Teacher, Headmaster, Lawyer, Politician, Chief Judge Â
David Koripamo Ungbuku was a trailblazer, serving as the first Chief Judge of Bayelsa State. He holds the distinction of being the longest-serving Chief Judge from southern Nigeria. In recognition of his service, he was awarded the Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR).
Synopsis
David Koripamo Ungbuku (1938-2008), born in Sabageria, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, had a remarkable journey from being an inspirational teacher to becoming an erudite attorney and judge. His rise to become the Chief Judge of old Rivers State in 1992 was seen by many as nothing short of miraculous. He later served as the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, retiring in 2003. He passed away in Yenagoa in 2008 at the age of 70.
Birth
David Koripamo Ungbuku was born on Friday, May 27, 1938, at 10:00 PM in Sabageria, then part of Eastern Nigeria (now Bayelsa State).
Family and Early Life
His father, Mr. Ungbuku Ruskin Bikikoro, was a descendant of Gbegbe, a renowned warrior from Seibokorogba (commonly pronounced as Sabageria). His mother, Rose Racheal, was a hardworking farmer and trader from Odi town, also in Kolokuma/Opokuma. Both parents were devout Anglicans and raised their five children, of whom David was the first, with strong Christian values. His mother supported him through his early education but passed away in May 1984.
Education
David’s early education began at Mr. Ezekiel Freshman Stephen Erefa’s private school in Sagbageria, after which he attended St. Stephen’s Primary School, Sabageria, in 1947. He completed his primary education at Reverend Proctor Memorial Primary School, Kaiama, and earned his First School Leaving Certificate in 1954. He qualified for Bishop Dimeari Grammar School in Yenagoa but could not attend due to financial constraints.
From 1955 to early 1956, David could not continue his schooling because of a lack of funds. In 1956, he enrolled in the Preliminary Teacher’s College in Oporoma, where he completed a one-year teachers’ preparatory program. He later attended the Elementary Teachers’ College (ETC) in Okordia-Zarama, where he completed his teacher’s training. During this time, he also passed the General Certificate of Education (GCE) exams, eventually earning his O-Level and A-Level certificates.
In 1966, after completing his A-Levels, David applied and was accepted to study law at both the University of Lagos and the University of Ibadan. He chose the University of Lagos, where he began his legal education on September 15, 1967, graduating in 1970. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1971.
Career
David Koripamo Ungbuku’s career spanned several professions, including teaching, politics, and law. He began teaching in 1956, starting as a pupil-teacher at St. Stephen’s Primary School in Odi. Over the next several years, he taught at various schools across Eastern Nigeria and the Mid-West, eventually becoming the headmaster at several schools, including Local Authority Primary School in Urhovie, Abraka, and Ogharaefe in Sapele. His teaching career culminated in his role as a tutor at Bishop Dimeari Grammar School, Yenagoa, where he taught students like Dr. Diepreye Solomon Peter Alamieyeseigha, the future governor of Bayelsa State.
In 1971, David began his law career, apprenticing under Chief Owen Fiebai in Jos before establishing his own practice in Port Harcourt. Despite humble beginnings, where his one-room apartment doubled as his office, he quickly built a reputation for excellence. His fame as a lawyer grew rapidly, earning him the nickname “D.d. de Law.” Notably, he handled the landmark case of G.T. Denemu v. Makbob (Fixed Odds Pool Ltd) in 1973, which established a precedent for enforcing betting contracts in Nigeria.
Judicial Career
In 1983, David was appointed a judge of the High Court of Rivers State. His judicial style was marked by discipline, efficiency, and a commitment to timely rulings. His reputation as a dedicated judge who valued hard work earned him widespread respect. In 1992, he was appointed Chief Judge of Rivers State and later transferred to Bayelsa State upon its creation, where he served as Chief Judge until his retirement in 2003.
Royalty and Politics
In addition to his legal career, David was selected as the traditional ruler (Amananaowei) of Sabageria in 1975, serving as Pere I for eight years before stepping down after finding Christ in 1982. He also dabbled in politics, becoming a member of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN). Despite facing betrayal and losing elections, he remained loyal to his party.
Conclusion
David Koripamo Ungbuku lived an illustrious life, excelling in education, law, politics, and traditional leadership. His contributions as Chief Judge and his influence on the legal system in Nigeria remain significant to this day. His life story is a testament to perseverance, excellence, and service.
Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.
Isaiah 1:17 ESV
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Posthumous
On the 11th of January, 2023, the late David Koripamo Ungbuku was immortalized by the Bayelsa state government. He was named after a High Court Complex in Yenagoa Capital City Bayelsa state. The occasion was graced by the Executive Governor Sen. Douye Diri, the Retiring Chief Judge of the state, Justice Kate Abiri and other dignitaries of the state.