Chief Ojo Maduekwe

Former Foreign Minister

Date of Birth: 06/05/1945
Place of Birth: Ohafia

Education: Adventist High School, Ihie, 1964-65; Hope Waddell Training Institution, Calabar; University of Nigeria; Nigerian Law School.

Career:  Assistant Labour Inspector, Federal Ministry of Labour, 1983; member of the Constituent Assembly, 1988-89; Advisor to the Social Democratic Party Chairman, 1990-92; Advisor, Minister of Foreign Affairs, 1993-95; Minister, Culture and Tourism, 1990-00; Minister, Transport, 2000-03; National Secretary, People's Democratic Party (PDP); Legal & Constitutional Advisor to the President, 2003-05; Minister, Foreign Affairs, 2007-10.

Commentary: Maduekwe has made a career out of opportunism. He turned up uninvited at President Barack Obama’s inauguration, despite established protocol that only accredited resident diplomats be allowed to attend. He was a vocal supporter of Sani Abacha’s vigorous efforts to remain in power but later served in the administration of a man Abacha had imprisoned. He also served under Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, whose brother had been imprisoned by Abacha. Every senator in his home state opposed his 2007 appointment as Minister of Foreign Affairs. 

Maduekwe left office when Acting President Goodluck Jonathan dissolved cabinet in March 2010.