Igarra Kingdom

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State on September 4, 2023, swore in Mr. Tajudeen Alade Suleman and 17 others as chairpersons of the 18 Edo State local government councils, following the outcome of local government elections which took place throughout the state on September 2, 2023.

At the swearing-in ceremony which took place at the Government House, in Benin City, the Edo State capital, Governor Obaseki expressed his confidence in their capacity to deliver on their assignment.

The governor said, “I have worked with every one of them here and know their capacity because I have had assignments for them and know how they delivered on it. I have no doubt in my mind that they have the capacity and what it takes to take the State to where it should be.

“You will all agree with me that local government is perhaps one of the foundations on which our democracy rests. You all saw on Saturday that every polling unit where people voted were residents, so local government is the foundation where our democracy rests, and therefore this very tier of government must be strengthened.

“Gone are the days where we just elect people who can barely read or write to become local government chairmen. I am glad we have amongst you people who have PhDs, and Medical Doctors, among others. So, you possess the requisite backgrounds and experiences you have gathered in the course of life. I believe we have the core of men and women who are properly prepared to manage our local government going forward.”

Reminding them that their mandates require that they throw in everything that they have and that is required to make a difference, the governor said that they have the qualifications, experience, and know-how to run the local government councils. He added that they must now show innovation because the Edo State government is moving the state into the Fourth Industrial era.

He stated that the government is connecting all the local government areas in the state with fibre optics connections and moving the government to a digital platform and urged them to be creative and to focus on the key policies and programmes of the government to drive all-around development at the grassroots.

Saying that education is a key priority, the governor urged them to help strengthen the achievement of this administration in the education sector.

The governor said “A lot of innovation has taken place in education in the local government areas as we expect you to support our system.

“We are redesigning our secondary education system and have selected a pilot of about 54 schools to start the digital secondary education from next quarter where our students are going to use computers alone at the secondary level. We need your support as council chairmen as it’s without Federal Government support.”

Responding on behalf of the other Chairpersons who were sworn in, Mr. Tajudeen Alade Suleman, the Chairperson of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, expressed gratitude to the governor and people of Edo State for the opportunity given them to serve the people of the State.

He gave assurance that they will not fail the people of Edo State, promising that they will immediately hit the ground running.

He said, “We reassure you that we will not fail you and the people of Edo State. We would work round the clock to deliver the dividends of democracy to our people as we hit the ground running, taking advantage of the platform created for us. We will collaborate with you to make Edo the pride of the nation. You have done everything possible for the party to be sustained in Edo State, come 2024 you will produce your successor, and your successor will continue from where you stopped.”

The Otaru of Igarra, His Royal Highness, Oba Emmanuel Adeche Saiki II, has appealed for more support in terms of providing sophisticated weapons to enable hunters, vigilante and locals to secure themselves and their environment.

The monarch made the appeal on December 20, 2022 at the Etsako West Local Government Council Hall in Auchi, when the Edo State governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki addressed traditional rulers, security chiefs and other stakeholders in Edo North Senatorial District.

The governor, on his part, promised that his government will continue to support the State’s Vigilante Security Network to enhance security in the state and ensure the protection of lives and citizens, adding that the government would provide more logistics support to the vigilante network to improve patrol and surveillance in the grassroots.

The State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comr. Philip Shaibu; Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Monday Osaigbovo; Commissioner for Security and Public Safety, Hon. Omololu Ojehomon, and the Heads of Administration of the Six Local Government Areas in Edo North, amongst others, were present at the meeting.

The governor said his administration will be working with communities that have boundaries with other neighboring states, including Akoko-Edo and Etsako-East where security is porous so as to strengthen mechanisms and strategies to secure the borders and increase security in the areas.

Mr. Obaseki said, “We will continue to provide support for our vigilante but in the immediate, we will purchase a number of motorcycles for the vigilante for patrol and bush combing. The vigilante must be supported with some stipends and logistics. I will give you a Christmas bonus for the year as each local government will get N3 million for the work you have done for this year.”

“From January 2023, we will make sure we support each local government with N1 million every month to support our vigilante and report must be rendered in every Security Council meeting.

“I thank the Afamai World Congress who contributed N10 million to support security in Edo North. We will double the money and use it to support our vigilante with logistics.

