi Presidential Campaign Council in Anambra State during the 2019 general elections.
The statement added that Oranezi, who was also a top aspirant for the Nnewi North/Nnewi South/Ekwusigo Federal Constituency during the 2023 general elections and the brain behind the Man behind the AKA Aja-Aja Youth Empowerment Programme under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), remained a prominent and influential political figure until his death.
Beyond his political career, the E.D.U. described Dr. Oranezi as a deeply rooted community man whose loyalty and commitment to Ebenator Ozulọgụ never flinched. According to the Union, he consistently carried the progress, honour, and development of his community as a personal responsibility.
The Union disclosed that throughout his lifetime, Dr. Oranezi was guided by the belief that leadership must be measured by impact, sacrifice, and service to humanity, which was a principle that shaped his engagements both in public office and within the community. The Union also highlighted that his interventions cut across social development, infrastructure support, and humanitarian assistance, leaving visible and lasting footprints across Ebenator.
Citing one of the most notable contributions credited to him, the Union referred to his instrumental role in the recent tarring of the major entrance into Ebenator community, from Ebenator Junction down to Orienwankwọ Market. The project, according to the statement, progressed and was completed even while he was still on sick bed, and has significantly eased transportation, boosted commercial activities, and restored dignity to the community’s main access road.
Okafor, in the statement, further revealed that Dr. Oranezi was widely known for his uncommon compassion and sense of responsibility to the less privileged, noting that he remained accessible and responsive to calls for help, counsel, and intervention, even while on his sick bed.
As further evidence of his commitment to youth development, the community leadership recalled that even the most recent edition of the Ebenator Youth Football Tournament held during the yuletide season was dedicated to him.
Describing him as more than a political leader, the community said Dr. Oranezi was a bridge-builder, a stabilising force, a benefactor, and a dependable voice whose influence extended beyond Ebenator to Nnewi South, Anambra State, and Nigeria at large.
The E.D.U. described his death as a monumental loss, stating that although the Iroko tree has fallen, its legacy of service, compassion, and commitment to community development will endure for generations yet unborn.
The community leadership also extended its deepest condolences to his wife (whose birthday was his last post on his social media handle), children, and the entire Oranezi family, as well as to all those whose lives he touched through his service, leadership and philanthropy, while also praying for the peaceful repose of his soul.
“May the soul of Hon. Dr. Harry Oranezi find eternal rest, and may his legacy of commitment, compassion, and community service continue to inspire generations yet unborn,” the statement concluded.
