Ayakoromo Community in Ngbilebiri-Mein Kingdom in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State of Nigeria is an ancient town, situated at the bank of River Forcados at its northern side and bounded with the Remos Creek on its southern parts. It lies between miles 20 to 30 at the Forcados River. She has boundary on the northern side with Igbo-Ede Community; on the eastern side with Okrika (Ofonibenghan), Frukama, Ezebiri and Esanma communities; on her southern border with Enekorogha Community, while on the south west with Orugbene, Kenloghene and Obotebe communities; on the western part with Afoughene and Obotebe communities and on the north western part with Gbekebor Community respectively.
Ayakoromo is a federated community comprises the Ayakoromo maintown, Oyangbene (now autonomous community), Akparemogbene, Eseimogbene, Egolegbene, Ogborogbene, Oweibigbene, Yeringbene, Asiayeigbene, Ebeingbene, Edumogirengbene, Ororaigbene, Itallygbene, Newtown, Bubougbene, Sosegbene, Kokodiagbene, Okegbene, Ekorogbene, Yayorogbene, Abegbene, etc.
This Community has existed for centuries beyond human memories. From ages to ages Ayakoromo had always featured in the archives of intellectual history. Thus, the story of the historic oil struggle in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria cannot be told without the mention of the ancient Ayakoromo Community.
In 1888, the Royal Navy led by Capt. Mack Tanger carried out a reprisal attack on the Community by engaging one fearless and legendary hero, Pa Onduku Badeinmo in gun duel. In the ensuing battle of wits, the former bombarded Ayakoromo. In the process, one of the heroes at the time, Pa Agia Badeinmo was killed by the invading British forces.
While the Royal Niger Company (RNC) forcefully penetrated into the interiors of the Niger Delta region to trade with the hinterland dwellers, Onduku Badeinmo, the great Bekederemo of Kiagbodo and other comrades in the struggle prevented the foreign invaders from penetrating into the territories of Mein Kingdoms without recognizing the rights of the communities therein. Thus, Ganagana Island became the trading point in River Forcados where the local traders exchanged their goods with the British merchants.
In the pre-colonial and colonial eras leading to the independence of the Country, Ayakoromo intellectual pundits played vitals roles in community services. Amongst some of these intelligentsia were Pa Onduku Badeinmo who being one of the oil merchants. After that incident of fighting against the British Royal Niger Company at Ganagana Island when he killed the Company staff he went on exile and on his return from exile, he worked to redeem himself by paying the fine pronounced on him by Ayakoromo Community. He was made a Warrant Chief and a member of the Native Courts sitting at Akugbene, Frukama and later kiagbodo. Pa Onduku was an Orator and a great judge who decided complex cases with equity and fairness. He worked as an interpreter of Ijaw language to the British colonialists.
Pa Alaowei Yere (grandfather of Alaowei Cleric) was a sailorman. He worked with the colonial masters as a deckand. He worked in different ships such as Saltpond, Champion, etc. In one of his trips to the United Kingdom, he had a brief stay at a countryside in Liverpool. Upon his return to Nigeria, he died a sudden death after brief illness in 1940 at Eseimogbene. Similarly, Engr. Pesigha Friday Nafugha was also a sailorman. He died in London. He was Pa. Onitsha Kitua's maternal uncle from Akubiri and Ekeremowei egede. It's interesting to note that Pa. Pesigha Friday Nafugha was believed to be the first literate person in Ayakoromo Community who acquired Western education at the pre-colonial era.
Also in the list was Pa Birasingbegha who was an interpreter of Ijaw language to the missionaries in the pre-independent era. He influenced a missionary school to Ayakoromo Town in the late 1930s which later metamorphosed into Ngbilebiri Primary School on acquisition by the colonial government in 1944. Ayakoromo Community market was opened for business in 1939 through the influence of her educated sons and daughters of the Community at this point in time.
The likes of Pa Eselemobiri, Pide, etc were educationists who taught at the missionary schools across the western Ijaw communities in the old western region. They brought in knowledge in western education thereby engendering civilized practices in community governance.
In 1950s, Ayakoromo Community has ushered in new breed of intelligentsia some of whom became Nigeria's foremost historians. The likes of Chief Thomas Omete Onduku, Matthew London Agbegha, Pa Samson Yerin Ekpedibo, (the great Abasuo Kare-owei who was the Ogula bulou wene-owei of the Community at that time, a great scholar); Chief A. E. Bamuza, Pa Silvester Ariake Kokole amongst others piloted the affairs of the Community with their intellectual acumen. Thus, by 1960, the Republican Ayakoromo people enacted their first constitution to govern the affairs of the Community.
Since 1960 to date, Ayakoromo Community has been a democratic society, practicing the American model of federalism. Thus, the Community government is dividend into four arms comprises of the Town Council, Elders' Council, Advisory Board and the Youths Movement. Each of these organs operate as checks and balances to the other.
While many African countries are still grappling to get a perfect document for governance, Ayakoromo Community had already have to her credit due to the growing cream of intellectuals for over the years, enacted a near perfect document, christened "the Ayakoromo Constitution".
