Abia Governor Alex Otti mourns Professor Gregory Ibe, the 2023 APGA governorship candidate and founder of Gregory University, Uturu, following his death.
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has expressed sadness over the death of Professor Gregory Ikechukwu Ibe, the 2023 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), describing his passing as shocking.
Ibe, founder and Chancellor of Gregory University, Uturu, died on Sunday, October 18, 2026, after battling health challenges, according to reports and a statement from his family.
Otti’s condolence message was contained in a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma.
The governor described Ibe as an illustrious son of Abia whose contributions to education and research had made an impact in the state and across Nigeria.
According to the statement, Otti had joined other well-wishers in hoping that the respected academic, administrator and philanthropist would recover from the illness he had battled for some time.
“Unfortunately, he couldn’t. We cannot question God,” the statement said.
The governor acknowledged Ibe’s contributions to the education sector, particularly through the establishment of Gregory University, Uturu, which expanded access to tertiary education in Abia State.
Ibe also contested the 2023 governorship election in Abia on the platform of APGA, in which he ran against Otti and other candidates.
Otti urged the deceased’s family, friends and associates to draw comfort from the life he lived and the contributions he made to society.
He encouraged them not to grieve without hope but to take solace in Ibe’s achievements and uphold the values and legacy he left behind.
On behalf of his family, the Abia State Government and the people of the state, Otti extended his condolences to the bereaved family and prayed that God would grant the late professor eternal rest.
Ibe’s death has also drawn tributes from political leaders and members of the academic community, who have recognised his contributions to education, entrepreneurship and philanthropy.
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