New Post Africa

Category: Obituaries

  • King Oyo, the monarch who walked in faith

    King Oyo, the monarch who walked in faith

    OPINION (NPA) —“The things of the Lord, you can never explain. His ways are much higher than ours.”

    These words best capture an extraordinary life from its earliest days. Born a prince on April 16, 1992, to King Patrick David Matthew Rwamuhokya Kaboyo Olimi III and Queen Mother Best Kemigisa, he was crowned at just three years old following his father’s sudden passing in 1995. On Thursday, August 27, 2026, His Royal Majesty Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, the King of Tooro, died in the United States at age 34 while receiving treatment.

    Announcing his passing, Tooro Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki described the death as an immeasurable loss to the royal family, the kingdom, and the nation.

    From the World’s Youngest Monarch to a Leader of Youth

    Ascending the throne at three, Oyo entered the Guinness World Records as the world’s youngest reigning monarch. His childhood was guided by regents including his mother, his godfather, President Yoweri Museveni, and Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, and he lived under constant public scrutiny. He completed his early education at International School Uganda and Aga Khan Primary School in Kampala, later earning a degree in Business Management from the University of Winchester in the UK in 2013.

    As an adult ruler over more than two million Batooro, King Oyo transformed his traditional authority into a platform for modern development. In 2016, UNAIDS appointed him a Goodwill Ambassador and Champion for HIV/AIDS awareness among young people in Eastern and Southern Africa. He actively advocated for youth employment, agricultural innovation through the King Oyo Model Farm in Kyenjojo, and environmental protection.

    Faith, Family, and Personal Passions

    Beyond the ceremonial royal robes, King Oyo was widely remembered for his deep Christian faith and approachable nature. He frequently attributed his position to divine grace, maintaining that despite his worldly crown, a higher authority governed his life.

    Close associates described him as humble, warm, and deeply devoted to his family. Media clips often showed his playful side as he danced with his mother, Queen Best Kemigisa, or shared quiet moments with his sister, Princess Ruth Nsemere Komuntale. An avid sports enthusiast, he was an outspoken Arsenal Football Club supporter and a keen outdoorsman who famously scaled Uganda’s snow-capped Mt. Rwenzori to promote tourism and climate awareness.

    A Legacy Rendered in 31 Years of Service

    King Oyo did not choose the circumstances that placed a crown on his head as a toddler, yet he carried that mandate for 31 of his 34 years. His passing leaves the Tooro Kingdom mourning a cultural anchor, while a broader generation grieves a contemporary African leader.

    Ultimately, his enduring legacy rests not merely on the age at which he assumed power, but on the humility, family devotion, and steady faith with which he served.

    “The things of the Lord you can never explain,” King Oyo once reflected. “His ways are much higher than ours.”

    May His Majesty Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV rest in peace.

    Courtesy: UGANDA MEDIA CENTRE

  • Peter Obi condoles NLC over death of General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja

    Peter Obi condoles NLC over death of General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja

    ABUJA, Nigeria — The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has paid a condolence visit to the headquarters of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Abuja following the death of the union’s General Secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja.

    Obi, in a statement on Tuesday, said he visited the NLC leadership led by its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, to commiserate with them over what he described as the painful loss of Ugboaja.

    He described the late labour leader as a good friend, gentleman and principled advocate for the rights, dignity and welfare of Nigerian workers.

    “The news of Comrade Emmanuel’s passing came to me as a rude shock. He was a good friend, a gentleman, and a principled advocate for the rights, dignity, and welfare of Nigerian workers,” Obi said.

    The former Anambra State Governor said Ugboaja’s commitment to the labour movement and his unwavering belief in the cause of Nigerian workers made him a remarkable public figure whose contributions would remain part of his enduring legacy.

    Obi said the late NLC General Secretary lived a life of service and dedicated himself to a cause greater than personal interests.

    “His legacy of service, courage, and commitment will continue to inspire the younger generation,” he added.

    Recall that Obi was the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 presidential election before leaving the party amid prolonged litigations and counter-litigations over its leadership, which triggered internal divisions and prolonged uncertainty within the party.

    Obi has since aligned with the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), where he is the party’s presidential candidate.

    He extended his condolences to Ugboaja’s family, colleagues, friends and the entire NLC family, praying for strength and fortitude for those left behind.

