Elder Statesman, Builder, Businessman, Hotelier
Alabo Amabebe-Opo, a revered figure from Nembe Kingdom, rose from humble beginnings to leave an indelible mark in the Niger Delta region. Despite early educational challenges, he leveraged hard work, exceptional dexterity, and sharp wit to achieve prominence. His remarkable journey embodies the biblical proverb: “He who works with his hands will stand before kings” (Proverbs 22:29).
Alabo Amabebe-Opo’s inspiring story showcases qualities worthy of emulation: resilience, strategic thinking, and charisma. He not only stood before kings but also dined with them, earning an esteemed reputation as a good leader and pillar of his communities.
HIS DRUM PRAISE TITLE (KULE)
OPU MBRU OPU MBRU OPU MBRU KENE KENE KENE AKANA BO AKANA KOROGHA
Translation: A cluster of high mangrove that cannot be uprooted.
Early Life and Family Background
Alabo Daniel Ayebayemabese Dieworio Felix Amabebe-Opo was born on December 8, 1921, in Okokokiri, a satellite community in Nembe Kingdom, Bayelsa State. He was the third of four children born to Deputy Alabo Felix Itioekeife Amabebe Karitongha, a respected leader in the Yemainain and Karitongha groups of houses, and Mamman Dorcas of Erewari Furo in the Ockiya group in Nembe City. Raised in a family rooted in tradition and community service, Daniel’s early life was shaped by the values of hard work, leadership, and resilience.
Education and Early Career
Alabo Amabebe-Opo began his formal education at St. Stephen’s Bulk Primary School, Bassabiri, Nembe, in colonial Nigeria in the mid-1930s but left school in Standard 3 due to financial constraints and never returned to formal education again. Despite his limited formal education, he was determined to make a mark in the world. His journey later took him to Degema, Rivers State, to live with his uncle, the late Elder Okardi. Subsequently, Daniel joined his elder brother, Elder Joshua Amabebe, in Oluasiri, where he learned vocational skills in timber trading, fishing, hunting, and carpentry.
In the 1940s, he was focused, determined, and diligent in learning the trade. Before long, he gained mastery in plank sawing, earning him the nickname “Double Engine” for his extraordinary skill and efficiency in sawing timber. His prowess in the trade led him to work at Kpasikubu, near Abonema, and Oyigbo, all in Rivers State, where he became a highly respected timber merchant, mentoring many young men in the business. In 1956, he had a stint with Shell D’Arcy Exploration, a leading petroleum firm now known as Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC). Alabo Amabebe-Opo was endowed with robust physical features, elegance, vigor, and acumen, which empowered him to navigate life’s journey with confidence and conquer its challenges.
Turning Point and the “Double Engine” Legend
In 1958, a friendly beer parlor talk metamorphosed into a competition that solidified Alabo Amabebe-Opo’s reputation as “Double Engine.” A bet was made between him and a colleague to see who could saw through logs faster. In the contest, Daniel showcased something spectacular and rare, confidently taking on two logs against his friend’s one, finishing both before his colleague completed his single log. His unmatched speed and precision in the task earned him widespread recognition and the enduring nickname.
Entrepreneurial Journey and the Civil War
From the 1960s, Alabo Amabebe-Opo expanded his business ventures into contracting and supply works, which took him to Egbema and Oguta in present-day Imo State. However, the outbreak of the Nigerian Civil War from 1967 to 1969 forced him to flee to Bonny as he was pursued by Biafran soldiers. After the Federal troops liberated Port Harcourt, Daniel returned to resume his contracting work under DF Amabebe and Sons, later establishing DF Amabebe and Sons Nigeria Limited with its office at 22 Club Road, Port Harcourt.
