Senator Okonkwo died on Wednesday after almost recovering from a brief illness.

His death, which came as a shock to many, occured just few days to the inauguration ceremony of his son, Uchenna Harris Okonkwo, who is the House of Representatives Member-elect for Idemili North and South Federal Constituency, Anambra State.

According to a source, “He was recovering after taking proper treatment in the United States of America but relapsed a few days ago, and died yesterday.”

“Further details and arrangements would be made known to the public after deliberations and meetings are held within the family.”

Senator Okonkwo, who was elected under the platform of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), represented the Anambra Central District in the Sixth Assembly from 2007-2011.

He was also a former governorship aspirants during the 2010 governorship election in the State, but lost to the then incumbent governor, Peter Obi, who was re-elected.

Senator Okonkwo was born in May 23, 1960 in Ojoto, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State.