“We encourage other associations and citizens to support the state security arrangement as the government alone can’t do it. These men need encouragement to combat crime and make the state peaceful.”

The governor reiterated that “There is a law in Edo State which I have signed, the anti-open grazing law. It’s illegal for anybody to graze openly or in an area that has not been so earmarked and the provision is clear and must be given full effect.”

Mr. Alemoghana Innocent, Head of Administration of Akoko Edo Local Government, thanked the governor for its support and prompt response with a tactical squad which helped in the rescue of 27 persons recently kidnapped in the local government while the Otaru of Auchi, Alhaji Aliru Momoh, thanked the governor for his interest in securing the lives of the people.

Igarra, the quiet town beneath the famous Kukuruku Hills in Akoko Edo Local Government Area of Edo State erupted into jubilations on Saturday, September 3, 2022 when its king and traditional ruler, Oba Emmanuel Adeche Saiki II, (JP) the paramount ruler of Igarra and Akuku Clan celebrated his 80th birthday and 25^th coronation anniversary.

The occasion was the culmination of a series of activities lined up to mark the auspicious double celebrations of the monarch and it was a gathering of who is who from the political class, academia, religious and traditional institutions.

The governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, was represented by the Commissioner for Culture Tourism and Diaspora Affairs, Bamidele Obaitan while the Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu, was represented by the Head of Local Government Administration (HOLGA), Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, Innocent Alenoghena. Also at the event were present and former members of the state House of Assembly, former council chairmen and other top politicians.

The ceremony also had in attendance, traditional rulers from across the local government area and other parts of Edo North and Edo Central Senatorial Districts led by the Otaru of Auchi, HRH, Alhaji Aliru Momoh Ikelebe III.

From the academia, the rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, Dr Salisu Umar was represented by the Deputy Rector, Administration, Dr Bamidele Agbadua. former Registrar, Ambrose Alli University, Sir Chris Adamaigbo among others attended the occasion.

In his speech, Obaitan said the Obaseki administration has concluded arrangements to revitalise the Ojirami Dam in order to provide and supply portable water to the entire local government area.

Besides, he said the government is developing a tourism master plan aimed at creating job opportunities for the people of Edo state.

Governor Obaseki said: “We are working on a tourism master plan to develop the tourism potential in Edo.”

“Akoko Edo abounds with huge tourism potentials and the local government is part of our tourism master plan due to various tourist sites in the area.

“With the development of the local government tourism potentials, the area will bring more businesses and money to the people and the state.”

On Oba Saiki’s celebration, he said “I must congratulate you on your 25 years as the Otaru of Igarra and your reign has brought valuable services to the people of Igarra.

“As you mark your 25th year’s coronation anniversary, may Almighty God grant you many more years on the throne,” Obaseki said.

In his welcome address, a representative of the community, Tajudeen Alade Esq, said that Igarra is celebrating over two decades of peaceful and successful reign on the royal throne.

He said “This is why with one voice all members of Igarra community are praying that God in his infinite mercy continues to protect and guide him, give him good health, long life, wisdom and zeal to usher into his domain greater unity, love, peace and accord him all necessary ingredients for the development of his immediate domain.”

He however appealed to the state government for the establishment of a processing or manufacturing industry to provide both manufactured materials due to different solid minerals that abound the local government.

In his speech, the paramount traditional ruler of Igarra/Akuku Clan appreciated the state government and the people of the community for the support and cooperation in the last 25 years as the traditional ruler of the area.

He said his reign has brought meaningful development to the area. According to the monarch, “I am immensely grateful to Almighty God and our ancestors for the protection and guidance accorded me since Sept 20th 1997 when officially I was installed as the 21th Otaru of Igarra.”

“Since my coronation as the Otaru of Igarra and the paramount traditional ruler of Igarra/Akuku Clan, I have been having the very best cooperation and wise counsel of the state government, Akoko Edo local council, traditional rulers council, palace chiefs, elders and the entire people of Igarra community.

“Their collective contributions have made governance in Igarra peaceful,” he said.

The Otaru, enjoined every Igarra person to have a new heart that exhibits love and a new spirit that must promote unity and not division in the community.

The monarch appealed to the state government to establish a higher institution in the local government for more development in the council area.