In 1967, Rivers State was created out of the old Eastern Nigeria, and his kinsman was made the military governor of old Rivers State (Commander Alfred Diete Spiff, now the Amanayabo of Twon Brass Kingdom). At that time, there was an urgent need for reconstruction services in the region, as the civil war had destroyed both government and private properties. His first major contract was a breakthrough, thanks to his friend Mr. Percy Spiff (Late Alabo Kein), elder brother to the first governor of old Rivers State, and involved the cutting of whistling pine trees at the Central Police Station in Port Harcourt. This marked the beginning of numerous successful projects, including schools, police quarters, and government buildings across present-day Bayelsa and Rivers States.
Throughout the 1970s to the 1990s, Alabo Amabebe-Opo was a sought-after contractor known for delivering quality construction projects to specification. His contemporaries in the construction business during the 1970s included the likes of A.C. Bob-Manuel, O.K. T.E. Beregha and Sons Ltd, ISOKARIARI NIG LTD, and W.W. Whyte, who all contributed to the architectural landscape of old Rivers State. When awarded contracts, clients could rest assured that their projects were in safe hands, guaranteeing quality deliverables at the end. With this feat, Alabo Amabebe-Opo established himself as a bigwig in old Rivers State. However, from the early ’80s, under the civilian government of late Chief Melford Okilo, he was not favored with contracts, but he sustained himself through the investments he had made.
Amabebe’s Estates and Hotel
Alabo Amabebe-Opo became established in the ’70s as a reliable contractor to the Rivers State government and a wealthy man with lucrative investments across Port Harcourt City. He was witty and ventured into the real estate business, which quickly yielded fruit for him. By the ’80s, he had already become a landlord in Port Harcourt City, owning two estates located at Fimie-Abuloma and Rumuaghalu town (of which the Rivers State University of Science and Technology was his tenant), along with five mansions with numerous tenants in Port Harcourt township, five houses in Nembe (his community), and a house in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. Ultimately, these real estate investments became a means of survival in his later years.
In the 1980s, Alabo Amabebe-Opo also bridged hospitality gaps in Nembe by establishing an iconic hotel that became the talk of the town. Known as ‘Dafama Hotel,’ it was a state-of-the-art establishment strategically located at the Ayama Polo waterfront in Nembe. The hotel operated in business with Shell as their guest house and also offered hospitality services to the public, although today, Dafama Hotel is but a shadow of its former self.
Alabo Amabebe Saw the World
It was his lifelong desire and dream to travel and see the outside world. He often shared this aspiration with pride among friends and family. At a time when overseas travel was primarily for public servants and elites in society, his dream finally came true in 1980 when he traveled to the United Kingdom and visited places of interest. Subsequently, he traveled to other countries like the UAE, India, and others to fulfill his dreams.
Achievements and Legacy
Alabo Amabebe-Opo was known for his fast execution of projects, earning him yet another nickname, “The QUICK BUILDER.” His dedication to excellence and timely completion of projects made him a well-respected figure in the construction and contracting world. By 1997, some notable projects he had accomplished in the building business included:
- Model Primary School (Old GRA Port Harcourt) and Police Quarters in Port Harcourt
- College of Education in Ndele
- Government Secondary Schools in Okpoama, Emelegwo, and Isaka
- Post Office in Yenagoa
- Governor’s Lodges
- National Electoral Commission (now INEC) in Nembe
- One-storey duplex building at Rumubekwe
- Mingi Palace constructed in under three months
- Eight-class block at Nembe and one staff quarter
- TTC Ndele of 75 buildings constructed in under two years
- Brass General Hospital
- Secondary School at Okpoama
- College of Education Admin Block and Six Quarters
- Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Four Staff Quarters and the main Lab
- University of Port Harcourt Demonstration Secondary School, Store, and Library
- College of Education, St. John’s Campus Cafeteria, Kitchen, and Lab
Community and Traditional Leadership
In December 1981, he was installed as Alabo Opo in the Ockiya group and inaugurated as Alabo of the Nembe Ibe Council of Chiefs by the late King, Justice Ambrose Allagoa, the Amanayanabo of Nembe Kingdom. By this attainment, he became a leading figure in the Alabo Ockiya, Berena, Omo, and Opo Group of War Canoe Houses. His contemporaries included the late Alabo Justices Peters Amain and late Alabo Nathaniel Ingialasuogha Robert Yekorogha.
