Isoko Foremost Major General, Paul Omu Dies at 84

General Paul Ufuoma Omu, a retired Major General and former Military Governor of the defunct South-Eastern State, passed away at age 84.

According to VANGUARD, Omu’s family confirmed his death in a statement signed by Oghenekome Ufuoma Omu.

“With gratitude to God for a life of distinguished service and accomplishments, the family of General Paul Ufuoma Omu (Rtd), of Igbide, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, announces his passing on April 29, 2025, at the age of 84.”

Described as a family man, patriot, statesman, and dedicated community leader, General Omu’s life was marked by decades of committed service to Nigeria and the Isoko Nation. A highly decorated military officer, he served in numerous strategic roles in the Nigerian Army, including as Military Governor of the South-Eastern State from July 1975 to July 1978, where his administration focused on foundational infrastructure projects and reform policies for regional development.

He also served as Commander of the Command and Staff College, member of the Armed Forces Ruling Council, and Chairman of the Constitutional Conference Commission in 1994, playing a key role in shaping constitutional discourse ahead of Nigeria’s return to civilian rule. In 2009, he was appointed Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) by President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

As President of the Isoko Development Union from 2014 to 2015, General Omu advocated for unity, education, and economic empowerment across the Isoko Nation. He is survived by his wife, Senator Chief (Mrs) Stella Omu, six children, siblings, numerous grandchildren, and a nation grateful for his service. Funeral arrangements will be announced by the family in due course.

When democracy returned in 1999, his wife Stella Omu was elected as Senator for the Delta South constituency of Delta State under the Peoples Democratic Party.

In April 2008, he chaired the South-South reconciliation committee of the People’s Democratic Party, set up to resolve differences among factions of the party.

In July 2008, Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan appointed Omu a member of the Delta State Vision 2020 Council, charged with articulating the vision and long-term development plan for the state.

In September 2009 President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua appointed Omu chairman of the 10-member Governing Board of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), charged with reviewing the law of the institution.

Omu was also inaugurated as the president general of the Isoko Development Union (IDU) which is the umbrella organisation of the Isoko-speaking peoples of the Niger Delta region of Delta State, Nigeria, to preside over issues involving the Isoko nation, Delta State, and Nigeria in general.