Highpoint of the event was chieftaincy titles and honours bestowed on some outstanding individuals including the Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin, Prof. Lilian Salami as Oganete of Igarra; Dr Mariam Ibrahim, Deputy Director Admin, Legal Aid Council of Nigeria as Otuonoguvo of Igarra.

The ceremony was heralded with the royal Arigede dance.  

Other events included Arigede dance round Igarra, Etuno language recitation of the Nigerian National pledge and Ikede dance even as other events are planned for the celebrations which span the rest of the month.

Oba E. A. Saiki II (JP) was still working at the University of Lagos when it became the turn of Andiba Royal Family to produce the king, following the transition to glory of His Royal Highness Okuo Luse II. His family, having the confidence that he was qualified to become the next king, asked him to return home as the position was vacant. But there were other members of the family who were also interested in occupying the throne. The Andiba Royal Family had a meeting and decided to select a person out of the three or four of them who were eligible and he was the one chosen.

His name was then submitted to the five ruling houses that were to take the final decision. They fixed a date for a meeting with the senior Okomayin regent. The Okomayin title is next to the Otaru title in Igarra. Whenever Otaru is not around, the senior Okomayin takes over the position as the next in command. The meeting was held and he was finally chosen by the five ruling houses. That was in 1997.

He was pronounced as the chosen Otaru on September 20, 1997 by joint meeting of the regent and the five ruling families and he immediately started the 90 days seclusion which was part of the initiation rites to prepare him for the throne. He was presented with the staff of office on May 1, 1999.

Ariwo Ovejijo Descendants Assembly Worldwide, the umbrella body of royal sons of the great Ariwo Ovejijo all around the world has felicitated with His Royal Highness, Oba Emmanuel Adeche Saiki II, (JP) Oshinoyi Ariwo Ovejijo, the Otaru of Igarra Kingdom and the Paramount Traditional Ruler of Igarra/Akuku Clan in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, Edo State, South-South Nigeria on his ongoing 25th coronation anniversary and 80th birthday celebration.

In the goodwill message to the monarch signed by the group’s President, Engr. Femi Amuku, the group said: “With immense gratitude to God Almighty and on behalf of the Executives and entire members of Ariwo Ovejijo Descendants Assembly Worldwide, with great honour, wishes to felicitate with His Royal Highness, Oba Emmanuel Adeche Saiki II, JP, Oshinoyi Ariwo Ovejijo, the Otaru of Igarra Kingdom and the Paramount Ruler of Igarra/Akuku Clan, on his 25th year anniversary on the throne of our forefathers as the King of Igarra Kingdom and 80th royal birthday celebration.”

The group noted that Oba Saiki’s exemplary leadership reign as the Otaru of Igarra land has in no small measure, engendered laudable peace and harmonious coexistence not only among the good people of Igarra kingdom, but the entire Akoko-Edo in general.

Continuing, it said “It is our profound wish and prayers that as you continue to pilot the cultural and traditional affairs of Igarra Kingdom, may God Almighty, in His immeasurable grace, continue to strengthen you, both in wisdom and in good health.”

Ariwo Ovejijo Descendants Assembly Worldwide specially thanked everyone who made the royal occasions a huge success. Concluding, the group said “We celebrate you, our father, HRH Oba E. A. Saiki II, JP, Oshinoyi Ariwo Ovejijo, the Otaru of Igarra Kingdom and the Paramount Traditional Ruler Igarra/Akuku Clan.

Preservation of Etuno language, spoken by the people of Igarra, headquarters of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State got a boost with the development of an android app that teaches the language by Mr. Bankole Babaiwa.

Speaking with igarrakingdom.org, Mr. Babaiwa said he was motivated to develop the app because of his pride for his mother tongue, in order to preserve the language and to give those who were neither born nor grew up in Igarra the opportunity to learn the language. The app, which combines both text and audio formats, has about 22 features through which one can learn the language without supervision. These features include Basic Etuno Grammar, Greetings aand Responses, The Family, Numbers and Quantities etc.

The Learn Etuno app is available for download on Googleplay.

Below is excerpt of the interview with Mr. Babaiwa.

When and how did the idea to develop an Etuno language app come to your mind?