I'm pleased to announce to my readers the cream of intellectuals in different strata of life born into this democratic Community. In history, Pa Yekwe, Chief Samson Yerin Ekpdibo, Chief T. O. Onduku, M. L Agbegha, Chief Saibakumo, Chief Seisinghan, Pa Gboun Seigha, Chief John Ayabotu, Pa Onoku Tambou of blessed memories were historians of international repute as well as traditional arbiters.
Chief A. E. Bamuza (former Chairman of OMPADEC), Hon. Edumson (former member of Bendel State House of Assembly), Hon. J. O. Eyenanaotu (former member of Bendel State House of Assembly), Hon. Clement Tobi, (former Commissioner, Bendel State), Prince A. A. Okpe, Chief Kedikumor of blessed memories; late Chief Barr. (Mrs.) Bamuza-Mutu, former Commissioner, Bendel State; member, 1999 Constitution Drafting Committee etc; Chief (Hon.) Yerin Ekpedibo Yerin (pioneer member, Delta State House of Assembly), Dr. Braduce Amakazi Angozi were prominent politicians that dictated the political pace in the second republic.
In the traditional religion, the likes of Eyoro, Bamughan Ebibor, Pa Atane (former Odele Chief Priest), Puoyebo, Arerebo, Disi (Ozibou Chief Priest), Amon Tuedon, Tolo, etc were known traditionalists. These believers of the traditional religion were not only dedicated worshippers to the traditional religion, their services to the society bettered the lots of humanity in no smaller measures.
In the Christendom, Pa Stephen Brasingbegha Ozigbo, founder of St. Spephen RCM which later changed to Ngbilebiri Primary School in 1945, Pa M. L. Agbegha, Onuko Tambou and a host of others were strong christian faithful who worked with the European missionaries. Ayakoromo produced the first Ijaw Reverend Father in the Catholic Church, Rev. Fr. Ewarewa. Other Reverend Fathers the community produced are Rev. Fr. Eselemobiri Mathias, Rev. Fr. James Morkor, Rev. Fr. Omgbu, Rev. Fr. Suoware, etc.
Still on the christian religious worshippers: the likes of Apostle Fullpower Owei (late), Apostle Orukemeabegha, Apostle Gboluseride, Apostle Numberone Tuarede, Apostle Emmanuel Tuarede and Apostle Ebila of blessed memories; Apostle Okubo Saibakumo, Senior Apostle Morgan Gboluseride, Apostle Theophilus Gboluseride, Apostle Monday Akarama, Superior Apostle Seriala Benigbene Demebide, etc were/are dedicated worshippers of Christ.
Presently in Ayakoromo Community, we have the only political Pope of the universe, His Excellency, Dr. Braduce Amakazi Angozi whose ideological inclinations in politics remains unbeatable. Hon. Godwin Edumogiren, the Agbegu; a man whose intellectual acumen lies in his diplomatic warfare. He is a political masterstroke. Hon. Richard Tuedon, the Aforogu, a master strategist whose prowess lies in his ideological sagacity.
Hon. Paul Kurugbe, the only sixth and seventh Book of politics in the universe, an orator per excellence. The only man who can give his opponent a humiliating political defeat but the opponent will rather applaud his maradonic skills than complaining. Chief John Akpotudougha, one time member of the National Executive Committee, All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP), Chief S. D. Kitua, the General Overseer of the only Church of the Truth in the universe where no one lies. His weapon of warfare is his charismatic truthfulness. Late Hon. Sunday Feke, a man whose leadership credentials were second to none. A field player in the politics of Delta State. Mr. Amadiowei Saibakumo is also a gifted political player from the community.
Have you met the phonological orator, Hon. Austin Edumogiren? His strength lies in his oratory prowess with which he can conquer the opponents no matter their strength. Hon. Ebisine Koffee Amasumo, a technocrat and a financial expert of international repute. Of course I am not forgetting Hon. Sunny Perekeme, Senator Mike Edoukumor, Hon. Stanley Gari, Hon. Trust Edumogiren, Hon. Anthony Dauyebo, Hon. Ezonowei Sojaowei, Barr. Pele A. Demebide, Alaowei E. Cleric, Esq. Dr. Ekanpou Enewaredideke, Coleman Timipere, Hon. Ayabotu Otoro, Mr. Albert Edumogiren, Desmond Edumogiren, Collins Edumogiren, etc who are key players in the politics of Delta State.
In business, Ayakoromo Community gladly hosted the only colonial Bank that's still existing in Africa, Chief Clement Moni, a business tycoon of international repute. Hon. Sunday Feke (now late), the Dangote of Niger Delta, was a financial expert-cum a reputable contractor of international standard. Mr. Gregory Emolade, Princess Perekeme, Mr. Boro Brown and a host of others too numerous to mention in the business field.