At the time he was made a chief, the population of chiefs was small, fostering an environment of respect and dignity for the institution. Alabo Amabebe-Opo was a wealthy and outspoken Chief from Nembe Kingdom who never indulged in matters that could tarnish the reputation of the chiefs’ institution. He refrained from approaching the Shell Development Company or any other multinational doing business in Nembe Kingdom for lucrative contracts, always acting in accordance with the wishes of the community and avoiding any actions that would jeopardize the community’s resources.
As a chief, he set a high standard for leadership and honor within the institution. He actively participated in various community activities and once served as the acting head of the Ockiya group. In terms of physical appearance, Alabo Amabebe-Opo was well-known for donning the finest traditional regalia, adorned with original gold apparel that complemented his imposing stature—creating a commendable spectacle.
In the early days, access to Nembe and many other riverine communities in the Niger Delta was limited to boats. By the late 1970s, he already owned luxury vehicles in Port Harcourt and traveled to Nembe for holidays or chief’s meetings with prestige. He used his personal, specially designed executive boat named MV ELIZABETH, after his wife, which featured double 75-horsepower engines.
His contributions extended beyond traditional leadership, as he was a key player in several critical committees, including:
- The Bayelsa State Creation Committee
- The Reconciliation Committee between the Kalabari (Bila) and Nembe communities
- The Boundary Adjustment Committee between Kula and another front-line Nembe community
- Alabo Amabebe-Opo was also a patron of the Ilaye Ilate Social Club in Nembe
- Two-time Chairman of the Nembe Chiefs Council
- President of the Opu Sekiapu Nembe
- President of Mingi Ogbo Nembe
The First Mercedes-Benz 280S Owner in Rivers State
Alabo Amabebe-Opo’s penchant for excellence was further demonstrated in his acquisition of the first Mercedes-Benz 280S in Rivers State. This was not only a symbol of luxury and success but also a testament to his innovative spirit. In the mid-1980s, owning such a vehicle was a rare accomplishment, especially in the Niger Delta, making him a trailblazer in both business and lifestyle. The Mercedes-Benz 280S was renowned for its engineering, and Alabo Amabebe-Opo’s ownership of this prestigious vehicle earned him admiration and respect among his peers, further solidifying his status as a figure of distinction.
Personal Life
Alabo Amabebe-Opo was a polygamist, officially married to the late Mrs. Elizabeth Amabebe (née Apollos Isele) on June 22, 1969, with whom he had three children. He was also married to Mrs. Evelyn Bebesia Amabebe during the same period and had additional children with her. Mrs. Elizabeth Amabebe passed away on December 5, 2001. In his later years, he married Mrs. Glady Amabebe.
In total, Alabo Amabebe-Opo had 20 children, of whom 17 are alive to mourn him, while three predeceased him. He was also blessed with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Alabo Amabebe-Opo was a father to all; his home was open to all relatives and friends of his children. He would often assist with school fees for anyone who sought help whenever he visited Nembe. The children of St. Luke’s Nembe have a special song they sing for him as beneficiaries of his goodwill.
Alabo Amabebe-Opo was devoted to his family, emphasizing the importance of education and hard work to his children and instilling values that shaped their lives. He was known for his generosity and was always willing to help others in need, although his commitment and dedication to work sometimes strained his family life.
Death and Legacy
Alabo Daniel Ayebayemabese Dieworio Felix Amabebe-Opo passed away on April 23, 2024, at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital at the age of 101, following a brief illness. His passing marked the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, resilience, and community service that will inspire generations to come. Alabo Amabebe-Opo’s contributions to his community, commitment to education, and achievements as a businessman and contractor continue to be celebrated, ensuring that his memory will endure.
