Persons In History

Ogbia Kingship (Obanobhan) Stool in Retrospection

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HRM Dumaro Charles Owaba

The Ogbia tribe, a unique ethnicity in the Niger Delta, has significantly shaped Nigeria’s socio-political history. The Ogbia land pioneered oil and gas activities from 1956 and produced the first Executive Governor of old Rivers State and a President of Nigeria. The Ogbia stool was never a monarchy. The history of Obanobhan Ogbia dates back to the second half of the 20th century, with centralized institutions of traditional government developing in Ogbia in 1940 through the Ogbia Brotherhood. The first Obanobhan Ogbia, Rev. G. I. Amangala, was invested in 1958. Subsequent Obanobhans included King Bennett A. Isiki and HRM Emmanuel Joel Igoniwari. The current Obanobhan Ogbia III, HRM Dumaro Charles Owaba, was elected in September 2016 and coronated on March 25, 2017, marking the culmination of a 25-year journey.

Alabo Barrister Oluremi Ayodele Coker-Ineyougha (1945 – 2010)

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Chief Barrister Oluremi Ayodele Coker-Ineyougha was a versatile individual, serving as a legal practitioner, politician, philanthropist, wise and caring chief, dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and a valuable member of his community in Nembe, where he became a naturalized member. He displayed a strong devotion to the Baptist denomination, embodying the qualities of a benevolent and honest gentleman. Additionally, he was recognized for his excellent oratory skills and critical thinking, as a staunch advocate for justice, and notably, as a superb cook, among other notable attributes.