In the military, Ayakoromo men gallantly fought for the unity of Nigeria during the civil war. Maj. College Maye, Maj. Fabor, Malaito, Ebegha Gilo, Labra, Rigogo Ogbolakumo, Tolomone, Chief S. D. Kitua, Angokpo Demebide, Thunder Ekisa, Moritala Timoko, Emomoyeiya, Chief Dogori Asiayei, Fulpower Asiayei, Billy Ibadan Yerin, Mounkena Yonrovigho (who was a soldier attached to Maj. Isaac Boro's amphibious battalion).
Ayakoromo Community's contribution to the Nigerian defence sector is very high. Maj. Gen. Kakadudu Aprezi (rtd), former GOC, Guards Brigade, late Col. Luke Aprezi, former ADC to Gen. Abubakar Abdusalami, Commodore Yekwe, Navy Captain Nelson Demebide, Maj. Godspower Oroso, Commander Thomas Oroso, Navy Commander Andrew Oroso (rtd), Commodore Edward Yeibo, (Phd), Navy Commander Birinimughan, Maj. Isaac Ebegha Atteh, Maj. Perezide Asiayei, etc.
In the Nigerian police, Ayakoromo sons and daughters flooded the official cadet. The likes of Innocent Ayabotu, Pius Eredei, Ebimobowei Eyenanaotu, etc are ranking police officers from the Community.
In the artistic world, Ayakoromo Community produced colony of artists in different fields. Dr. Ball-ere Mislaw, Kuroendi Ezingbobo, Apolo Pouke of blessed memories, Madam Eseimokumor, Prince Christopher Perekeme (the Blender Brothers), etc were foremost musical artists known in the entire Ijaw nation, while Dr. Ebi Yeibo, late Dr. Joseph Benike, Ekanpou Enewaredideke (PhD) all of whom won numerous awards in the global community, Mr. Enaibo David Asiayei aka the Talking Drum of Africa, etc ruled the literary world in contemporary Nigerian society.
In the entertainment world, traditional orators such as Pa Gboun Seigha, Chief John Ayabotu, Hon. Salaco Arerebo, Alex Ebolo of blessed memories, Matthew Apiakise, Hon. Yerin Ekpedibo Yerin, Samuel Robber, Zipamoh Wilson, etc possessed an unbeatable skills in the masters of ceremony. Have you met the two masters of ceremony from the same womb, MC Akpolokpolo 1, Pastor Stephen Demebide, a traditional orator and MC Akpolokpolo II, Mr. Anthony Demebide, an intellectual orator? These men mastered the game of entertaining their guests. Gifted and talented orators. Still on the entertainment industry, we have Mr. Perekeme Glean Perekeme, Joy Tambou who are foremost and talented Nollywood actor and actress who have featured in hundreds of movies in the highly competitive Nollywood Movies.
I'm not forgetting the likes of Pa Enieke Adon, Pa Abenzi (Ozibou taru adein Ozifareowei), Pa Enaseimokumo Abelewa, late Oyabebefa Akarama aka Aworowo who were unbeatably talentedly traditional drummers. Ezonowei Sojaowei, a gifted traditional drummer. Pa Aye, Liberty Obodo, Pa Okpu, Amakeme Famous of blessed memories, Nicodemus Alaowei, Bomieghan Egbe, Dennis T. Amadiowei, Collins Otoro, etc are gifted sculptors from the Community.
The likes of late Fred Ebi May, Sir Joseph Ekeremieye of blessed memories, Bestman May, Tolumo, Eniye Egole, Patrick Egole, Peres Okpe, Pal Jagz, Lisbeg Awiki, Sally Aba, Peter MD Samuel, Torkeyei Fineman, Dilayei Kokole, King Benson Tosi Pafiyee, etc ruled the musical entertainment industry in the 21st century.
Still on the entertainment industry, Pa Egbere, Pa Kaduna Daubrifade, Pa Lebra, Pa Kurugbe Ateme, Pa John-Ogbe, Sipi, Pa Oyabrade Efole, Akuta Daubrifade, Egwe Esefa, Ebegha Gillow, Amaebi Gillow, Ebisine Afeton, Ela Yereke, Edwin Omorun, Odougbene, Ebiyebo, Angola Akeme, Augustine Ferebo, Benaebi Clearance Biayeibo, Arekumo Ferebo, Macaulay Arogbo, etc were wrestling champions.
Also, Moritala Timoko, Thunder Ekisa, Andrew John-Ogbe, Ade Bibor, Benjamin Yeigagha, etc were boxing champions, while Pina Kpikpi, Prince A. A. Okpe, Bamuza, Amasumo, Hon. Arerebo Salaco, Ela Yereke, Samuel Tuedon, Joseph Bandmaster, Kekere Amala, Isaac Offi, Arogi Amasumo, Augustine Ferebo, Resident Okekebo, Mrs. Akelade Bandmaster, Saka Oleh, Christiana Tuedon, Ango-ere Niyanta, etc were great sprinters,
Similarly, the likes of Ofiti Parke, Bruce Parke, Resident Okekebo, Ango-ere Niyanta, etc were great swimmers of repute who won so many medals in national sports festival.