Well, while I cannot really put a time stamp to when the idea first came to my mind, I know I have always been fascinated by my language identity and when I was growing up in Igarra the Etuno language was proudly used in my household we siblings try to outdo one another on who can communicate with the language better and also to poke fun at ourselves with it. So, when I later left Igarra, there was this void created in me and I have always sought to fill it by dreaming to showcase the language in a unique form.

Several years ago, when I started learning how to do computer programming, the idea of developing an Etuno language software first came to me but then, computer ownership was very low and I sort of just ditched the idea and actually later moved on to train as a Medical Laboratory scientist in the university while still doing software development.

To cut a long story short, since the proliferation of affordable android devices the idea to initiate a digital platform to showcase the Etuno language was rekindled and eventually led to the birthing of the Learn Etuno language app.

What motivated you to develop the app, and how long did it take from conception till launching.

I have always been proud of my identity, and the language you speak is one powerful form of it. Many minority languages across the world are going extinct because of diminishing usage and what better way to preserve the beautiful Etuno language than by presenting it in a digital platform accessible to anyone who wishes to learn it.

As regards the conception till publishing on the Android platform, I think I have always been conceptualizing how an Etuno language learning app should look and feel like for some couple of years now while more and more people are able to acquire android devices. It was actually during the COVID-19 lockdown of the year 2020 that I finally decided to roll up my sleeves and get down to actualizing it, though I was doing it piecemeal because of other daily commitments. By May of 2021, it was already done and dusted and I eventually uploaded it to the Google Play store in June with no much publicity.

Many users got to know about the app around the second week of August, 2021 because of the publicity given to it by an Igarra based journalist by the name of Mr Ray Festus Symperr. Hundreds of users have downloaded it since then.

Did you work alone or in cohort with others, and have you identified any person you can work with to improve on what you have started?

I actually mainly worked alone and even the few help I sought from others were not that fruitful.

After the publication of the app, a group reached out to me to commend me for the work and to also say that there is an existing Etuno language orthography that I could have used.

I used a simplified orthography with less accented or special characters and grammar syntax that amplifies pattern recognition for the learners.

I will be very delighted to work with any person or group of persons who has any contribution to enrich the language digital presentation

What’s your plan for improving the app?

Since publishing the app, I have actually carried out about two updates and will continue to do that as more useful inputs filter in and if any information is made available to me about the app’s functionality that needs to be fixed.

More features will also be added subsequently.

Presently I am developing a simplified and visually enhanced version of the app for children which will be published and available for free download by the end of September 2021.

Following that, I will be publishing an Etuno offline dictionary with English to Etuno translation and Etuno to English translation.

Have you received any encouragement since launching the app? If yes, in what ways?

Well, some people have reached out to commend me through calls and messages and I quite appreciate them for that.

How have you been publicizing the availability of the app to ensure Igarra people seize on the opportunity to teach their children, especially those who were not born in Igarra or who didn’t grow in Igarra?

I expect those who are able to get the app to do the needful and publicize it. It should not be about me, it should be about we Etuno people having a means to provide our children the opportunity to learn their native language and be proud of their identity.

What’s your advice to Igarra people and what action would you encourage them to take concerning the app?

Simple, be proud of your Etuno identity, encourage your children or your partner if he or she is a non-native to try and learn the language. Users of the app can actually learn the language on their own, that is how it is meant to be with the voiced translation.

How do you feel blazing the trail in digitizing the Etuno language?

Well, I don’t want it to be about me, I would rather feel that Etuno people have taken a step to preserving the Etuno language from going into extinction as has been predicted for many other minority languages across Nigeria and Africa.

So congratulations to us!

HRH Oba Emmanuel Adeche Saiki II, the Otaru (paramount ruler) of Igarra/Akuku Clan, has lauded the installation of Sheikh Imam Tajudeen Garuba as the new imam of Igarra calling for prayers for the 29 years old to successfully lead his fellow Muslims.

Oba Saiki who was the Royal Father of the Day at the elaborate ceremony which was held at the Igarra Central Mosque also called on the entire Igarra community to support the new Imam saying “Today, I am very happy to be here to witness the turbaning of our son. Today is another great day for Igarra, that Igarra was able to yet again produce another imam in this town is a good development. Our prayers for the new imam is that God will grant him long life and good health that God will show him the way and wisdom to lead his followers. This will also be the responsibility of my people to continue to pray for him for good health and long life.”

