Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, a former member of the House of Representatives and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), slumped and died while watching the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final match between Nigeria and South Africa on Wednesday night.
According to reliable sources, Dr. Ojougboh, who represented the Ika federal constituency of Delta State from 2003 to 2007, slumped and died as soon as a penalty kick was awarded against Nigeria in the second half of the game.
The match, which was held in Bouake, Ivory Coast, was a tense and thrilling encounter, with both teams vying for a spot in the final of the continental tournament. Nigeria’s Super Eagles eventually prevailed over the Bafana Bafana of South Africa, winning 4-2 on penalties after a goalless draw in regulation time.
The victory sparked jubilation and celebration among millions of Nigerians, who hailed the team’s performance and resilience. However, the joy was marred by the tragic news of Dr. Ojougboh’s demise, which cast a shadow of grief and sorrow over the nation.
Dr. Ojougboh was a vocal and outspoken politician, who was known for his loyalty and dedication to the APC. He was also a medical doctor, who graduated from the University of Benin in 1986. He served as the chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) during his tenure in the National Assembly.
He was also involved in several controversies, such as his defection from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC in 2017, his legal battle with the Delta State government over the ownership of a hotel, and his criticism of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