  • Israel loses pioneering Nobel Prize-winning scientist, Prof. Ada Yonath

    Israel loses pioneering Nobel Prize-winning scientist, Prof. Ada Yonath

    JERUSALEM, Israel (NPA) — Israel has lost one of its most celebrated scientists, Prof. Ada Yonath, the country’s first female Nobel Prize laureate and a pioneering crystallographer, who died at the age of 87.

    Yonath was internationally recognised for her groundbreaking research into ribosomes, the molecular structures responsible for producing proteins in living cells.

    Her pioneering work transformed scientific understanding of how cells function and contributed significantly to the development of antibiotics and research into treatments for antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

    In 2009, Yonath was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for her work on the structure and function of the ribosome, becoming the first Israeli woman to receive the prestigious award.

    From her early scientific career at the Weizmann Institute of Science, Yonath went on to become one of the world’s leading researchers in structural biology. She also established Israel’s first protein crystallography laboratory.

    Her decades of research made it possible for scientists to gain a deeper understanding of how antibiotics interact with ribosomes, opening new pathways for medical research and drug development.

    Born in Jerusalem in 1939, Yonath rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential scientists of her generation. She studied chemistry and biochemistry before completing her doctoral research in X-ray crystallography.

    Her work earned her numerous international honours, including the Israel Prize and the Wolf Prize, in addition to the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

    Tributes have poured in following her death, with Israeli leaders and members of the global scientific community remembering her as a trailblazer whose discoveries helped reshape modern science.

    Prof. Ada Yonath’s legacy extends far beyond her Nobel Prize. Her research continues to influence medicine, biology and scientific innovation, while her remarkable career remains an inspiration to generations of scientists, particularly young women pursuing careers in science and technology.

    Israel’s scientific community has described her passing as the loss of a pioneering figure whose work placed Israeli science firmly on the global stage.

  • Kagame visits Qatar, condoles Emir over death of former ruler

    Kagame visits Qatar, condoles Emir over death of former ruler

    DOHA, Qatar (NPA) — Rwandan President Paul Kagame has travelled to Qatar to personally convey his condolences to Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani following the death of his father, the former ruler of the Gulf state, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.

    The former Emir died on July 12, 2026, at the age of 74.

    According to a statement issued on Monday by the Rwandan Presidency, President Kagame met with the Qatari leader in Doha to express his sympathy and solidarity with the people of Qatar during the period of national mourning.

    “This morning in Doha, President Kagame met with His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to convey his condolences on the passing of his beloved father, His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, and to express his solidarity with the people of Qatar during this time of mourning,” the Presidency said.

    Earlier, Kagame had paid tribute to the late statesman in a condolence message, describing him as a visionary leader whose legacy would continue to inspire future generations.

    “My deepest condolences to my brother, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, his family and the people of Qatar on the passing of His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani,” Kagame said.

    He credited the late former Emir with transforming Qatar into one of the world’s most influential and prosperous nations.

    “His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani will be remembered as a visionary leader who transformed Qatar into the remarkable nation it is today. His legacy of service to his people and commitment to friendship and cooperation among nations will endure for generations,” he said.

    Kagame also reaffirmed Rwanda’s solidarity with Qatar during the period of bereavement.

    “At this difficult time, the people of Rwanda and I stand with His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and our Qatari brothers and sisters,” he added.

  • JUST IN: Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour announces death of mother

    JUST IN: Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour announces death of mother

    LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — The Lagos State governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has announced the death of his mother, Mrs Nkechi Stella Rhodes-Vivour (née Waboso).

    Rhodes-Vivour announced the passing in a family statement issued on Monday, expressing gratitude for what he described as a life well lived.

    The deceased was remembered as a devoted wife, mother and grandmother whose life was defined by love and selfless service to her family.

    “With sadness in our hearts and gratitude to God for a life well spent, we announce the call to glory of Nkechi Stella Rhodes-Vivour (née Waboso),” the statement read.

    Describing her as “the epitome of love,” the family said her passing leaves a deep void.

    “A loving wife, devoted mother and grandmother. The epitome of love. She will be sorely missed. May her beautiful soul rest in perfect peace,” the statement added.

    The family said details of the funeral arrangements would be announced in due course.

    The announcement was signed by Olawale Rhodes-Vivour on behalf of the family.

