The moment Senator Ifeanyi Patrick Ubah passed away last July, I felt compelled to write about him – a remarkable businessman and politician who shone brightly amidst the shadows cast by media sensationalism, politics, and misunderstanding.
Much like Chinua Achebe’s character Okonkwo, Ubah “bubbled with life like fresh palm wine,” always sporting his signature warm smile and enduring long hours of work. An eternal optimist, he was one who believed in a brighter tomorrow, echoing Morris West’s notion of dreaming of sunrise even at midnight.
Ubah was a visionary who spotted lucrative opportunities where others saw barriers; for him, obstacles simply did not exist. His journey to wealth, characterized by audacity and daring, showcased his adventurous spirit.
Though kind and personable, he could also charm irresistibly or pursue his goals with unwavering determination when needed. His primary strategy was often superior planning.
Unfortunately, many who barely knew him criticized his character and ethics, claiming that Nigerian politicians and business people lacked integrity. Being both, Ubah was doubly condemned.
Yet, what can the youth learn from the son of a primary school teacher who believed in forging his path through the marketplace, eventually becoming a billionaire before turning 25? What inspiration can we gather from Chief (Dr) Ifeanyi Ubah, who, after reaching immense wealth, returned to education, obtaining his secondary school certificate, contesting elections, and ultimately becoming a Senator? He even pursued a law degree at an Abuja university.
What lessons can we draw from a man who, despite his wealth and influence, remained a loyal friend to those from modest beginnings? If Ubah were to define honor, he would say the “h” in his name stands for that very virtue. So, why the controversies? During a dispute with a prominent auto dealer, he told me he wouldn’t allow himself to be trampled upon, expressing deep respect for those who offered friendship along his life’s journey while refusing to be intimidated. If he couldn’t stand up for himself, who would?
Ubah burst onto Nigeria’s public scene in 2011 when a major media celebration marked his 40th birthday. Many who labeled him narcissistic were unaware that he had not orchestrated the celebration; rather, it was his friends’ tribute to a significant figure in their lives, with Ubah absent from Nigeria at the time. Upon his return, he was persuaded to host a thank-you party, opening his doors to everyone.
That gathering was lavish, yet what defined Ubah was his larger-than-life approach to everything he undertook. From building extraordinary homes to pursuing automotive industry ventures, Ifeanyi sought to innovate and create in remarkable ways.
Ubah would have turned 53 on September 3rd; he was popularly known as the “Capital Oil man,” but his accomplishments spanned various industries and countries, solidifying his legendary status. Born in 1971, he was already an accomplished international businessman by age 20, exporting tires across West Africa. Ubah recognized opportunities early, opting to target international markets while his competitors focused locally.
As the country faced economic challenges in 1991, the young Ubah established connections worldwide, paving his way into auto spare parts and eventually the oil sector after nurturing his business acumen.
Having moved to the DR Congo in 1991, he became the president of the Nigerian community there and developed a strong rapport with expatriates, garnering fluency in French. By 21, Ubah had built his first home in Nnewi, married, and expanded his business across Europe and the USA.
He attended the Las Vegas Auto Show in 1993 with aspirations for Nigeria’s automotive industry but faced competition from Innoson Motors.
By the mid-90s, he invested in South Africa and established a Dubai office. He engaged in various business ventures across Africa, including Angola and Namibia, always seeking innovative ways to achieve success.
Ubah returned to Nigeria in 2001 after the assassination of his close friend, Congo’s President Laurent Kabila, and conceived the idea for Capital Oil. By 2015, Capital Oil had enough relevance to challenge an embargo against President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, thanks to Ubah’s strategic insights and facilities.
I owe much to Mr. Daniel Elombah for connecting me with Ubah; he recommended me to lead Ubah’s media team during his unsuccessful 2014 Anambra governorship campaign.
Although I declined due to my commitments to Chief James Ibori, I supported him from the sidelines. When Ubah initiated his NGO, Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN), I actively participated in its meetings.
During his detention by the DSS, Ubah asked me to raise awareness about his persecution, which I did, though I refrained from taking on an official role to avoid conflicts of interest with Ibori. Ubah made it clear to journalists that he respected our friendship and my boundaries regarding our professional affiliations.
Despite his wealth, exemplified by his private jets and extensive oil operations, Ubah embodied a passion for sports and a commitment to helping the less fortunate. He welcomed anyone into his home and was known for his generosity. However, against formidable foes, he stood strongly resolute.
I hadn’t yet found the right moment to reflect on Ubah’s life when a former governor highlighted an online discussion about Peter Obi and the Obidients. It struck me that Ubah had pioneered grassroots political movements in Nigeria with TAN. This reality sparked my need to share the Ubah I knew.
TAN was birthed from Ubah’s vision, transforming political advocacy in Nigeria through innovative media strategies and outreach. It aired an extensive array of television and radio jingles while sustaining significant relationships with media outlets. TAN’s rallies in support of President Jonathan leveraged citizen engagement, culminating in over 12 million signatures encouraging his candidacy for the 2015 elections.
TAN’s groundbreaking approach set it apart from other pro-Jonathan movements, offering a clear strategy for the PDP to become a formidable entity. Ubah’s visionary tactics provide valuable lessons for contemporary political movements in Nigeria.
Ifeanyi Ubah was undeniably courageous. I recall how, shortly before Muhammadu Buhari assumed the presidency, Ubah intervened to avert a national petrol strike just before the inauguration. Through decisive action and a heartfelt message calling for unity, he re-opened petrol depots and restored service to Nigeria. His response garnered headlines, proving that he would always prioritize the well-being of ordinary Nigerians.
Just a month before his death, Ubah spoke of his ambition to run for governor of Anambra as an APC candidate, expressing optimism about his chances. What kind of innovative leadership would he have provided? Such questions fade into the realm of speculation, lost among the untold stories of his life, which tragically ended on July 27, 2024.
Ubah embodied a global citizen, comfortable in cities like Johannesburg, Kinshasa, Luanda, and his beloved Nnewi. His passing leaves a void, especially for the people of Nnewi, who often benefitted from his charitable pricing at petrol stations. He was a sports promoter, an innovative entrepreneur with sprawling business interests, yet many Nigerians may overlook the inspirational lessons from his self-made success story.
In summary, Ifeanyi Ubah was a bright star—always on the move, always elevating others, until the day of his untimely death.