“Dr Ransom Emenari, CEO, at the Center for Traditional Rulers Advancement, aggregates all the attributes into several classes – leadership prowess, strength of character, benevolence and Royal glamour. These sum up his Royal Majesty. In his words: “When he shows up at occasions in his distinctive regal gait, adorning his full royal regalia, he is always irresistibly eye catching, resplendent and exquisite, cheered to the hilt by his ever-thrilled loyalists and admirers. He is naturally good looking, classy and majestic, a man of the people, well-loved and venerated by both the lower and upper echelons of the society.”
ODYSSEY OF ROYALTY: THE REIGN OF HRM DR. EMMANUEL E. SIDESO, JP, OON, ABE 1
A REVIEW
This an autobiography of HRM, Dr. Emmanuel E. Sideso, JP, OON, Abe 1, the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom. It is not often that royal fathers, particularly in Urhobo land get to offer a chronicle of their reign. Whilst the reign still continues, this is a testament of what is and that which is yet to come.
My task today is simple, I am to introduce it to you, showcase its highlights and point out faults or shortcomings, if I can find any, but generally wet your appetite to acquire a copy and read.
A common challenge in writing autobiographies is that of definition of scope, honesty and being correct about historical facts. Delineating its scope is like fitting an elephant into a suitcase. It often breeds controversy. There is a lot to tell but little space to indulge without being monotonous. The author in the introductory preface addressed the issue of honesty and factual statements when he stated thus:
This autobiography is not written to glorify a person, but to illuminate a path. It is an account of origins and obligations, of ancestry and authority, of tradition and transformation. It tells the story of a life shaped long before the crown, nurtured by family, community, culture, and faith, and later refined by the solemn responsibilities of kingship in Uvwie Kingdom.
The book is introduced by a Preface of the author and two forewords written by Olorogun Festus Keyamo SAN, and HRM Alhaji Umar Muhammed Atiku, Lamido Akko of Gombe State, respectively. The story is told in 13 Chapters with two chapters embodying tributes and pictorial depictions of notable times and events.
CHAPTER ONE – BRIEFS ON UVWIE KINGDOM
The author in this chapter offers a bird’s eye view ofUvwie to the public. This brief contends with major works on the origin, location. culture and present day life in Uvwie Kingdom, notably the works of Wilfred Akemu & Gbegbaje-Das1, “A history of the Uvwie People of the Western Niger Delta” (2015) and Wilfred Akemu’s subsequent solo work “A Cultural History of the Uvwie People of the Western Niger Delta. (2019). Whilst there have been various accounts of Uvwie migration to its current stead, HRM in this chapter puts a royal seal on the account that the earliest progenitors of Uvwie sojourned from an area of ancient Edo land to Arogbo, a coastal Ijaw Community in present-day Ondo State. From this primary habitat, the Uvwie migrated through the creeks of what is now the Ijaw Gbaramatu Kingdom in Delta State and settled at Erohwa in present-day Isoko territory, near Patani. Factors of seasonal flooding and population growth made the Uvwie aborigins to move further westward to establish at Effurun-Oto (Ephron-Oto) near Olomu territory. The Ephron-Oto settlement is also known as Uvwierorho, and then to our present location beginning with Ekpan and Ugboroke. The author also chronicled the development strides in Uvwie after the civil was and how Uvwie has been transformed by several urban renewal schemes of successive governments. Read and you will know the rest of the story.
CHAPTER TWO – MY FAMILY TREE
Here the author undertook a genealogical account of his paternal and maternal roots, in an account never before written so concisely. This account will no doubt assist many in identifying their connection in the intricate web of relationships. The account reveal the rationale of the title Abe 1, being the first Ovie to emanate from the Abe branch of the Ogun Royal Family. It is an interesting reading. It underscores the fact that with intermarriages within the Uvwie enclave and its close neighbours, every part of the Kingdom is intertwined. We are all one.
