Entertainment Mogul, Businessman, Administrator, Evangelist
The late Anthony Ronari Orubo (aka Mr. Tee) was from the Otuabagi community in Ogbia Kingdom, Bayelsa State. He was a remarkable individual who left giant footprints on the sands of time in the old Rivers State. Mr. Tee was a pacesetter; he established and managed businesses that greatly impacted the landscape of Port Harcourt city.
Mr. Tee, as he was fondly called, was an entertainment mogul in the late 70s and 90s in Port Harcourt. While many of his contemporaries were complacent with their parents’ wealth, Mr. Anthony Ronari Orubo was busy making business decisions and creating wealth. He founded sought-after nightclubs, pubs, and more. He also served as a commissioner representing Bayelsa State on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Board.
Who was Anthony Ronari Orubo?
Born on December 15, 1953, to the family of late Chief Robebe Sylvanus Orubo and late Mrs. Bernice Orubo (née Idumesaro), he had a privileged upbringing in Lagos. Tony, as he was known, was an ambitious young man who ventured into areas that the fainthearted would never dare. He was a stalwart with an excellent career in the entertainment industry and business world of old Rivers State. In the 1980s, the handsome, elegant, and determined Tony Orubo co-founded several businesses in Port Harcourt, including Music Machine (a nightclub), Balcony (a modern pub), Goldmine, Clippers (a modern barbershop), and many others. He colored and conquered Port Harcourt with his ideas and demeanor. Known for his loyalty to friends and fierceness toward his foes, Mr. Tee was loved and admired by many.
In 2003, the late D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha, former governor of Bayelsa State, found him worthy of service and appointed him Executive Secretary of the Center for Youth Development in Yenagoa. His administrative skills took the agency to great heights. Later, he was appointed Commissioner representing Bayelsa State on the NDDC Board. Mr. Orubo took ill with a terminal illness that led to his death in 2014 at the age of 61.
Birth and Education
Mr. Tee, as he was affectionately called, was born in Lagos, Nigeria, on December 15, 1953. He was quite handsome and admirable. At the age of 2, he was enrolled in the Nursery section at the prestigious Ladi-Lak Institute, Yaba, Lagos, a nursery and primary school managed by expatriates and Nigerians. He was the fortunate one among his siblings to enjoy such privileges from 1957. In 1965, he attended the famous Government College Afikpo in Eastern Nigeria (now in Ebonyi State) for his secondary education.
In 1967, the Nigerian Civil War erupted, and his education was abruptly halted. The Orubo family relocated to their village, Otuabagi, for refuge. Tony was unfamiliar with village life, as 1967 was his first experience in such an environment. Despite his distinct appearance—curly hair, tall stature, fair complexion, and striking eyes—he quickly earned the trust of the villagers.
After the Civil War in 1969 and the subsequent creation of Rivers State, Tony settled in Port Harcourt. He started his education at the renowned Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Borokiri. At the time, the school was among the best in Rivers State, where discipline and diligence were of utmost importance. It was reported that Tony was a handful and a challenge to the school authorities, leading to his expulsion. However, Okrika Grammar School (OGS), where his father had also attended, offered him a place. He completed his secondary education at OGS in 1973. He then traveled to the United Kingdom to further his education, where he focused on entertainment and entrepreneurship.
Career Life
After his time in the United Kingdom, Tony returned to Nigeria in 1980 and started a series of businesses in Port Harcourt. His first venture was in the music industry, where he quickly became a prominent figure. Tony brought with him LPs and EPs, especially in the rock and reggae genres, and became a celebrated Disc Jockey (DJ). He supported Radio Rivers in Port Harcourt and was a frequent guest presenter, electrifying the airwaves with Disco Funk and Rock Reggae Jams. He became a sought-after DJ in the city, and his brand name, DJ Tony Jenkins, gained wide recognition.
Seeing the need to improve the nightlife in Port Harcourt, Tony, along with his friends, founded Founders 15, a top-rated musical band that dominated the city. He served as the band’s resident manager.
In 1982, Tony founded Music Machine, a nightclub strategically located on Aba Road in Port Harcourt. Despite competition from venues like Aquarium and Modus, Music Machine became one of the top-rated nightclubs in the city.
In 1984, Tony co-founded Balcony, the first modern pub in Port Harcourt, located on Aggrey Road by Ilorine Street. His partner in this venture was the late Mr. Frank Jumbo (Jumbo Lee). The pub became a popular meeting spot for the city’s elite. Unfortunately, due to disagreements between the partners, the pub was eventually closed.
Undeterred, Tony went on to establish Goldmine in 1986, also located on Aggrey Road. This establishment became a favorite among socialites. In 1987, Goldmine was transformed into Black and White and continued to thrive.
In the same year, Tony founded Clippers, the first modern barbershop in Port Harcourt, located at 92 Aggrey Road. Clippers became a popular hangout for Port Harcourt’s high society. It was Tony’s barbershop that paved the way for modern barbering in the old Rivers State and beyond.
In the 1990s, when the NAFCON fertilizer processing industry was established, Tony and Jumbo Lee reunited to establish a top-notch cafeteria for the industry, known as NAFCON Catering Center. They managed the business successfully between 1989 and 1990.
In 1996, when Bayelsa State was created, Tony established Calvary Motors in Yenagoa, selling used and brand-new cars to the Ijaw people. The dealership was located along Lambert Eradiri Road, just before the Bayelsa Environmental and Sanitation Authority Office.
In 2003, Tony was appointed Executive Secretary for Youth Development in Yenagoa by the late Governor D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha. His organizational and entrepreneurial skills were instrumental in nurturing the next generation of leaders.
In 2009, Tony was recommended by Chief Timipre Sylva, then Governor of Bayelsa State, to represent the state on the NDDC Board. His nomination was approved by the federal government, and he served on the board until it was dissolved in 2011.
In his younger years, Tony was a dapper figure, admired for his style. He was particularly loved by the ladies in Port Harcourt. He drove a brand-new Datsun Cherry car, which he had painted 77, and enjoyed playing lovers’ rock reggae music, which remained his favorite genre. He was also a staunch member of the Port Harcourt Club, having joined on November 18, 2009.
Tony was known for his amiable character, always ready to defend and support his friends, no matter the circumstances, as long as they were true confidants.
Family/Faith
Though Tony had relationships with several women during his active years in Port Harcourt, he never married. However, he had a son who is doing well today.
In his later years, Tony withdrew from the limelight, reflecting on his life. He reconciled with his past, making peace with God and those he may have wronged. It was said that he gave his life to Christ Jesus and attended a pastoral school, graduating later. He deepened his relationship with God through the Bible and preached to others.
His Death
Anthony Ronari Orubo, aka Mr. Tee, succumbed to a terminal illness and passed away on August 14, 2014. He was buried on September 26, 2014, in his hometown of Otuabagi in Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa State.
