Former Yala Council Chairman, Hon. Chief Gabe Ugor, Dies at 59
Akahi News learnt from a report from theleaderng that a former Chairman of Yala Local Government Area in Cross River State, Hon. Chief Gabe Ugor, has passed away at the age of 59. According to TheLeaderNg.com, the respected political figure died in the early hours of Sunday, 23 November 2025, in Abuja after a brief illness. His remains have reportedly been deposited in a medical facility within the Federal Capital Territory.
A Life of Service and Influence in Cross River Politics
Details obtained by Akahi News indicate that Hon. Ugor—also known as Gabriel Idagu Ugor—served as Chairman of Yala LGA from December 2010 to December 2013, a period many observers still consider consequential for grassroots development in the area. Despite post-tenure controversies common in Nigerian local politics, he was widely acknowledged as a leader who left a visible imprint on the council’s governance structure.
As further gathered by Akahi News, his political reach extended beyond Yala. Hon. Ugor served as Special Adviser to former Governor Liyel Imoke on Revenue Service between 2014 and 2015, a role in which he leveraged his background in finance and taxation. His experience later earned him another appointment under former Governor Ben Ayade in 2016, this time as Special Adviser on Finance and Tourism, deepening his involvement in state administration.
Professional Strengths and Contributions
Hon. Ugor was an alumnus of the University of Calabar and a member of both the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) and the Institute of Certified Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN). According to insights examined by Akahi News, his expertise in taxation and financial management significantly shaped his approach to policy implementation throughout his public service journey.
Even after exiting public office, he continued to offer technical guidance in governance, as shown on his professional platforms. He remained active as a financial expert and policy adviser, contributing to discussions on taxation, revenue generation, and public financial discipline.
Advocacy, Community Engagement, and Notable Interventions
Beyond political office, Hon. Ugor maintained a strong voice on matters affecting the Cross River community. In 2018, he advocated long-term measures toward resolving persistent boundary disputes within the state. As Akahi News learnt, he called for the establishment of permanent peace committees and urged authorities to prioritise human life over physical infrastructures in crisis-prone areas.
He also championed unity among traditional authorities and community stakeholders. During his tenure as chairman, Hon. Ugor intervened in several crises, including a devastating rainstorm in 2012 that affected settlements in Yala. At the time, he appealed to state and federal agencies for relief support, emphasising the need for immediate intervention to protect vulnerable households.
In 2011, he further called on former local government administrators and traditional leaders to strengthen synergy for grassroots development—an effort that many residents of Yala still recall fondly.
A Pillar Within the PDP
Until his demise, Hon. Ugor remained an influential figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). According to information reviewed by Akahi News, he was instrumental in shaping internal opinions, mobilising grassroots support, and contributing to strategic decisions within the opposition party. His long-standing experience in governance made him a dependable reference point for younger politicians and party loyalists.
Tributes Expected as Cross River Mourns
The passing of Hon. Chief Gabe Ugor marks the end of a significant era in Yala’s political history. Community leaders, political associates, and admirers across Cross River State are expected to issue formal tributes as news of his death continues to spread.
For many, his legacy is defined by compassion, policy-minded leadership, and a commitment to advocacy on behalf of the vulnerable. The people of Yala, in particular, will remember him as a man who consistently used his platforms—both official and personal—to push for peacebuilding, unity, and responsible governance.
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By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.
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