CHAPTER THREE – EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION
This Chapter is a must read. It chronicles the life and times of a young man in several stages of transition. The love of parents as related was reciprocal and effusivebetween father, mother and children. The chapter has the pictures of his parents. His relationship with his mother and the love shared is very emotional. The fluidity of the story and its delicate rendition charms the reader. You could feel the vibes. HRM is very proud of his parents, particularly his mother who ensured that all her male children were educated. This guaranteed the success of the four males in the family. There is a veiled regret that his two sisters though married to successful men were not so educated. One can then understand HRM passion for education of both the male and female child. A number of his early childhood friends have remained close to him, notably Chief Wellington Okrika and Air Vice Marshal Anthony Okpere. His early sojourn in Government Primary School, Irrua and Ishan Grammar School, Uromi were defining moments in his life. An interesting part of the chapter is a bird’s eye view of hislove encounter with our Queen, Patricia, Inene of Uvwie Kingdom. The cross territorial encounters between Ishan Grammar School and Our Lady of Lourdes College, Uromi, where Queen Patricia was, is quite exciting. You should read how they were exchanging love notes. Her youthful pictures are a delight. From the days of their union, she has grown and earned status as a very successful professional who rose to the position of Deputy General Manager in First Bank before she retired. A marriage that is now blessed with three males and several grandchildren. You must read.
CHAPTER FOUR – WORK AND PROFESSIONAL LIFE
In this Chapter, HRM recounts life after Secondary School, the quest for employment and life at the MINT, his first and last place of 30 years meritorious service. You would note, as the author stated that there was a time in this country when the Ministry of Labour handled job placements based on merit and competence and one didn’t need to know a recruiter to get employment. Sadly, those days are gone. Why? Is it because we became too big and unwieldly or that successive administrators dropped the ball of impartiality, fairness and integrity of the system? This chapter poses serious questions to ponder. In his tribute to the company, he stated:
I am grateful to the Nigerian Security Prin ng and Min ng Company for the opportunity to serve my country through the ins tu on and for the training and exposure I had in the three decades that I worked in the company.
HRM recalls his early days at the MINT with relish and that with his close associates, John Eferakeya, Joe Arubayi, and Richard Egere. Among his closest colleagues at the MINT was Mr. Evaristus Bassey, a very intelligent man from Calabar. He passed on recently. At the mention of these names, you know the rest of the story.
CHAPTER FIVE – POST RETIREMENT LIFE
This chapter is illuminating and is perhaps the most valuable to a reader. The author’s chronicle of his endeavours, post retirement, is a store house of post-retirement wisdom and investment advice. He appreciated the need to make regular savings from legitimate income toward retirement needs. In a no-holds-barred manner, he stated how he made his post-retirement wealth from transportation and real estate. His foray into investment – transportation and real estate are cognate and priceless investment counsel. He boastfully states that he thus never sought for contracts or visited colleagues for palliatives after retirement.
On his disposition to contentment and gratitude, the author stated thus:
I have been greatly helped in business by my disposition of contentment. I have always been satisfied with what the good Lord feels right to give to me. I do not cheat nor cut corners to increase my lot. In that way, I accept the benefits and losses in business in good faith, and that has been a great asset for me. I do not go to bed agitated or worried over what I have not got, or what my fellow man has got over me; instead, I am thankful for the life God has graciously given me. I have been blessed with good health, and that is the same for my wife and children. I have tried to influence my immediate family and everyone in my sphere of influence to adopt this disposition of contentment and gratitude.
The political leadership in Africa in general, and Nigeria in particular, is haunted by the challenge of lack of contentment. This is the reason for the brazen corruption, thievery, and acquisitiveness that have underdeveloped the continent. However, change is possible and that is the basis for our hope for a better country.
In his chronicles, the author identified two events that shaped his life in retirement. The first was his role in the establishment of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun and the death of his elder sister. His account of the processes leading to the establishment of the University is quite revealing, factual and truthful. He admitted that he was not originally part of the promoters of the University. The notable roles of Chief Tuesday Onoge and Rev. Fr. Abaka Oghenejode were profusely acknowledged. But when he was sought and had to join the promoters, it was a roving engine on full throttle. The next major event related in this Chapter is the passing of the author’s elder sister, an event which provided a window through which the journey to the throne began. It would have been appropriate if the name of the elder sister was spelt out in this section of the Chapter. Very little was said of this elder sister in the preceding chapters. I groped for her identity up to chapter two at page 12, and was able to identify her as Aritobiren, the immediate elder sister. She was no doubt the closest sibling. She obviously was the immediate mother figure standing before the journey to the throne began.
