On Tuesday, December 2, 2025, news filtered in that Nigeria has lost yet another elder statesman in the person of Senator Isah Abonyi Obaro.
According to family source Senator Obaro passed away in Okene, on Tuesday at the age of 91 following an illness.
Since the news of his death, the people of Kogi state and indeed the entire region has been thrown into mourning mood even as they have continued to remember him for his legacies he left behind.
10 things you should know about Senator Obaro
- Senator Isah Abonyi Obaro was born on August 20, 1934, in Okene, (then Kwara State)
- He studied Education at Barewa College, Zaria 1949-1952 and Nigerian College of Arts, Science and Technology 1953-55.
- He also had his university education at University College of Ibadan, 1955-58, University of London. 1960-62.
- He was called to bar in Lincoln’s Inn, London on February 5, 1963.
- He was enrolled into Nigerian Bar on March 25, 1963 and went into private legal practice until 1968. He later rose to become Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN.
- He was employed as an Administrative Officer, Federal Civil Service from 1958 to 1960.
- He was a member, Kwara State Executive Council, as Commissioner for various Ministries from 1968 to 1975.
- From 1979 to 1983, he served as an elected Senator for Okene/Okehi Senatorial District, Kwara State
- Senator Obaro served under the banner of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN),
- During his tenure as a senator, he served on the Committee on Trade and Industries and contributed immensely to numerous legislative initiatives aimed at advancing the welfare of his constituency.
Gov. Ododo, Sen.Natasha mourn Sen. Obaro
In his condolence message, Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has mourned the elder statesman, describing his death as a profound loss to his family, Kogi Central, and the entire state.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Ismaila Isah, Governor Ododo hailed the late senator as a distinguished statesman and patriot whose contributions to the growth and unity of Kogi State are deeply appreciated.
Ododo noted that Senator Obaro’s life of integrity, humility and service earned him respect across the state and nation.
The governor went further to emphasize that the late senator was always in touch with leaders across the state, even as he was known for offering valuable contributions toward development in the state.
He described his passing as a significant loss not only to his family and Kogi Central but to the entire state.
He however, prayed that Almighty Allah grant Senator Obaro eternal rest in Aljannatul Firdaus and give his family strength and solace during this difficult time.
In the same vein, the lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has mourned the passing of former Senator Isah Obaro Abonyi, who also represented Kogi Central.
In a condolence message issued on Tuesday, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan described his death as a huge loss to Kogi Central, Kogi State, and Nigeria at large.
While commiserating with the family, she urged them to find solace in the exemplary life the late Senator lived and the notable contributions he made during his time in the National Assembly.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan prayed for God to grant eternal rest to his soul and to comfort the bereaved family.