In the creative artists, Ayakoromo community rules. The likes of Mr. Abraka Prester Onduku, a First Class Artist in Fine Art who graduated from the prestigious University of Benin, 1983. He is a Art Teacher at the University of Science Technology Demonstration Secondary School Port Harcourt; Prof Sylvester Ebigbagha, a Professor of Fine Art at the Niger Delta University, Amassoma Bayelsa State, Hon. Austin Edumogiren is also a graduate of Fine Art from College of Education, Warri and taught fine Art at Ayakoromo Grammar School. I'm not forgotting Barr. Preye Onduku, a graduate of Fine & Applied Arts Education from the University of Benin,1994. He also Taught Fine Art at Cambridge International School, Warri. Delta State.
In activism, comrade Austin Ozobo, an internationally recognized human rights activists who has so many awards both in Nigeria and in diaspora. Alaowei Cleric, Esq, a fast rising human rights activist of international repute, Dr. Ekanpou Enewaredideke, a literary activist whose activism is known all over the world. Barr. Pele A. Demebide, the only radical lawyer presently known in the shores of Nigeria.
In the media world, again, Ayakoromo Community dictated the pace. Hon. Manager Seigha, Ekanpou Enewaredideke, Austin Ozobo, Enaibo David Asiayei, Pastor Arex Akemetubo, Anthony Demebide, Oyinbi Owolo Onduku, Tamaraupreye Ekpegha, etc are trained journalists.
In academia/public service, the likes of Prof. Gerald Agbegha, (a Nigerian Government trained professor of mathematics now based in the USA), Sese-Owei Ekaye (PhD), Akpoebibo Onduku (PhD), Chief Dr. (Mrs) Emily O. Mieyefa (NPOM, MNIM), the 1st Female PHD holder in the Community, 1st Female Permanent Secretary in the Bayelsa State Civil Service and 1st National Productivity Order of Merit Award Winner in 2013. She got the award amongst two other women in the whole Country; Chief David Prede Mieyefa, a Chartered Accountant.
Others are: Mrs. Veronica kpeke (PhD), Mrs. Janet Offi (PhD) who is a prominent servant of God in the USA, Mr. Cyprian Agbegha (former Dean of Students Affairs, COE, Warri/DELSU Affiliated), Boss Akanyo (PhD), Ololobou (former Permanent Secretary, Delta State civil service), Clement Tobi (former Registrar, University of Ibadan and former civil Commissioner in the then Bendel State Government), Coleman Agbegha (former Permanent Secretary Delta State civil service), late Samuel Audu Elaweremi (former Permanent Secretary in the Min. of finance, Bayelsa State civil service), late Goodluck Aprefe, Chief C. C. Apiakise JP, (rtd Headmaster), B. K. Brialade, Akanyo Zipamoh Johnson, Ebi Yeibo, late Joseph Benike, Christiana Tuedon, Anthony Dauyebo, Mr. Richard Ebibofa, etc dictate the pace in public services.
In the legal field. The likes of Larry Selekeowei, (SAN), Clara Yekwe, Theophilus Ekaye, the Akanyos, Mrs. C. B. Agbegha, Onduku Preye, Brisibe E. Tambou, Moses kuro Tambou, Emmanuel Abagidi, Anthony Pere Oseme, late Chief B. F. Yeigagha, Alaowei Cleric, Ebika Onduke, Norbert Ayabotu, Pele Demebide, Ebilade Obiri, Jonathan Wenebokefe Obiri, Yerinlaemi Kokole etc are known legal icons.
In the medical and health field, the likes of Dr. William Apiakise,(PhD), a medical Doctor; Ahmed Saibakumo, (PhD), a laboratory scientist and haematologist who doubled as a foremost Ijaw historian in this contemporary society, Dr. Yerin Saibakumo featured in the record.
We have Regina Seikorowei (Ogunu) as the second certified Nurse, Jude Angodideke as a certified laboratory scientist, Esther Akpoyibo (DEMEBIDE) as the first certified Community Health Extension Worker (CHEW), S. A. Kokole was first Pharmacy Technician (Dispenser) before switching to Administration to help in the employment of many in Ayakoromo and Burutu LGA at large, and Kokole Oyasouweigha Charles as the first health information management specialist and first Izon man elected as the chairman of the Association of Health Records and Information Management Practitioners of Nigeria, Delta State Chapter. The list is endless.
Still on the medical field, we have some well trained trado-medical doctors in history. i.e, Pereakuna Adipere, John Ayabotu, Tina Ekpedibo, Ebegha Gillow, Woduma, Ekpokeme, Ogboye, Mrs. Ebikeseiye Ogbolakumo, Akpoebi Apamor, Andrew John-Ogbe, Ebikabowei Woduma, Friday Ekpokeme, etc. (To be continued).
From Alaowei E. Cleric, Esq. THE CITY OF INTELLECTUALS: HOW MUCH DID YOU KNOW HER ?_By: Alaowei E. Cleric, Esq.