CHAPTER SIX – JOURNEY TO THE THRONE
This chapter reveals not only intrigues in the selection process but the hand of providence in its revelations. It lays bare the various family routes to the throne of Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom: it gives some certainty to the process, though not as straight forward as in hereditary stools. The author imperceptively also reveals intrinsic workings of his marital life. I found this interesting. He said:
My wife and I are like Siamese twins. We confide in each other whenever we are at crossroads. I have benefited immensely from seeking her opinion on matters of delicate implications to me. She is meticulous, prayerful, and well organised, and I have leveraged on these qualities through our journey together that has spanned over 50 years.
The highlight of this chapter was the leadership role of Chief Portright Akaighe and the eventual crowning of the Ovie on 18th February 2008 in the early hours of that day. I did not see any account of any fetish oath administration in the process. Instead, two reverend gentlemen of the cassock were in attendance. It was that simple. No hibernation in the forest or seclusion for indoctrination, considering that one was not prepared for the unravelling royal duties. The extant legal structure on which it happened is contained in the account of Chief Mike Atiri, The Erer’ Ovwian of Uvwie Kingdom. It was the birth of this circle of royalty for Uvwie Kingdom.
CHAPTER SEVEN – MY VISION, PLANS AND ACHIEVEMENT
Here the author underscores the importance of preparation for any task. Before the official crowning and in the sequence of unfolding events, HRM in his introspection identified four key objectives he must strive to attain
(i) Educational Development of Uvwie human resource;
(ii) Peace and Security;
(iii) Building a permanent Palace; and
(iv) Reform of the traditional Administrative Structure.
In this post mortem report, these cardinal objectives have been attained with resounding success. This resonates with the author’s preface statement that
“Kingship, after all, is not a moment but a continuum; it is a calling that unfolds through seasons of triumph, trial, learning, and service…..Kingship is often perceived through symbols—the throne, the crown, the staff—but its essence lies beyond regalia. It is found in service, restraint, listening, and the constant balancing of heritage with the demands of a changing world…..No king reigns alone. Authority is inherited, but legitimacy is earned daily through service, justice, and integrity.
These are true testaments of time. His educational mantra calls to mind the motto of my alma mater, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, which is “to Restore the Dignity of man.” His Royal Majesty set out to restore the Dignity of the Uvwie man. Like Nnamdi Azikiwe in his inaugural speech as Governor-General of the Federation of Nigeria, Umogu calls upon the North, South, East and West of Uvwie sons, daughters and neighbours to join hands in restoring the dignity of man through education.
On the subject of fund raising for the palace and its programmes, it is revealing that 40-60% of palace expenditures are from personal income/savings of HRM. According to him:
Despite the fact that Uvwie Kingdom is host to major federal institutions and oil service companies, including a refinery, the petrochemical plant, a military barrack and Naval Base, yet, we do not receive any support from them. Uvwie, as I have indicated, is host to many branches of banks in Nigeria, perhaps the highest concentration in any local government area in Delta State; yet there is no support from any of these institutions. Indeed, I thought making requests or sending representatives to them could be misinterpreted; so, I stopped interfacing with them.
This is royalty with dignity! You can now discern the hands of providence in his emergence as Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom – a king with the wherewithal to substantially discharge the calling of his throne without being beggarly. It is my prayer that “You remain ever blessed to serve your people”. Talking of legacies, he further stated:
if there is anything I wish to be remembered for, it should be passion for education. I wish to be remembered as the Ovie of Uvwie who made graduates and top-ranking professionals out of Uvwie’s children, and aided the rise of a literate citizenry that should drive future developments and advancement of Uvwie. I wish to leave behind an Uvwie in which every family has at least one professor.