  • BREAKING: Tanzania’s President Samia mourns Qatar’s former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, dead at 74

    BREAKING: Tanzania’s President Samia mourns Qatar’s former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, dead at 74

    DODOMA, Tanzania (NPA) — Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has extended condolences to the Government and people of Qatar following the passing of the country’s former ruler, His Highness the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who died on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at the age of 74.

    In a statement on Sunday, President Suluhu extended her sympathies to the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, and praised the late statesman for his transformative leadership and enduring contributions to Qatar’s development.

    “On behalf of the Government and people of the United Republic of Tanzania, I extend my deepest condolences to His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, and the people of the State of Qatar, following the demise of His Highness the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani,” she said.

    President Suluhu described the late Father Emir as a visionary leader whose legacy would be remembered for driving Qatar’s socio-economic transformation and promoting the empowerment of women.

    “The late former Emir of Qatar will be remembered for his significant contribution to the socio-economic development of Qatar and his critical role in advancing women empowerment, especially their enfranchisement,” she added.

    She concluded her tribute with the Islamic prayer: “Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un.”

    Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013, after assuming power in a peaceful transition that ended the reign of his father, Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani.

    During his tenure, he transformed Qatar into one of the world’s wealthiest and most influential states through ambitious economic reforms, strategic investments and an assertive foreign policy.

    Among his most notable achievements were the establishment of the Qatar Investment Authority, which became one of the world’s leading sovereign wealth funds, the launch of Al Jazeera, which reshaped the Arab media landscape, and major investments in education, healthcare and infrastructure.

    His administration also secured Qatar’s successful bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, a landmark achievement that elevated the country’s global profile and reinforced its role in international sports diplomacy.

  • BREAKING: Trump confirms death of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, Zelenskyy pays tribute

    BREAKING: Trump confirms death of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, Zelenskyy pays tribute

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (NPA) — United States President Donald Trump has confirmed the death of veteran Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, describing him as a patriot and one of the finest lawmakers he has known.

    Graham, who represented South Carolina in the U.S. Senate from January 2003 until his death on July 11, 2026, served in the chamber for more than two decades.

    Announcing the development in a post on Truth Social on Sunday, President Trump paid tribute to the late senator’s public service and unwavering commitment to the United States.

    “Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known, is dead! He was always working, and was a true American Patriot. Lindsey will be greatly missed!!! DETAILS AND ARRANGEMENTS TO FOLLOW. So sad!” Trump wrote.

    Also reacting, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described Graham as a steadfast supporter of Ukraine and a champion of freedom whose contributions would be remembered.

    In a statement on Sunday, Zelenskyy said he was deeply saddened by the senator’s death.

    “Deeply saddened by the news of the passing of United States Senator Lindsey Graham. Lindsey was a true defender of freedom and the values that make our world safer,” he said.

    According to the Ukrainian leader, Graham visited Ukraine 10 times since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion and consistently stood with the Ukrainian people during some of their most difficult moments.

    “He visited Ukraine ten times during the years of Russia’s full-scale invasion and was here with our people when it was most needed. We remained in constant dialogue, and I will miss our conversations. We met twice in just the past week,” Zelenskyy said.

    He added that Graham had been a leading advocate for bipartisan and bicameral support for Ukraine in the United States Congress and had recently been working on initiatives aimed at strengthening sanctions against Russia and advancing efforts towards peace.

    “We will always be especially grateful for the recognition of our people and words of admiration for the courage of Ukraine’s defenders,” Zelenskyy added.

    Describing the senator’s passing as a significant loss, the Ukrainian President said America and the international community had lost a determined leader.

    “Our condolences go out to Lindsey’s family, loved ones, and everyone who had the privilege of working alongside him,” he said.

  • Amnesty condemns mob killing of Kaduna teacher, demands police probe

    Amnesty condemns mob killing of Kaduna teacher, demands police probe

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Amnesty International Nigeria has condemned the mob killing of Malama Ummulkhairi, a mother of five and teacher, in Mararaban Jos community along the Kaduna–Zaria highway, describing the incident as a horrific example of growing jungle justice in the country.

    In a statement issued on Tuesday, the rights group said Ummulkhairi was attacked and killed on June 21 after a false alarm allegedly accused her of planning to abduct children while she was on her way to attend a Qur’anic recitation session.

    Amnesty International also called for an investigation into allegations that police officers handed the victim over to the mob that eventually lynched her.

    The organisation urged the Inspector-General of Police to probe claims by eyewitnesses that officers at a police station surrendered the victim to an angry crowd after the facility was invaded.