Ayakoromo Community in Ngbilebiri-Mein Kingdom in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State of Nigeria is an ancient town, situated at the bank of River Forcados at its northern side and bounded with the Remos Creek on its southern parts. It lies between miles 20 to 30 at the Forcados River. She has boundary on the northern side with Igbo-Ede Community; on the eastern side with Okrika (Ofonibenghan), Frukama, Ezebiri and Esanma communities; on her southern border with Enekorogha Community, while on the south west with Orugbene, Kenloghene and Obotebe communities; on the western part with Afoughene and Obotebe communities and on the north western part with Gbekebor Community respectively.
Ayakoromo is a federated community comprises the Ayakoromo maintown, Oyangbene (now autonomous community), Akparemogbene, Eseimogbene, Egolegbene, Ogborogbene, Oweibigbene, Yeringbene, Asiayeigbene, Ebeingbene, Edumogirengbene, Ororaigbene, Itallygbene, Newtown, Bubougbene, Sosegbene, Kokodiagbene, Okegbene, Ekorogbene, Yayorogbene, Abegbene, etc.
This Community has existed for centuries beyond human memories. From ages to ages Ayakoromo had always featured in the archives of intellectual history. Thus, the story of the historic oil struggle in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria cannot be told without the mention of the ancient Ayakoromo Community.
In 1888, the Royal Navy led by Capt. Mack Tanger carried out a reprisal attack on the Community by engaging one fearless and legendary hero, Pa Onduku Badeinmo in gun duel. In the ensuing battle of wits, the former bombarded Ayakoromo. In the process, one of the heroes at the time, Pa Agia Badeinmo was killed by the invading British forces.
While the Royal Niger Company (RNC) forcefully penetrated into the interiors of the Niger Delta region to trade with the hinterland dwellers, Onduku Badeinmo, the great Bekederemo of Kiagbodo and other comrades in the struggle prevented the foreign invaders from penetrating into the territories of Mein Kingdoms without recognizing the rights of the communities therein. Thus, Ganagana Island became the trading point in River Forcados where the local traders exchanged their goods with the British merchants.
In the pre-colonial and colonial eras leading to the independence of the Country, Ayakoromo intellectual pundits played vitals roles in community services. Amongst some of these intelligentsia were Pa Onduku Badeinmo who being one of the oil merchants. After that incident of fighting against the British Royal Niger Company at Ganagana Island when he killed the Company staff he went on exile and on his return from exile, he worked to redeem himself by paying the fine pronounced on him by Ayakoromo Community. He was made a Warrant Chief and a member of the Native Courts sitting at Akugbene, Frukama and later kiagbodo. Pa Onduku was an Orator and a great judge who decided complex cases with equity and fairness. He worked as an interpreter of Ijaw language to the British colonialists.
Pa Alaowei Yere (grandfather of Alaowei Cleric) was a sailorman. He worked with the colonial masters as a deckand. He worked in different ships such as Saltpond, Champion, etc. In one of his trips to the United Kingdom, he had a brief stay at a countryside in Liverpool. Upon his return to Nigeria, he died a sudden death after brief illness in 1940 at Eseimogbene. Similarly, Engr. Pesigha Friday Nafugha was also a sailorman. He died in London. He was Pa. Onitsha Kitua's maternal uncle from Akubiri and Ekeremowei egede. It's interesting to note that Pa. Pesigha Friday Nafugha was believed to be the first literate person in Ayakoromo Community who acquired Western education at the pre-colonial era.
Also in the list was Pa Birasingbegha who was an interpreter of Ijaw language to the missionaries in the pre-independent era. He influenced a missionary school to Ayakoromo Town in the late 1930s which later metamorphosed into Ngbilebiri Primary School on acquisition by the colonial government in 1944. Ayakoromo Community market was opened for business in 1939 through the influence of her educated sons and daughters of the Community at this point in time.
The likes of Pa Eselemobiri, Pide, etc were educationists who taught at the missionary schools across the western Ijaw communities in the old western region. They brought in knowledge in western education thereby engendering civilized practices in community governance.
In 1950s, Ayakoromo Community has ushered in new breed of intelligentsia some of whom became Nigeria's foremost historians. The likes of Chief Thomas Omete Onduku, Matthew London Agbegha, Pa Samson Yerin Ekpedibo, (the great Abasuo Kare-owei who was the Ogula bulou wene-owei of the Community at that time, a great scholar); Chief A. E. Bamuza, Pa Silvester Ariake Kokole amongst others piloted the affairs of the Community with their intellectual acumen. Thus, by 1960, the Republican Ayakoromo people enacted their first constitution to govern the affairs of the Community.
Since 1960 to date, Ayakoromo Community has been a democratic society, practicing the American model of federalism. Thus, the Community government is dividend into four arms comprises of the Town Council, Elders' Council, Advisory Board and the Youths Movement. Each of these organs operate as checks and balances to the other.
While many African countries are still grappling to get a perfect document for governance, Ayakoromo Community had already have to her credit due to the growing cream of intellectuals for over the years, enacted a near perfect document, christened "the Ayakoromo Constitution".