CHAPTER EIGHT – OTHER ENGAGEMENTS AS TRADITIONAL RULER
In this Chapter, the author introduces the reader to some of the institutional leadership roles he has played and continues to play by virtue of this position as a Traditional ruler. These include:
1. His leadership as Chairman, since 2008 of the National Development Mega-Summit of Traditional rulers. The Forum has offered a diplomatic window of liaison with other traditional rulers all over the Federation and thus projecting the Uvwie and Urhobo people across the Federation.
2. His leadership as Chairman of Urhobo Traditional Rulers Council, Ukoko r’ Ivie, which he assumed in 2023.
3. The South-South Traditional Rulers Forum where he serves as a member of the Executive council.
CHAPTER NINE – REMARKS BY FAMILY, FRIENDS AND ASSOCIATES
This is a chapter for testimonies and reviews by many who have witnessed this magic in Uvwie kingdom – family members, friends and associates.
Our Mother Queen, Nene r’ Uvwie bore the first testimonial followed by Prince Onome. These confirm the earlier chronicles by his Royal Majesty. It evinces a family united in love, purpose and prayers. No doubt, royalty thrusted new responsibilities on the Queen. She has this to say:
In terms of my own responsibilities, my husband’s emergence as Ovie of Uvwie has brought on me very new roles and demands that I did not envisage hitherto. This has been largely helped, however, by the structure and organogram put in place by His Royal Majesty that has made the system run smoothly and almost self-automated. The organogram forms a hierarchical order that defines roles and responsibilities of all – Ewheyare, Eghwuvwie, Ilorogun, etc. His Royal Majesty has taken the monarchical institution to a level like all global organisations in the world. He takes communication and engagement very seriously. He holds meetings with every group.
A childhood friend and associate, Chief Wellington Okrika was profuse in his testimony. His account of His Majesty’s early childhood is remarkable. It is a tale of duty to brotherhood, a life path divinely orchestrated and blessed. In all the profuse encomiums pressed in these pages, I was in search for some negative narration. I saw none. Yet, he is human. Chief Otomiewo thus rightly said that he is not a saint, and there may be some who grumble about his forthrightness, firmness and style of governance but Uvwie has all to thank him for. In the words of Chief Otomiewo:
It is not always possible to please everyone. Even Jesus Christ, whom the Bible says went about doing good things, was accused of possession with the spirit of Beelzebub. Those who benefited from his miracle of bread and fish were the first to cast the stone at the critical moment.
Rev. Father Abaka is his review underscored the Catholicism of His Majesty’s faith. He is a devout Catholic and very religious with a firm belief in the hands of the Almighty in his life. Another notable in the account of Rev. Abaka is our Ovie’s generosity, philanthropy and his annual royal visits of the Ovie to each of the Etche in the Kingdom. He aptly described this as “ a diplomatic measure that gives a sense of worth to ordinary citizens as they mix with royalty. Class-divide and protocols are suspended in such gatherings and it is quite significant.”
Beyond close associates, sons and daughters of the kingdom, the encomiums on His Majesty’s reigntranscend the geographical landscape of Uvwie and Delta State. HRM Umar Mohammed Aku Lamido of Akko, Gombe State, in his tribute, summarised thus:
Seventeen years running, Uvwie Kingdom is experiencing increased momentum towards the realization of their dream kingdom, a land of sustainable peace and prosperity for all. To my perception, his leadership has been phenomenal for Uvwie Kingdom, with incredible landmarks in the advancement of the community. The people are evidently happy with the visionary traditional leadership in the kingdom. They celebrate the Ovie with pomp and pageantry all over the land and sometimes with huge receptions at the airport, to demonstrate their loyalty and affection, whenever he returns from long vacations abroad. His Royal Majesty Dr Emmanuel E. Sideso Abe 1, JP, OON, the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, by all standards, is a great achiever, a man of exceptional gray ma er and leadership acumen.
In the same vein, HRM Igwe Prof. Laz E. N. Ekwueme IV, NNOM, OON Eze Ijikala II, Ozioko Igwe Oko, Anambra State states poignantly that “The Ovie is incontrovertibly a winning asset to Uvwie Kingdom and an exceptional blessing to Nigeria”.
