Olumide Akpata, the former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Labour Party’s (LP) candidate for Edo State governor, has confirmed the deaths of his uncle Sunny Akpata and father Henry Akpata.
It is believed that on Monday, February 24, Akpata, who had not been active on social media since September 2024, returned to discuss his extended absence and the personal tragedies he had experienced before, during, and after the Edo State gubernatorial election.
In an emotional post on his verified 𝕏 handle, Akpata described how he was unable to grieve appropriately at the time of the death of his uncle, Dr. Sunny Akpata, while running for Edo governor.
“During the gubernatorial campaigns, I suffered a profound personal loss: the passing of my uncle, my father’s immediate elder brother, Dr. Sunny Akpata, one of the persons who shaped my values, and who stood as a second father to me,” he wrote.
He continued by saying that the family was unable to bury his uncle with the respect he merited until November 2024. But another tragedy struck as he was getting over the loss.
Akpata disclosed that his father, Dr. Henry Akpata, became very ill soon after his uncle’s funeral, which compelled him to devote all of his attention to providing care.
“For months, my world narrowed to his care, a sacred duty I embraced without hesitation. Despite our hopes, by the unquestionable will of our Lord and maker, he departed peacefully on 10th January 2025, surrounded by close family,” Akpata disclosed.
He added that his father had been his only living dad for 33 years and that he was his unchanging foundation and steady anchor.
His four-month absence from public appearances had given rise to a number of rumors, some of which claimed he had “disappeared” following the elections, while others made the unfounded claim that he had been “bought and paid for.”
Addressing these claims, Akpata wrote, “My hiatus from social media for the past 4 months has understandably sparked discussions and speculations about the reason(s) for my absence.”
While some assumed that I merely ‘disappeared’ after the elections, others have even gone ahead to suggest – rather fancifully – that I was ‘bought and paid for.’
He stressed that family tragedy, not politics, was the reason for his absence.
Despite his personal grief, Akpata reaffirmed his commitment to Edo people and Nigerians, noting that leadership is meaningless without humanity.
He said, “These past months have reinforced a truth I hold dear: that leadership is meaningless without humanity. I have walked through the valley of personal grief, just as many of you navigate daily struggles—economic hardship, insecurity, and the quiet toll of uncertainty.”
“I see you. I hear you. And I am more determined than ever to stand with you, not merely for you.”
He assured his supporters that he would resume public engagement soon and would continue his mission with renewed vigor.
“As we prepare to celebrate my father’s 84 years of sacrifice, wisdom, and love, I reassure you that very soon, I will resume my public engagement with renewed vigour. As I have in the past, I once again pledge to walk this journey with you, transparently and steadfastly, every step of the way,” Akpata concluded.