On his part, the new imam said one of his aim is to build an Islamic Centre to check cybercrime in the community through teaching of morals.

Speaking shortly after he was installed in a colourful ceremony held at the Igarra Central Mosque which attracted several Islamic scholars and leaders from Kogi, Ekiti, Abuja and other parts of the country, Garuba lamented that cybercrime was not limited to young but all and sundry are involved.

He said: “Looking at our community critically, we will see a lot of challenges staring at us in the eyes. The level of moral decadence among the youth is alarming; internet fraud, cultism and drug abuse. We are in a community where cybercrime (Yahoo yahoo) is perpetrated by all and sundry. It cuts across young, old, males and females excepting a few.

“There is no better time to confront these challenges than now, through proper Islamic orientation We must therefore work together to establish a standard Islamic Centre for the community that will hatch potential Da’ees (Islamic converts) for the immediate spiritual needs of the community and beyond.

“In the face of daunting national and global challenges, we have no other solution than to collectively return to our creator in penitence and supplication”.

On his part, the guest lecturer, Sheikh Lukman Ibn Imam Musa Galadima said an imam must be peaceful, generous and humble in the mould of notable imams in the holy Quran.

In a keynote address, Alhaji Kadiri Nasiru said the installation of the new Imam marked a new beginning in the community and urged him to be fair to all in his dealings and “be just and true and transparent in all circumstances. The Muslim community has trusted you to keep uniting us without any form of personal sentiments.”

Mr. Kole Jagun has assumed office as the 10th President/Chairman of Council of the Computer Professionals (Registration Council of Nigeria) (CPN) taking over from Prof. Charles Uwadia.

At the handover ceremony which took place today June 24, 2021 at the CPN Centre of Excellence in Abuja, Prof Uwadia congratulated Mr. Jagun and Dr. Essien on their election as President/Chairman of Council and Vice President/Vice Chairman of Council respectively.

In his acceptance speech, Mr. Jagun used the opportunity of the handover ceremony to thank members of the profession for the confidence reposed in him and Dr. Essien to lead the Council. He promised that the 2021-2023 Council will work diligently to ensure that Council achieves the much needed self-sustainability.

He also said collaboration with relevant MDAs, and improved relationship with the Federal Ministry of Education (FME), CPN’s parent Ministry would be given prime attention.

Kole Jagun, a consummate IT practitioner, entrepreneur and the immediate Past Vice-President/Vice-Chairman of Council emerged the new President/Chairman of Council of CPN following the close of election on May 6, 2021.

In the election result released by the Chairperson of the CPN Electoral Committee, Prof (Mrs.) Abimbola Soriyan, Mr. Jagun polled 260 votes, representing (70.3% of the total votes cast) to defeat his rival, Prof Afolayan Obiniyi who polled 110 votes in the online election.

Dr Eyo Effiong Essien, the only candidate for the office of the Vice-President/Vice-Chairman of Council polled 341 votes to be returned unopposed.

Dignitaries who witnessed the handover ceremony and oath taking ceremony included Prof. Adesina Sodiya, President, Nigeria Computer Society (NCS); Prof (Mrs.) Adenike Osofisan, Provost College of Fellows; Mr. Ibrahim Tizhe, Past President/Chairman of Council; Dr. Muhammad Sirajo Aliyu, Deputy President, Nigeria Computer Society; Engineer Gambo Abdullahi, a member of the 2019-2021 Council and member, CPN Transition Committee; Mr. Kayode Shobajo, CEO HiiT Plc.; Prof Oludele Awodele, a member of the 2019-2021 Council, and member, CPN Transition Committee; Rev. Dr. Uwem Asomugha; Mr. Idowu Olusile, Director, Admin, Personnel & HR; Alhaji Ganiu Aileru, Director, Finance & Account; and Mr. Aderemi Raji-Awe, Head, Corporate Communications.

The Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN) was established by Decree No. 49 of 1993, promulgated on June 10, and gazetted on August 9, of that year. It is a body corporate with perpetual succession and common seal, a legal entity charged with the control and supervision of the practice of Computing Profession in the Country.