I'm pleased to announce to my readers the cream of intellectuals in different strata of life born into this democratic Community. In history, Pa Yekwe, Chief Samson Yerin Ekpdibo, Chief T. O. Onduku, M. L Agbegha, Chief Saibakumo, Chief Seisinghan, Pa Gboun Seigha, Chief John Ayabotu, Pa Onoku Tambou of blessed memories were historians of international repute as well as traditional arbiters.
Chief A. E. Bamuza (former Chairman of OMPADEC), Hon. Edumson (former member of Bendel State House of Assembly), Hon. J. O. Eyenanaotu (former member of Bendel State House of Assembly), Hon. Clement Tobi, (former Commissioner, Bendel State), Prince A. A. Okpe, Chief Kedikumor of blessed memories; late Chief Barr. (Mrs.) Bamuza-Mutu, former Commissioner, Bendel State; member, 1999 Constitution Drafting Committee etc; Chief (Hon.) Yerin Ekpedibo Yerin (pioneer member, Delta State House of Assembly), Dr. Braduce Amakazi Angozi were prominent politicians that dictated the political pace in the second republic.
In the traditional religion, the likes of Eyoro, Bamughan Ebibor, Pa Atane (former Odele Chief Priest), Puoyebo, Arerebo, Disi (Ozibou Chief Priest), Amon Tuedon, Tolo, etc were known traditionalists. These believers of the traditional religion were not only dedicated worshippers to the traditional religion, their services to the society bettered the lots of humanity in no smaller measures.
In the Christendom, Pa Stephen Brasingbegha Ozigbo, founder of St. Spephen RCM which later changed to Ngbilebiri Primary School in 1945, Pa M. L. Agbegha, Onuko Tambou and a host of others were strong christian faithful who worked with the European missionaries. Ayakoromo produced the first Ijaw Reverend Father in the Catholic Church, Rev. Fr. Ewarewa. Other Reverend Fathers the community produced are Rev. Fr. Eselemobiri Mathias, Rev. Fr. James Morkor, Rev. Fr. Omgbu, Rev. Fr. Suoware, etc.
Still on the christian religious worshippers: the likes of Apostle Fullpower Owei (late), Apostle Orukemeabegha, Apostle Gboluseride, Apostle Numberone Tuarede, Apostle Emmanuel Tuarede and Apostle Ebila of blessed memories; Apostle Okubo Saibakumo, Senior Apostle Morgan Gboluseride, Apostle Theophilus Gboluseride, Apostle Monday Akarama, Superior Apostle Seriala Benigbene Demebide, etc were/are dedicated worshippers of Christ.
Presently in Ayakoromo Community, we have the only political Pope of the universe, His Excellency, Dr. Braduce Amakazi Angozi whose ideological inclinations in politics remains unbeatable. Hon. Godwin Edumogiren, the Agbegu; a man whose intellectual acumen lies in his diplomatic warfare. He is a political masterstroke. Hon. Richard Tuedon, the Aforogu, a master strategist whose prowess lies in his ideological sagacity.
Hon. Paul Kurugbe, the only sixth and seventh Book of politics in the universe, an orator per excellence. The only man who can give his opponent a humiliating political defeat but the opponent will rather applaud his maradonic skills than complaining. Chief John Akpotudougha, one time member of the National Executive Committee, All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP), Chief S. D. Kitua, the General Overseer of the only Church of the Truth in the universe where no one lies. His weapon of warfare is his charismatic truthfulness. Late Hon. Sunday Feke, a man whose leadership credentials were second to none. A field player in the politics of Delta State. Mr. Amadiowei Saibakumo is also a gifted political player from the community.
Have you met the phonological orator, Hon. Austin Edumogiren? His strength lies in his oratory prowess with which he can conquer the opponents no matter their strength. Hon. Ebisine Koffee Amasumo, a technocrat and a financial expert of international repute. Of course I am not forgetting Hon. Sunny Perekeme, Senator Mike Edoukumor, Hon. Stanley Gari, Hon. Trust Edumogiren, Hon. Anthony Dauyebo, Hon. Ezonowei Sojaowei, Barr. Pele A. Demebide, Alaowei E. Cleric, Esq. Dr. Ekanpou Enewaredideke, Coleman Timipere, Hon. Ayabotu Otoro, Mr. Albert Edumogiren, Desmond Edumogiren, Collins Edumogiren, etc who are key players in the politics of Delta State.
In business, Ayakoromo Community gladly hosted the only colonial Bank that's still existing in Africa, Chief Clement Moni, a business tycoon of international repute. Hon. Sunday Feke (now late), the Dangote of Niger Delta, was a financial expert-cum a reputable contractor of international standard. Mr. Gregory Emolade, Princess Perekeme, Mr. Boro Brown and a host of others too numerous to mention in the business field.