Dr Ransom Emenari, CEO, at the Center for Traditional Rulers Advancement, aggregates all the attributes into several classes – leadership prowess, strength of character, benevolence and Royal glamour. These sum up his Royal Majesty. In his words:
“When he shows up at occasions in his distinctive regal gait, adorning his full royal regalia, he is always irresistibly eye catching, resplendent and exquisite, cheered to the hilt by his ever-thrilled loyalists and admirers. He is naturally good looking, classy and majestic, a man of the people, well-loved and venerated by both the lower and upper echelons of the society.”
Chapter 10 – SELECTED CORONATION ANNIVERSARY SPEECHES
This chapter draws our attention to the anniversary speeches hitherto delivered by HRM, beginning with the first. Each anniversary speech is an account of stewardship, a promise for better days and a plan of action with studded programmes for actualisation. Each speech was presented with humility mingled with joy. Recurrent themes which have shaped his reign and achievements include:
His doggedness in pursuit of these objectives has delivered successes on all fronts. The Uvwie Palace is today complete and in use; educational achievements by Uvwie scholars abound in all spheres; Infrastructural developments are in the uptick.
I note that in the 2013 Anniversary, His Royal Majesty made his first plea to the Inspector General of Police to establish a Police Area Command in Uvwie. It became a recurrent refrain in successive anniversaries. To the Glory of God, 2026 has now heralded the creation of a Police Area Command in Uvwie.
In the 2017 Anniversary speech, His Royal Majesty took space to acknowledge and express profound gratitude to the individuals and organizations that have been so supportive in their contributions and donations towards the actualization of the permanent palace project up to the level it had then reached. He specially appreciated DESOPADEC, Warri Refinery, Petrochemical Company Limited, Nigeria Gas Company Limited, CIC Nigeria Limited, and individuals like Hon. Elder Godday Oruebebe, Chief T.J.O. Okpoko SAN, OON, Chief Dr. Wellington Okirika, JP, CON, Chief Dr. Sunday Agbugbu JP, Chief Goody Egbuyi, HRH Engr. Obelly, Chief Dr. Lee Ikpea, Chief Fidelis Adjeke JP, Arch. Victor Geteloma, Chief Arch. Gbegbaje Das I, Chief Godstime Emashemigbe and Mr. Charles Iyanyan. This was at a time when the palace was yet to be completed. Subsequent anniversaries had additional contributors being identified and acknowledged. No doubt, this attribute of continual gratitude spurred these organisations, individua
In the 15th Anniversary address, some notable pronouncements are worth repeating:
In his address to former President Olusegun Obasanjo during a courtesy visit on July 7 2017, His Royal Majesty lamented the travails of the kingdom in its relations to the Nigerian Army:
The Nigeria Army acquired a vast expanse of land which they have diverted into private use at the expense of the land owners who are dying of hunger and penury. Further to that, the Nigeria Army Authority exceeded the exact land mass gazetted by the defunct Bendel State Government.
Regrettably, this state of affairs, a reign of impunity of the Nigerian Army, still continues.
CHAPTER 11 – SELECTED SPEECHES DELIVERED AT SUMMITS OF TRADITIONAL RULERS ACROSS NIGERIA
This chapter highlights the contributions of His Royal Majesty to national cohesion and development through his participation and leadership roles in the National Development Summit of Traditional Rulers in Nigeria. HRM had earlier narrated his first attendance at the summit and how he became chairman of the body.
In his address at the 4th Summit, His Royal Majesty underscored the role traditional rulers should play in government sponsored poverty alleviation programmes,to ensure success of such schemes. He stated emphatically that the hallmark of poverty alleviation is to reduce the problem of unemployment, and to create a conducive atmosphere for investment. These could be effectively addressed if traditional institutions are enabled to operate functional palace administrations, working closely with Local Governments; introduction of credit facilities through traditional institutions; functional education and scholarship schemes to aid the poor; conflict resolution mechanisms within the traditional institutions of governance.