The remains of Chief (Bar.) Samuel Sunday Obaro, the Oshireku of Igarra, who died on March 11, 2021, were interred on April 23 in his compound on Sam Obaro Street, Igarra. Prior to the interment, Igarra community and the legal community celebrated his life with a valedictory service held at the Edo State High Court, Igarra as well as a service of songs and wake-keep on April 22, 2021.

Chief Obaro was a great man who etched his footprints in the Igarra Hall of Fame. He also made his marks in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, Edo State and in fact Nigeria. It was therefore no wonder that the revered Arigede drums were rolled out to celebrate his life and return to his maker during his burial rites. All the burial ceremonies and the calibre of persons who attended them point to the kind of fulfilled and fruitful life Chief Obaro lived on this planet and how mush he touched people’s lives.

At the valedictory session an Igarra Legal Icon Chief C.D. Bello revealed a secret to the public. Chief Bello said Chief Obaro was once his teacher at St. Paul Anglican Grammar School adding that Obaro was a genius who taught them Literature in English without opening his book when he came to class to teach. He further said that late Chief Obaro’s humility was second to none. The Chief Judge of Edo State, represented by Honourable Justice sitting at Igarra High Court, stated that for over five decades of late Chief S.S. Obaro legal practice, he was never been found wanting as he was a professional to the core.

Born on the 6^th of November 1938 in Igarra, the headquarters of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area in Edo State, Chief Obaro was the fourth surviving son of Okomayin Joseph Izuse and Mrs. Abigail Owanza Obaro of the Eshinavaka Royal Family. His paternal grandfather was the son of Otaru Aibobo and his mother was the sister of Otaru Idanage.

It was about the time of Samuel’s birth that Apostle Joseph Balalola, the founder of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) visited Igarra for evangelization. His father and mother were converted to become Christians and were subsequently baptized and became founding members of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Igarra. Chief Obaro attended the CAC with his parents from a tender age and remained a devout member of the church till his death. His mother was “Iya-ijo” of CAC until her death. Little Samuel was the first baby to be christened in the Christ Apostolic Church in 1938.

He attended the Apostolic Primary School, Igarra from 1944-52 and proceeded to Holy Trinity Grammar School, Sabongida Ora, Owan West Local Government Area in 1952, where he obtained his West African School Certificate (WASC) in 1958. Chief Obaro was admitted to study Government and Law at the Exeter University, Exeter England from 1961-1964. He was called to the English Bar (Lincoln’s Inn) on 9^th February, 1965 and was subsequently enrolled at the Nigeria Law School. He was called to the Nigerian Bar on 30^th July, 1965. He was the first lawyer to be produced by Akoko-Edo Local Government Area.

During his student days, Chief Obaro was most prominent during each of the Annual Prize Giving Day which was usually part of the ceremonies after the annual Inter-house Sports. In his immaculate white uniform, he was usually called up to collect the prizes for the best performing student in his class in at list six of the nine subjects and was fondly called “Booker T Washington”. At the end of his secondary education at the Holy Trinity Grammar School he confirmed his consistent leading academic performance in his class by coming out with a Grade 1 West African School Certificate in 1958.

In 1956 when he was still only in class 4 at the Holy Trinity Grammar School Sabongida Ora, the Anglican Church authorities who were the proprietors of Holy Trinity decided to establish another Grammar School in Igarra which is today, St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School, Igarra. Reverend Imevbore Edeki who was then one of his teachers at Holy Trinity Grammar School was appointed by the Anglican Church Authorities as principal designate of their then proposed Grammar School at Igarra in or about June 1956.

Rev. Edeki took him along with him to Igarra to conduct the entrance examination and selection interview for the first set of students to be admitted to the new Grammar school at Igarra. At Igarra Rev. Edeki and young Samuel supervised the written entrance examination and conducted the physical test and selected the first set of students at St. James’s Elementary School grounds at Ugbogbo Quarters of Igarra.

Rev. Edeki was very impressed with Samuel’s performance when they conducted the entrance examination and interview of the first set of students to St Paul’s Grammar School in 1956  and when in December 1958, the result of his West African School certificate examination was released and he made a Grade 1, Rev. Edeki without any hesitation offered him a teaching appointment (without him applying for it) at the St Paul’s Anglican School, Igarra where he was then Principal, specifically to teach British History, English Literature and Mathematics, subjects Rev. Edeki knew Samuel was very good at while at Holy Trinity Grammar School when he was a teacher there. Samuel taught in St Paul’s for the whole 1959.

