Chief Charles Orie, a governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State, has expressed grief over the death of renowned cultural and creative icon, Chief Paddy Obinna, describing his passing as a major loss to the state and the creative community.
Orie said the late Obinna was a towering figure in Igbo art and culture whose works helped preserve and project the identity of Ndigbo both within Nigeria and across the diaspora.
He recalled that the late artist represented Nigeria as a visual artist at the World Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC ’77) in Lagos, where he earned recognition for his creativity, originality and artistic excellence.
The APC governorship hopeful also noted that Obinna, who owned and managed an art gallery, designed the traditional symbol adopted for the Ahiajoku Lecture Series, regarded as the foremost intellectual gathering of the Igbo nation.
“Paddy Obinna was more than an artist. He was a custodian of our heritage. His works told the Igbo story with dignity and pride,” Chief Orie said.
Orie said the death of the celebrated artist was a huge setback for the creative industry and Imo State, adding that his vision of transforming the state into an international tourism destination capable of creating 50,000 jobs for young people aligns with the need to preserve and promote the rich cultural legacy left behind by icons such as Obinna.
“I pray that God Almighty will grant his immediate family, the people of Imo State, and the entire creative community the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss,” he said.
The APC governorship aspirant also extended his condolences to the government and people of Imo State over the passing of the cultural icon.
