Attorney, Administrator
Timiebi Roupa Okara, a British-trained lawyer of exceptional caliber from Bumoundi-Ekpetiama, Bayelsa State, was revered for his unwavering love and support for the Anglican Communion.
Who Was Timiebi Roupa Okara?
Born on June 11, 1950, in Jos, Northern Nigeria, Timiebi Roupa Okara, affectionately known as Dada, earned a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Leeds in 1977 and was subsequently called to the English bar at Gray’s Inn in 1978. He was a repository of Northern Ijaw history and a distinguished legal professional in the early 1980s. In 1988, he became a highly esteemed community monarch, recognized for his kindness and steadfast commitment to the Anglican Communion. Timiebi Roupa Okara passed away in 2015 at the age of 65.
His Parents
Timiebi’s father was Robert Pappah Gbaingbain Okara, a renowned broadcaster with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) in the 1940s, and later a Judge of the High Court of Nigeria. He hailed from Bumoundi-Ekpetiama, Bayelsa State, and was a staunch Anglican. Tragically, Justice Robert Pappah Gbaingbain Okara died on the bench in 1988. Timiebi’s mother, Mama Sabina Niagwan, hailed from Shendam in Plateau State. She was an auxiliary nurse who later became a successful businesswoman but sadly died in a ghastly auto crash in 1985.
Early Life and Education
Born at Jos General Hospital on June 11, 1950, Timiebi had a rich upbringing. He lived briefly in Jos with his maternal grandfather, Pa John Niagwan, an educationist and dedicated Catholic. Later, he moved to Bumoundi-Ekpetiama to stay with his paternal grandfather, Chief Samson Pappah Gbaingbain Okara, the Amananaowei of Bumoundi-Ekpetiama and a wealthy agent for the United African Company (UAC).
He began his education at St. Marks Catholic School in Oron, Eastern Nigeria (now Akwa Ibom State), and continued at Methodist Boys’ High School Oron from 1965 to 1967. He completed his secondary education at Government Comprehensive Secondary School (GCSS) Borokiri, Port Harcourt, from 1968 to 1970, earning his West African School Certificate.
Timiebi then proceeded to the United Kingdom for post-secondary education. From 1972 to 1974, he attended Walbrook College, London, and in 1977, he graduated with a Law degree (LL.B) from the University of Leeds. He was called to the English bar at Gray’s Inn in 1978 and subsequently to the Nigerian Bar in 1980.
His Law Career and Other Contributions
After graduation, Timiebi entered private legal practice. In the early 1980s, he worked under the chambers of Chief Nwobidike Nwonodi in Port Harcourt before establishing his own legal practice, TJR Okara and Co., at 24 Port Johnson Street, Port Harcourt. Known for his excellent practice and commitment to justice, he provided legal assistance to the poor and oppressed.
Professional Appointments
Timiebi served on several professional bodies:
- Member, Disciplinary Committee of the Nigeria Bar Association (1998-2002)
- Member, Body of Benchers (1998-2003)
- Member, Election Petition Appeals Tribunal (1997)
- Member, Judicial Panel of Inquiry for Koluama and Akassa Crisis (2000)
- Member, Bayelsa State Judicial Service Commission (2000-2005)
- Chairman, Bayelsa State Local Government Election Tribunal (2006, 2010)
Public Offices Held
In the old Rivers State, he held various positions, including:
- Secretary, Niger Delta State Movement (1980)
- Chairman, Land Allocation Committee, Yenagoa Local Government Area (1985-1987)
- Member, Board of Directors, Risonpalm Nigeria Limited (1987-1992)
- Chairman, Nigeria Red Cross Society (Bayelsa State Chapter) (1996-2004)
- Member, Board of Directors, Bayelsa State Oil Company (2013-2015)
Community Services
In 1982, the K-Dere community in Ogoni kingdom, Rivers State, honored him as a Chief. Following his father’s death in 1988, Timiebi was appointed regent of Bumoundi. In 1996, he became a substantive Amananaowei and a recognized third-class monarch of Bayelsa State.
His Faith
Timiebi’s godly upbringing left an indelible footprint on his life. Baptized in the Roman Catholic Church and re-baptized in the Anglican Church, he was confirmed by Bishop E.T. Dimiieri in 1970. Knighted as a Knight of St. Christopher in 1995 by Rt. Rev Samuel Elenwo, he served as Diocesan Lay Reader and later as Deputy Registrar of the Diocese of Niger Delta. When the Diocese of the Niger Delta West was created in 1999, Rt. Adolphus Amabebe appointed him Chancellor, a position he held until his death.
Known for his boldness in interpreting Church laws and canons, he participated in all general synods and standing committee meetings. His unwavering faith and commitment to truth marked his life.
“Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage and then is heard no more: it is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.” – Macbeth: Act 5 Scene 5
Family and Personal Life
Timiebi married his best friend, (Dame) Dr. Ebimie Okara (née Pulotua) of Lobia, South Ijaw Local Government Area, in 1977. She is a medical doctor and a retired Permanent Secretary of the Bayelsa State public service. The couple had three children. Timiebi mentored over 20 children and had over 100 godchildren. His exemplary relationship with his family extended to various communities.
How and When He Died
In 2013, Timiebi was diagnosed with colon cancer, leading to treatments abroad. Despite his illness, he remained optimistic, often saying, “Don’t worry, I will come back.” He believed death was not the end for a Christian, confident in his place in Heaven. Timiebi Okara passed away peacefully on December 19, 2015, at 3:30 PM in his home, having insisted on being discharged from the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) the same day. He was 65 years old.
Barrister Timiebi Okara will be remembered for his humane dispositions and forthrightness in addressing issues.
“For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come. Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name. And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.” – Hebrew 13: 14-16