One day in February 1960, while Samuel was teaching, a fairly elderly man came to the school on a bicycle and someone came into the class to whisper to him that the man wanted to see him outside. He went out to see the person and the man asked Samuel if he knew him. Samuel answered in the negative. The man then introduced himself as Chief Okuo Luse who later ascended the throne as Otaru (Paramount Ruler) of Igarra. Chief Okuo Luse, excitedly asked Samuel if he was the Igarra boy who obtained Grade I in the West African School Certificate, for which he congratulated Samuel and informed him that he was a Councilor at the Akoko-Edo Local Council and that they have passed a resolution in the Council to award scholarships to three Akoko-Edo students, for higher education studies.

Chief Luse informed Samuel that he believed that with his outstanding secondary school result, he was qualified for the award of a scholarship and advised Samuel to go to the Council Secretariat to collect the application form and apply. Samuel rushed to the Secretariat the next day to collect and complete the application forms, and this singular incident accounts for his very close relationship and total loyalty to His Royal Highness, Okuo Luse II from the time he ascended the throne in 1971 as Otaru of Igarra and throughout his reign.

In 1960, he was interviewed for the Western Region Ministry of Education scholarship by a panel led by then Principal of Edo College Benin, Mr. Eno Bakare, and he and one other candidate were successful. Consequently, he was informed that he was to proceed to a polytechnic in the United Kingdom for a diploma in Public Administration. The polytechnic college identified for him was Balham and Tooting College, London. The Western Region Ministry of Education processed all his travel documents including his British passport, and he departed by air for London on the 25^th of August 1960 in the company of about 90 other scholarship students sponsored by then Western Regional Government.

Soon after settling down at Balham and Tooting Polytechnic, Samuel was so disappointed both in the content and the surroundings of the school generally, that he made up his mind not spend two years pursuing a Diploma Certificate there. He therefore decided to register with the Rapid Results College (a correspondence college) to prepare for his Advanced Level Examinations in three subjects. He also went ahead to enroll for the advanced level examinations. Thus, he never attended the polytechnic lectures but settled down to prepare for the examinations relying entirely on correspondence lessons received from Rapid Results College.

He sat for the Advanced Level Examination in November that same year and by the grace of God, he passed in flying colours and was consequently admitted into Exeter University to resume there in October 1961 and for a Bachelor of Arts combined Honours (Government and law). While waiting to resume at the University, he enrolled at Lincolns Inn court at the Council of Legal Education London. Thus, he commenced his professional law studies. At that time, to gain admission into the Inns of Court, the minimum qualification was an outstanding school certificate or Cambridge school certificate which, luckily, Samuel had; hence it was possible for him to obtain admission to one of the four Inns of Court in London where the English lawyers obtain their Barrister-at-Law professional certification.

After three years at the Exeter University, He came out in June 1964 with a B.A. (combine honours Government and law). By 1965, he had also satisfied all the conditions for call to the English Bar, which he was pursuing concurrently with his University degree. On the 9^th of February 1965, he was called to the English Bar and awarded the Barrister-at-law (BL) certificate at the Lincolns Inn of Court London. When he returned to Nigeria in 1965, he enrolled at the Nigerian Law School, Lagos. At that time Law School only lasted for 3 months, and was called to Nigerian Bar and enrolled as Legal Practitioner at the Nigerian Supreme Court on the 31^st July, 1965. As an undergraduate he participated actively in student’s politics and in 1962/63 session was elected as the only African member of the Student Executive Council of the University.

Before his return to Nigeria after obtaining his University degree in 1964 he applied to United Africa Company (UAC) for employment. The late Chief Abebe who was then the Personnel Director of UAC (Nig) Limited went to the United Kingdom to interview him and other applicants at the Unilever House in London. Following the interview he was offered the position of Assistant Manager in the UAC subsidiary company called the Northern Assurance Insurance Company (which was later United Insurance Company (UNIC). Before He returned to Nigeria, he had also undergone a three-month manager in training course at the Northern Assurance Company Headquarters in London. After he completed his course at the Nigerian Law School in Lagos in 1965, he went to resume as Assistant Manager (Claims) at the Northern Assurance Company Headquarters at the Marina Lagos. He was there for only three months before resigning to pursue a successful career in law that spanned over 50 years.

