Policeman, Patriarch, Author, Chief
Lucky Awotua Efebo was from Nembe Kingdom in Bayelsa State. He was an accomplished man who rose to prominence in his beloved profession, the Nigeria Police Force, and served the nation with dedication and integrity throughout his career. He was also a respected chief in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.
He was best known as a kind, amiable, and dutiful police officer who embodied the finest principles of law enforcement in Nigeria. In addition, he was a revered chief who promoted the customs and culture of the Nembe people.
Who was Chief Lucky Awotua Efebo?
Chief Lucky Awotua Efebo hailed from Nembe Kingdom in the Eastern Senatorial District of Bayelsa State. He joined the Nigeria Police Force in 1949 and became an amiable officer loved by both his superiors and subordinates. He retired honorably after serving for 37 years, well beyond the required 35 years, due to his effectiveness and sincerity in carrying out his duties to the nation. After his retirement in 1986, he worked tirelessly to uphold the customs of the Nembe Kingdom as Chairman of the Council of Chiefs, promoting the traditional norms and values of his people. He built a solid reputation for both himself and his family, living a life worthy of emulation. A father of many productive children and a staunch Anglican, he passed away in 2019 at the age of 89.
Parents/Birth
Lucky Awotua Efebo was born on Sunday, 14 December 1930, at Kpongbokiri, a fishing settlement on the Brass River, to Elder Collar Alabolgoni Efebo and Madam Reginal Etiah. Elder Collar Efebo hailed from Chief Ikata/Oruwari, Kulo/Koko, and Yemanal/Karitongha houses of Ogbolomabiri, Nembe, while his mother, Madam Reginal Etiah, was from Shidi-ama, Twon-Brass.
Elder Collar Efebo, in his youth, had left Ogbolomabiri for Twon-Brass in search of greener pastures, where he worked as an interpreter for the colonial masters at the time, specifically for the Royal Niger Company, the precursor to the defunct United Africa Company (UAC). Lucky was very close to his father, who affectionately nicknamed him Mondibo – meaning bosom friend. He grew up with his maternal grandmother, Dinah, a respected disciplinarian in Twon-Brass, who had embraced Christianity. From her, he imbibed Christian values and kindness. Grandma Na, as she was widely known, believed strongly in the importance of education during the colonial era and encouraged her grandchildren to pursue education at all costs.
Education/Career Life
At the age of 10, Lucky Awotua Efebo enrolled at St. Barnabas Primary School, Brass, where he completed his Standard Six and earned his First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC) from 1940 to 1947.
He later moved to Warri, in the Mid-Western region (now Delta State), to join his elder sister, Mabel, who was happily married there. It was in Warri that he seized the opportunity to apply for a nationwide recruitment exercise by the Colonial Police of Nigeria. After passing the examination, he was sent to the Oji River Police Training School for his recruitment training.
On 1st August 1949, he was enlisted as a third-class constable, making him one of the first indigenous police officers from his people (the Nembe-Ijo) and from Nigeria. He rose through the ranks and eventually retired as a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) after 37 years of meritorious service. His retirement date was 1st November 1986.
Lucky was known for his neat appearance, both in and out of uniform, and his commanding presence. His gait was distinguished, and he was always fast on his feet. His voice was compelling and instructive, and he became a role model for many Ijaws and other tribes who admired his professionalism and discipline. He was a police officer who truly understood the job.
Contemporaries
Lucky had several notable colleagues in the police force, including:
- CP Pepple
- ACP Allison
- CP Kent Ikia
- CSP Oyhakilome, who later became CP and Military Administrator of Old Rivers State
- ASP Chief A.K. Horsefall
- ASC Mr. Perry Osanyande, who retired as DIG
- ASP B. Netmah, who retired as ACP
Places Served
Throughout his illustrious career, Lucky served in various police commands across Nigeria, including:
- The present-day Delta State (Warri, Sapele, Burutu, Forcados, Ugheil, etc.) from 1949–1958
- The former Western Region (Ibadan, Oyo, Akure, Owo) from 1959–1967, where he served as a First Aid instructor and earned the nickname “FAC” (First Aid Course) due to his expertise
- Police Force Headquarters, Moloney-Lagos, from 1967–1969
- Rivers State from 1970–1985, where he served as Division Police Officer (DPO) in various local government areas. From 1982–1984, he was in charge of B’ (OPS), Rivers State
- His final position in Rivers State was Officer-In-Charge, State CID, Port Harcourt, from 1984–1985
- He was transferred to the Police Staff College, Jos, Nigeria’s highest police institution, where he served as Director of Professional Studies before his retirement on 31st November 1986.
Life After Retirement
Retirement was never dull for Chief Lucky Awotua Efebo; he remained active in various capacities:
- He was appointed Chairman of the Environmental Sanitation Tribunal, Trans Amadi Zone, a Grade 3 Magistrate, from 18th December 1987 to 31st October 1991.
- He served as a member of the Security Advisory Committee of Bayelsa State during the tenure of Goodluck Jonathan as Governor.
- He was the first Chairman of the Association of Retired Police Officers of Nigeria (ARPON), Rivers State chapter.
- He was also the former Chairman of the old Rivers State Amateur Swimming Association of Nigeria.
As Chief
In the 1990s, the Nembe Ogbolomabiri people recognized his outstanding contributions and crowned him as a chief. He was made the head chief of the Karitongha/Yemainain group of war canoe houses in Nembe Kingdom.
Chief Lucky Awotua Efebo was highly respected among the chiefs of the Nembe Ijo. In 1999/2000, he was made the Treasurer of the Nembe Chiefs Council and later served as Chairman. During his tenure, the Nembe people experienced peace, as the youth chose to embrace harmony. The Nembe Ogbolomabiri and Bassambiri factions set aside their differences and united, projecting the long-held traditions and unity of the Nembe people.
Hobbies
Chief Lucky Awotua Efebo was a passionate scholar. He loved reading and writing and believed in promoting the teaching and learning of the Nembe language. In 1967, he published Nembe Language Made Easy (Occasional Publication No.6, University of Ibadan). He also translated Nigeria’s National Anthem into the Nembe dialect in 1960, the year Nigeria gained independence. He authored two monographs: one on the origins of Twon-Brass and another on his experiences as Chairman of the Nembe Chiefs Council. As a custodian of Nembe traditions, he was actively involved in the Nembe Literary/Cultural Association.
Family and His Death
Throughout his life, Chief Lucky Awotua Efebo traveled widely to Europe, the USA, and Canada for both vacations and business. Despite being a polygamist with several biological children, he was known for his humility and contentment, living a simple life.
He passed away on 5th October 2019, leaving behind a legacy of service, integrity, and dedication to his people.