In a courtesy visit to the Emir of Kano on 11th June 2013, His Royal Majesty leading the delegation of the Summit of Traditional Rulers, commiserated with the Emir on the sad passing of his dear wife and personal aid in tragic circumstance. He urged a sustained forged in the summit for national cohesion and positive impact in governance. He reiterated the Summit’s campaign to give traditional rulers constitutional roles. He was convinced that there can be no better way to maximize the leadership potentials of traditional rulers than to entrench their position in the constitution.
At the Nigerian Traditional Rulers Forum held on 4 December, 2017, His Royal Majesty called on the Federal Government to consider the resolutions of the last National Conference for implementation in the interest of national peace, unity and development. He believed that it has become urgent in the present circumstances, that all previous national dialogues be reviewed and fine-tuned for implementation, in the interest of national cohesion, peace and progress. Nine years after, this advise is yet to be heeded by even the APC Government that made it an electoral promise in the campaign of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2017 general elections.
On the neutrality of royal fathers in politics, he declared:
As royal fathers, we are expected to be neutral in relation to politics but we have a responsibility to educate our people to always perform their civic duties responsibly and ensure that only men and women of proven integrity are voted into office. Politicians have deceived our people for too long and I think the time has come to rescue this nation from any identified non-performing leaders.
On youth restiveness, our Royal Majesty has the panacea in job creation and positive engagement. In his words:
Two sets of people pose a greater danger to the nation and they are the jobless and the hungry. An idle man is definitely busy for the devil, while a hungry man is naturally prone to anger. In most cases, jobless people are hungry and aggressive. We see how our youths are being manipulated in all parts of the country for all sorts of conflicts and misconduct because of their anger-induced gullibility.
At the South-South Traditional Rulers Summit of 9th July 2019, His Royal Majesty again addressed the problem of leadership in the country. In his words:
For many decades, monarchs and other leadership experts in Nigeria have been holding series of brain-storming conferences of this nature and they have always proffered most conceivable and laudable solutions to the myriad socio- economic problems that have bedevilled our national advancement. It is important to state here today that our predicament as a nation can not necessarily be attributed to the absence of superior ideas. Our major weakness remains the absence of the courage to work with the truth. I am here today because I believe in the power of persuasion, which has proven to be the greatest superpower of all me. We shall continue to talk until someone hears the voice of wisdom.
He proposed a surgical evaluation of the root cause of the nation’s problems. According to him, the solution lies not in buying weapons and supporting the armed forces, but in a thorough evaluation of the root causes of society’s problems, a Collective Action Plan to address poverty alleviation, corruption, unemployment, respect for justice, equity and fairness to all, review of school curricula to meet current social economic needs and to eschew elite manipulations of ethnicity and religious difference.
The refrain continued in the 11th Summit of the group on15th October 2019. He advocated the humanisation of counter terrorism and the use of cultural changes to address violent protests and oppositions. He proposed incentives for inter-tribal marriages as a weapon for building national cohesion and unity.
In the assembly of traditional rulers of Oil Producing Communities, the voice of His Royal Majesty was also heard at the27th Annual Summit of the Delta State Chapter of the Traditional Rulers of Mineral Producing Communities of Nigeria (TROMPCON). In his opening address as Chairman, he charged:
One of the greatest crimes against humanity is the silence of the elites in matters that are visibly hurting the people, especially, the less privileged, the youths and the women. TROMPCON must arise to justify her purpose of existence. We need an action-oriented leadership, a dynamic and responsive leadership, that will set a popular agenda and pursue it with verve and vivacity. Without mincing words, I think the time has come when big oil explorers in our communities and the Federal Government would resolve to give Niger Delta communities the benefits they deserve, in all ramifications, for their great sacrifice and commitment to the development of Nigeria. We love Nigeria but we want Nigeria to reciprocate this love of ours and be fair to us in the interest of this generation and posterity. We can not continue to bemoan the general insecurity in our land without taking decisive steps to engage the youths in meaningful entrepreneurial programmes under the auspices of the big oil explorers in our communities.