In the military, Ayakoromo men gallantly fought for the unity of Nigeria during the civil war. Maj. College Maye, Maj. Fabor, Malaito, Ebegha Gilo, Labra, Rigogo Ogbolakumo, Tolomone, Chief S. D. Kitua, Angokpo Demebide, Thunder Ekisa, Moritala Timoko, Emomoyeiya, Chief Dogori Asiayei, Fulpower Asiayei, Billy Ibadan Yerin, Mounkena Yonrovigho (who was a soldier attached to Maj. Isaac Boro's amphibious battalion).
Ayakoromo Community's contribution to the Nigerian defence sector is very high. Maj. Gen. Kakadudu Aprezi (rtd), former GOC, Guards Brigade, late Col. Luke Aprezi, former ADC to Gen. Abubakar Abdusalami, Commodore Yekwe, Navy Captain Nelson Demebide, Maj. Godspower Oroso, Commander Thomas Oroso, Navy Commander Andrew Oroso (rtd), Commodore Edward Yeibo, (Phd), Navy Commander Birinimughan, Maj. Isaac Ebegha Atteh, Maj. Perezide Asiayei, etc.
In the Nigerian police, Ayakoromo sons and daughters flooded the official cadet. The likes of Innocent Ayabotu, Pius Eredei, Ebimobowei Eyenanaotu, etc are ranking police officers from the Community.
In the artistic world, Ayakoromo Community produced colony of artists in different fields. Dr. Ball-ere Mislaw, Kuroendi Ezingbobo, Apolo Pouke of blessed memories, Madam Eseimokumor, Prince Christopher Perekeme (the Blender Brothers), etc were foremost musical artists known in the entire Ijaw nation, while Dr. Ebi Yeibo, late Dr. Joseph Benike, Ekanpou Enewaredideke (PhD) all of whom won numerous awards in the global community, Mr. Enaibo David Asiayei aka the Talking Drum of Africa, etc ruled the literary world in contemporary Nigerian society.
In the entertainment world, traditional orators such as Pa Gboun Seigha, Chief John Ayabotu, Hon. Salaco Arerebo, Alex Ebolo of blessed memories, Matthew Apiakise, Hon. Yerin Ekpedibo Yerin, Samuel Robber, Zipamoh Wilson, etc possessed an unbeatable skills in the masters of ceremony. Have you met the two masters of ceremony from the same womb, MC Akpolokpolo 1, Pastor Stephen Demebide, a traditional orator and MC Akpolokpolo II, Mr. Anthony Demebide, an intellectual orator? These men mastered the game of entertaining their guests. Gifted and talented orators. Still on the entertainment industry, we have Mr. Perekeme Glean Perekeme, Joy Tambou who are foremost and talented Nollywood actor and actress who have featured in hundreds of movies in the highly competitive Nollywood Movies.
I'm not forgetting the likes of Pa Enieke Adon, Pa Abenzi (Ozibou taru adein Ozifareowei), Pa Enaseimokumo Abelewa, late Oyabebefa Akarama aka Aworowo who were unbeatably talentedly traditional drummers. Ezonowei Sojaowei, a gifted traditional drummer. Pa Aye, Liberty Obodo, Pa Okpu, Amakeme Famous of blessed memories, Nicodemus Alaowei, Bomieghan Egbe, Dennis T. Amadiowei, Collins Otoro, etc are gifted sculptors from the Community.
The likes of late Fred Ebi May, Sir Joseph Ekeremieye of blessed memories, Bestman May, Tolumo, Eniye Egole, Patrick Egole, Peres Okpe, Pal Jagz, Lisbeg Awiki, Sally Aba, Peter MD Samuel, Torkeyei Fineman, Dilayei Kokole, King Benson Tosi Pafiyee, etc ruled the musical entertainment industry in the 21st century.
Still on the entertainment industry, Pa Egbere, Pa Kaduna Daubrifade, Pa Lebra, Pa Kurugbe Ateme, Pa John-Ogbe, Sipi, Pa Oyabrade Efole, Akuta Daubrifade, Egwe Esefa, Ebegha Gillow, Amaebi Gillow, Ebisine Afeton, Ela Yereke, Edwin Omorun, Odougbene, Ebiyebo, Angola Akeme, Augustine Ferebo, Benaebi Clearance Biayeibo, Arekumo Ferebo, Macaulay Arogbo, etc were wrestling champions.
Also, Moritala Timoko, Thunder Ekisa, Andrew John-Ogbe, Ade Bibor, Benjamin Yeigagha, etc were boxing champions, while Pina Kpikpi, Prince A. A. Okpe, Bamuza, Amasumo, Hon. Arerebo Salaco, Ela Yereke, Samuel Tuedon, Joseph Bandmaster, Kekere Amala, Isaac Offi, Arogi Amasumo, Augustine Ferebo, Resident Okekebo, Mrs. Akelade Bandmaster, Saka Oleh, Christiana Tuedon, Ango-ere Niyanta, etc were great sprinters,
Similarly, the likes of Ofiti Parke, Bruce Parke, Resident Okekebo, Ango-ere Niyanta, etc were great swimmers of repute who won so many medals in national sports festival.