    According to Amnesty, some witnesses alleged that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) stripped Ummulkhairi of her hijab and dragged her into the hands of the mob.

    Eyewitnesses told the organisation that officers on duty brought the victim out of the station and handed her over to the crowd, which subsequently killed her and set her body ablaze.

    Amnesty described the incident as another indication of the authorities’ failure to protect lives and prevent mob violence.

    According to the group, the persistent failure to investigate and prosecute perpetrators of jungle justice has encouraged a culture of impunity and emboldened violent mobs across the country.

    “This incident is yet another example of the shocking failure of Nigerian authorities to protect lives, leading to an escalation of mob violence as people increasingly take the law into their own hands,” the organisation said.

    Amnesty warned that mob attacks, often driven by suspicion, rumours and unverified allegations, pose a serious threat to the right to life and the rule of law.

    “It is appalling that mob violence is gradually becoming the norm nationwide. It is largely meted out based on suspicion, rumour or hearsay,” the statement added.

    The rights group described mob violence as one of the greatest threats to human rights in Nigeria, stressing that authorities must act decisively to end the trend.

    “The fact that these killings have persisted for years, with few cases investigated and prosecuted, highlights the authorities’ failure to uphold their obligation to protect people from harm and violence,” Amnesty said.

    The organisation called for a thorough investigation into the killing and urged authorities to ensure that all those responsible are brought to justice.

  • Peter Obi consoles Dickson over death of longtime aide

    Peter Obi consoles Dickson over death of longtime aide

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Presidential candidate of Nigeria’s major opposition party, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has expressed condolences to former Bayelsa State Governor and Senator representing Bayelsa West, Henry Seriake Dickson, over the death of his longtime security aide, retired Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Zamani Tanko.

    Obi conveyed his sympathy in a statement on Friday, describing Tanko as a loyal and dedicated aide who served Senator Dickson faithfully for more than 15 years.

    According to Obi, he received news of Tanko’s passing with deep sorrow and subsequently visited Dickson to commiserate with him and members of his team.

    “I received with deep sorrow the news of the passing of DSP Zamani Tanko (Rtd), who was a faithful aide to my dear brother and party leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, for over 15 years,” Obi said.

    “This morning, I visited Senator Dickson to share in his grief and that of his entire team. DSP Zamani served with loyalty and dedication, and his loss will be felt by all who knew him.”

    The former Anambra State governor extended his condolences to the bereaved family and all those affected by Tanko’s death.

    “On behalf of myself and my family, I extend heartfelt condolences to Senator Dickson, DSP Zamani’s family, and everyone touched by his life,” he said.

    Obi prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased and for strength and comfort for his family during the period of mourning.

    “May God Almighty, who called him home, grant him eternal rest in His kingdom and continue to bless his family always,” he added.

  • Kwankwaso consoles with family of Late Major General Rabe Abubakar in Katsina

    Kwankwaso consoles with family of Late Major General Rabe Abubakar in Katsina

    KANO, Nigeria (NPA) — Vice Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar (Rtd), following his tragic death while in captivity.

    The Katsina State Government announced on June 13, 2026, that General Abubakar, abducted alongside his wife, died while in the custody of bandits. His passing has drawn widespread grief across Nigeria’s military and political circles.

    Kwankwaso, a former Kano State Governor, described the late officer as “a gallant, patriotic, and dedicated officer who served Nigeria with honour, courage, and distinction throughout his career.”

    In a statement personally issued on Wednesday, he said prayers were offered for Allah’s mercy on Abubakar’s soul, comfort for his grieving family, and lasting peace and security across the nation. He also prayed for the swift recovery of Mrs Amina Abubakar, who has regained her freedom.

    “May Almighty Allah grant him Al‑Jannatul Firdaus and forgive his shortcomings. Ameen,” Kwankwaso added.

    Meanwhile, Newpost Africa reports that troops of the Nigerian Army, supported by the Nigerian Air Force, successfully rescued Mrs Abubakar during intensified search‑and‑rescue operations under Operation FASAN YAMMA.

    According to a statement signed by Major General Samaila Uba, Director Defence Information, troops made contact with bandits at Tunga Village. In the encounter, Mrs Abubakar was shot before the criminals fled under overwhelming military pressure. She was immediately evacuated to a military hospital, where she is responding positively to treatment.