Mbanefo was one of Nigeria’s finest elder statesmen — Tinubu

2026-03-26 - 20:44

By Juliet Umeh President Bola Tinubu, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, and Chairman of Seplat Energy Plc, Dr. Ambrose Orjiako, have paid glowing tributes to the late Chief Arthur Christopher Mbanefo, describing him as one of Nigeria’s finest elder statesmen whose life embodied integrity, service and excellence. At a tribute night held in Lagos, Tinubu, in a statement read, described the late diplomat as “an accounting icon, administrator and one of Nigeria’s finest elder statesmen,” whose life was defined by “integrity, hard work and patriotism.” “Chief Mbanefo served Nigeria with dedication and a strong sense of duty. As a public servant, he contributed significantly to the country’s global representation, while in the private sector, he pioneered innovations in Nigeria’s accountancy, tax and audit systems,” the President said. He added: “Chief Mbanefo will be remembered for his immense contributions to national development. His legacy will continue to live on through his good works, which are permanently etched in the fabric of our nation.” Tinubu also prayed for “the peaceful repose of his soul and comfort for his family.” Also speaking, CBN Governor, Cardoso, said: “Today is a difficult day as someone who had the privilege of knowing Chief Arthur Mbanefo personally and benefiting from his counsel. “For me, he was not only a friend but also a mentor... He had a way of bringing clarity to complex issues,” he added. Cardoso stressed: “Chief Mbanefo did not just understand prudence; he lived it. There was never any overstatement of self, yet there was never any understatement of responsibility.” Recalling their time at Citibank Nigeria, he said: “His presence made a huge difference... I was privileged to learn from his fountain of wisdom. “He was a stickler for detail... In a world that rewards haste, he reminded us that true judgement requires time and restraint,” Cardoso added, noting that his resignation from the board “reflected integrity and accountability. “He leaves behind not just a legacy to admire, but a standard to uphold,” he said. In his tribute, Orjiako described Mbanefo as “a professional for professionals, a titan of corporate institutions, and a man of uncommon courage. “He was highly principled and never equivocated on any issue... at the core, he was a man of excellence.” “Once he set his mind on something, he pursued it with total commitment,” Orjiako added, noting: “He laid the foundation for the strong corporate governance structure we enjoy today.” On mentorship, he said: “He taught me discipline. He didn’t just read documents, he studied them.” Also speaking, his son, Mr. Arthur Mbanefo, described him as “an institution, an enigma, and a colossus. “This loss is not mine alone... Your presence is a level of support for which I cannot express enough gratitude,” he said. Reflecting on their bond, he added: “He became my confidant and my best friend, he believed that life is a circle and that goodwill would always return.” Dignitaries at the event included Publisher of Vanguard, Mr. Sam Amuka, and economist, Prof. Pat Utomi among others.