Academician, Administrator, Politician, and Minority Rights Activist
Chief Sen. Dr. Obi Wali was best known for his gift of oratory, literary criticism, and superior command of the English language. He is regarded as one of the most brilliant senators Nigeria has ever produced.
Who Was Chief Sen. Dr. Obi Wali?
Chief Sen. Dr. Obi Wali (1932-1993), often referred to simply as “Obi,” hailed from Rumuigbo town in Rivers State. He earned a PhD in English Language and Literature from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, USA. He served as a commissioner under Lieutenant Commander Diete Spiff’s Military Administration in the old Rivers State. His advocacy for the creation of Port Harcourt State in 1975 eventually contributed to the birth of Bayelsa State in 1996. Tragically, he was murdered in 1993.
Birth and Early Life
Chief Sen. Dr. Obi Wali was born on February 27, 1932, in Rumuigbo town, located in the Rumuapara district of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State.
Parentage
Obi Wali’s father was Chief Frank Wali Otogbo, and his mother was Mrs. Jane Wali, the daughter of Chief Ezebunwo Amadi Nwondugba, a paramount ruler of Oroworukwo Rebisi town in Rivers State.
Education
In 1932, Obi Wali began his primary education at Holy Trinity Primary School, Rumuapara, where he excelled in subjects like English, Arithmetic, and Bible Knowledge. He was particularly inspired by his headmaster, Mr. A.A. Ukweni. He earned his First School Leaving Certificate in 1939.
He continued his education at the West African People’s Institute in Calabar, Cross River State, and later at St. Augustine’s College, Nkwerre, Imo State, from 1949 to 1952. In 1955, he gained admission to University College Ibadan (now University of Ibadan) to study English Language and Literature, graduating with a B.A. (Honors) in 1959.
In 1962, Obi Wali won a scholarship to Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA, where he obtained a Master’s degree in 1963 and a PhD in English and Literature in 1967.
His Doctoral Thesis
One of his best-known and controversial works was his 1963 essay, “The Dead End of African Literature.” In this essay, Wali argued that African literature should be written in African languages rather than European languages. This bold stance influenced many African writers in the 1960s.
Career
Dr. Obi Wali’s career spanned academia, administration, and politics. He began as an apprentice printer at CMS Press, Port Harcourt, before starting secondary school. After graduating from university, he worked briefly as an Assistant Secretary in the Federal Public Service from June to October 1959.
He later joined academia, teaching English at the University of Ibadan and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, until the outbreak of the Nigerian Civil War in 1967. After the war, he entered politics, serving as a commissioner in several ministries, including Education and Health, under the Rivers State Executive Council led by Lieutenant Commander Diete Spiff.
Political Career
In 1975, Wali was dismissed from his position due to differences over the creation of Port Harcourt State. However, his influence in politics grew. That same year, he was appointed to the Constitution Drafting Committee by General Murtala Mohammed. This committee contributed to the development of Nigeria’s 1979 constitution.
In 1979, he contested and won the Port Harcourt Senatorial District seat as a founding member of the now-defunct Nigerian People’s Party (NPP). As a senator, Wali served on various committees, including Senate Selection, House Administration, Appropriation and Finance, and Petroleum and Energy.
Social Engineer and Activist
Dr. Wali was a man of the grassroots and a staunch advocate for Ikwerre ethnic representation. He was deeply involved in several Ikwerre organizations, including Ogbakor Ikwerre. He served as President-General of the group from 1973 to 1976 and contributed significantly to the promotion of the Ikwerre language.
As A Columnist
Wali was a prolific writer, contributing articles and pamphlets on African literature and politics. His works included Chiefs of the Eastern Region of Nigeria, The Dead End of African Literature, The Individual and the Movie in Africa, and The Problem of Art. He was also chairman of NAWA Publishers.
Honors and Awards
In 1991, the Rivers State University of Science and Technology awarded him an honorary LL.D (Honoris Causa) for his distinguished service to the institution and the nation.
Legacy
Chief Sen. Dr. Obi Wali’s legacy is deeply rooted in his dedication to the advancement of the Ikwerre people. He was instrumental in establishing the State Schools Management Board and the Teaching Service Commission, and in advocating for educational infrastructure in Ikwerre communities, such as primary and secondary schools in Nkpolu and Rumuigbo.
Firsts and Achievements
Wali was the first Ikwerre man to earn a PhD, the first to lecture at a university, the first to serve as a senator, and the first to be appointed to the Constitution Drafting Committee. He was also the first Ikwerre person to serve as a commissioner and the first to advocate for an Ikwerre presence in Port Harcourt’s governance.
Death
On April 26, 1993, Obi Wali was tragically murdered in his home, a crime for which the perpetrators have never been brought to justice. He was 61 years old at the time of his death.
Posthumous Recognition
In 2014, the Rivers State Government honored him by naming a conference hall—the Obi Wali Conference Center—after him, a tribute to his immense contributions to the state.