In the months preceding the 2023 general elections, his Royal Majesty at different fora of traditional rulers continued as the voice of traditional rulers calling attention to the role of traditional rulers and key institutions midwifing the elections, notably INEC, the media, Politicians and electorates. The effect of the CBN cash policy on the electoral process was of immense concern in the events leading to the elections.
CHAPTER 12 – PICTORIAL MEMOIR
Pictures speak volumes. This chapter is a collection of pictures highlighting several landmarks in the sojourn of our Royal Majesty. Pictures with notable personages include those with His Eminence Cardinal Dr. Olubumi Okojie, Cardinal Onayaikan, Arch Bishop of Abuja, Bishop John Afareha, Bishop of Warri, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former President Muhammadu Buhari, former Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, former Governor, Senator Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa. Others are Pictures depicting Uvwie culture at several editions of Uvwie Day cultural fiesta; Pictures of institutions and infrastructural developments in Uvwie kingdom. Others include pictures depicting his warm relations with Chief Dame Ewohime, his big sister and in-law. This chapter is the glitterati of the autobiography.
CHAPTER 13 – MY CURRICULLUM VITAE
Quite unusual to have a detailed resume in an autobiography. Its purpose is however immediately evident as it serves as a summary of the life, times and achievements of the author. It is a quick reference point for historical facts concerning the author. A second segment of this chapter contains six appendixes, annexures as historical pictures and documents which corroborate some of the facts and event narrated in this autobiography,
As with all good books, it ends with an index to assist the reader in navigating its rich pages.
Lest I forget, I did state in my opening, that part of my task as a reviewer is to identify faults or flaws in the book, not an enviable task, but I did it.
Page 27 – There is an event……
Page 51 – It was the intervention of my uncle, Chief Atiri,….
Page 64 – … flout a rule I was party to its formulating(formulation)
Page 79 – … one Engr. Luke Aliyu; ne had worked under me
Page 93 …. Orhumaro. It had been rehabilitated and painted a few days before.
Page 99 – and I almost quit.
Page 213 – exceptional gray matter and leadership acumen
Page 238 – We can not stand
Page 243 – we have now successfully installed the five principal Chiefs or Unuevworos for all our communities of Alegbo, Ekpan, Ugbomro and Ogbe. (listed only 4).
Page 284n- The Kingdom wrote to the Nigerian Army Authority for re-acquisition of…
Page 288 – “If anyone is going down the wrong road, he does not need motivation to speedbhim up… (quoting Jim Rohn).
Page 291 – such as Operation Feed The Nation, Green Revolution, Better Life For Rural Women. Family … (use of bold).
Page 292 – v To reduce the problem of unemployment, and
v To Create a conducive atmosphere for investment; (check numbering)
pages 313 – 314 – irregular numbering
Page 320 – nation can not necessarily……
Page 352 – Understanding can not be reached …..
I will conclude this review with the first stanza of the Ode of his childhood school mate and friend, Chief Andrew Masade:
ODE TO FULFILLED UVWIE KINGSHIP
Your reign has been a study in inventiveness:
The constitution of a novel and immaculate retinue of palace chiefs – the envied and cynosure in unique regalia; A native, astute and successful administration without compare. Acclaimed and well-received in town and gown Consolidating a grateful people in obedient acknowledgement.
Finally, my brother in the silk, Chief Festus Keyamo,summed it up when he wrote in the Foreword that:
This book is far more than a chronicle of a monarch’s journey; it is a thoughtful exploration of how vision, discipline, and cultural consciousness can shape leadership that is both relevant to its time and anchored in timeless values. It is a blueprint for how traditional authority can be purposefully deployed to build communities, strengthen institutions, and inspire generations………. Odyssey of Royalty is, therefore, more than the story of an extraordinary king; it is a leadership manual, a cultural document, and an intellectual contribution to the ongoing evolution of traditional authority in modern governance. It speaks to policymakers, traditional rulers, students of history and governance, and every young person who dreams of making a difference.
Thank you all for listening.
OLOROGUN (PROF) JOE ABUGU, SAN, PHD, FCIArb(UK), FNIM.
The Obruche of Uvwie Kingdom
Professor of Commercial and industrial Law
University of Lagos
Nigeria.
