Okonkwo, a foremost businessman and politician, hails from Iruebenebe village, Ojoto in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The deceased represented Anambra Central Senatorial District from 2007 to 2011 under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.
He also contested the governorship seat of Anambra State on several occasions during his active days.
A family source said he died in the United States, where he had been receiving treatment.
He was said to have suffered cancer of the lungs but recovered. In April, it relapsed and he had been on life support until he passed on.
A message from the family announcing the death read, “The entire Okonkwo family of Iruebenebe village Ojoto, announces the passing on to glory of High Chief Annie Okonkwo. Indeed, Ojoto has lost her political pillar.”
He was succeeded at the Senate by the immediate past Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige.
While in the Senate, Okonkwo was appointed to committees on Upstream Petroleum Resources, Police Affairs, Environment and Agriculture.
He was last seen in public, when his son, Uche Okonkwo, who won a seat in the House of Representatives, paid him a visit to present him his certificate of return.