After resigning from Northern Assurance Insurance Company, he started his law practice in the chamber of Giwa and Atilade Legal Practitioners at 11 Martins Street in Lagos in 1965. After about five years with Giwa and Atilade he left to establish his own practice at 45 Martin Street, Lagos. He was appointed Commissioner in the October 1975 in the Midwest Executive Council (later Bendel State) from which he resigned in 1978 to participate in active politics, which the then Obasanjo military administration had allowed to commence that year.

In his entire professional and political career, Chief Samuel Obaro was never involved in any corrupt, improper or unprofessional conduct. He was highly regarded and respected by colleagues, contemporaries and general public. He served his community, State and Federal Governments and in business in various capacities, some of which are identified below;

1. Member of the Public Officers (investigation of assets) Tribunal in Bendel State (1968-69)
2. Member, Midwest Public Accounts Committee (1968-1974)
3. Member, Midwest/Bendel State Library Board (1974-1975)
4. Honourable Commissioner in the Midwest/Bendel State Executive Council (1975-1978) -various times as: Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs and Culture, Commissioner for Establishment and Acted as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice)
5. Member, General Counsel of the Bar (1990-1992)
6. Member, Nigeria Council of Legal Education (1991-1993)
7. Member, National Executive Council of the Nigerian Bar Association (1985-1991)
8. Board Member, Chase Merchant Bank Nigeria Limited (1980-1983)
9. Director, Agura Hotels Limited, Abuja

As a Commissioner, he was always conscious of his responsibility to the Akoko-Edo Local Government Council to which he presumed to represent in the Council, even though he was not elected by the people. He held himself out as the people’s Commissioner and was very accessible. With his assistance, four (4) Secondary Schools were approved for Okpe, Uneme-Osu, Ikpeshi and Igarra Girls Grammar School (Initially Otaru Girls Grammar School). The Igarra Technical College and the Local Government Training School, Bekuma were also established by the State Government in his time. In the Health Sector, the Ibillo General Hospital was also built. This also applies to the Okpe/Idogun road that was tarred during his time. As an active and senior official of the NPN, President Shehu Shagari’s party, Chief Obaro was able to attract or influence the take-over of the Rural Electrification of Akoko-Edo by the National Electric Power Authority (NEPA), he facilitated the introduction of telephone service (NITEL) in Igarra and South Ibie (Etsako West LGA) and the construction of the Post Office in Igarra.

On the home front he contributed in no small measure to attract respect and honour to the traditional institutions in former Bendel State when he was the Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs and Culture in the State between 1975 and 1977. His efforts in this direction with the support and encouragement of the former Oba of Benin (Erediauwa II) who was then the Edaiken of Benin and also Commissioner at the time including other members of the State Executive Council resulted in the enactment of the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Edict (now law) of 1979 which is still in force in Edo and Delta States till date.

He was for a long time the Chairman of the building Committee of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Igarra and greatly devoted his time and resources in supporting the activities of the Church.

Chief Obaro’s Political Activities

1. Foundation member of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN)
2. Assistant National Secretary and Member of NEC of NPN (1979-1983)
3. Member of the Bendel State Executive of the NPN (1980)
4. Deputy National Secretary, NPN (1980)
5. National Legal Director, NPN (1983)
6. Foundation Member of the National Republic Convention (NPN)
7. National Delegate to the first national convention of the NRC and Candidate for National Chairmanship position (1990)
8. Chairman and Returning officer for the NRC Gubernatorial nomination primaries in Lagos and Cross-River States (1991)
9. Member of the NRC Presidential Campaign Organisation (1993)
10. Foundation Member of the Democratic Party of Nigeria (DPN)
11. Chairman of the constitution drafting Committee
12. National Legal Adviser, DPN (1997-1998)
13. Member of the APC

Social Activities

• Member, Benin Club
• Founding member/Elder, Afenmai Forum
• Community Leader in Igarra, Edo State and Nigeria in general