In the creative artists, Ayakoromo community rules. The likes of Mr. Abraka Prester Onduku, a First Class Artist in Fine Art who graduated from the prestigious University of Benin, 1983. He is a Art Teacher at the University of Science Technology Demonstration Secondary School Port Harcourt; Prof Sylvester Ebigbagha, a Professor of Fine Art at the Niger Delta University, Amassoma Bayelsa State, Hon. Austin Edumogiren is also a graduate of Fine Art from College of Education, Warri and taught fine Art at Ayakoromo Grammar School. I'm not forgotting Barr. Preye Onduku, a graduate of Fine & Applied Arts Education from the University of Benin,1994. He also Taught Fine Art at Cambridge International School, Warri. Delta State.
In activism, comrade Austin Ozobo, an internationally recognized human rights activists who has so many awards both in Nigeria and in diaspora. Alaowei Cleric, Esq, a fast rising human rights activist of international repute, Dr. Ekanpou Enewaredideke, a literary activist whose activism is known all over the world. Barr. Pele A. Demebide, the only radical lawyer presently known in the shores of Nigeria.
In the media world, again, Ayakoromo Community dictated the pace. Hon. Manager Seigha, Ekanpou Enewaredideke, Austin Ozobo, Enaibo David Asiayei, Pastor Arex Akemetubo, Anthony Demebide, Oyinbi Owolo Onduku, Tamaraupreye Ekpegha, etc are trained journalists.
In academia/public service, the likes of Prof. Gerald Agbegha, (a Nigerian Government trained professor of mathematics now based in the USA), Sese-Owei Ekaye (PhD), Akpoebibo Onduku (PhD), Chief Dr. (Mrs) Emily O. Mieyefa (NPOM, MNIM), the 1st Female PHD holder in the Community, 1st Female Permanent Secretary in the Bayelsa State Civil Service and 1st National Productivity Order of Merit Award Winner in 2013. She got the award amongst two other women in the whole Country; Chief David Prede Mieyefa, a Chartered Accountant.
Others are: Mrs. Veronica kpeke (PhD), Mrs. Janet Offi (PhD) who is a prominent servant of God in the USA, Mr. Cyprian Agbegha (former Dean of Students Affairs, COE, Warri/DELSU Affiliated), Boss Akanyo (PhD), Ololobou (former Permanent Secretary, Delta State civil service), Clement Tobi (former Registrar, University of Ibadan and former civil Commissioner in the then Bendel State Government), Coleman Agbegha (former Permanent Secretary Delta State civil service), late Samuel Audu Elaweremi (former Permanent Secretary in the Min. of finance, Bayelsa State civil service), late Goodluck Aprefe, Chief C. C. Apiakise JP, (rtd Headmaster), B. K. Brialade, Akanyo Zipamoh Johnson, Ebi Yeibo, late Joseph Benike, Christiana Tuedon, Anthony Dauyebo, Mr. Richard Ebibofa, etc dictate the pace in public services.
In the legal field. The likes of Larry Selekeowei, (SAN), Clara Yekwe, Theophilus Ekaye, the Akanyos, Mrs. C. B. Agbegha, Onduku Preye, Brisibe E. Tambou, Moses kuro Tambou, Emmanuel Abagidi, Anthony Pere Oseme, late Chief B. F. Yeigagha, Alaowei Cleric, Ebika Onduke, Norbert Ayabotu, Pele Demebide, Ebilade Obiri, Jonathan Wenebokefe Obiri, Yerinlaemi Kokole etc are known legal icons.
In the medical and health field, the likes of Dr. William Apiakise,(PhD), a medical Doctor; Ahmed Saibakumo, (PhD), a laboratory scientist and haematologist who doubled as a foremost Ijaw historian in this contemporary society, Dr. Yerin Saibakumo featured in the record.
We have Regina Seikorowei (Ogunu) as the second certified Nurse, Jude Angodideke as a certified laboratory scientist, Esther Akpoyibo (DEMEBIDE) as the first certified Community Health Extension Worker (CHEW), S. A. Kokole was first Pharmacy Technician (Dispenser) before switching to Administration to help in the employment of many in Ayakoromo and Burutu LGA at large, and Kokole Oyasouweigha Charles as the first health information management specialist and first Izon man elected as the chairman of the Association of Health Records and Information Management Practitioners of Nigeria, Delta State Chapter. The list is endless.
Still on the medical field, we have some well trained trado-medical doctors in history. i.e, Pereakuna Adipere, John Ayabotu, Tina Ekpedibo, Ebegha Gillow, Woduma, Ekpokeme, Ogboye, Mrs. Ebikeseiye Ogbolakumo, Akpoebi Apamor, Andrew John-Ogbe, Ebikabowei Woduma, Friday Ekpokeme, etc. (To be continued).
From Alaowei E. Cleric, Esq. THE CITY OF INTELLECTUALS: HOW MUCH DID YOU KNOW HER?_By: Alaowei E. Cleric, Esq.
Ayakoromo Community in Ngbilebiri-Mein Kingdom in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State of Nigeria is an ancient town, situated at the bank of River Forcados at its northern side and bounded with the Remos Creek on its southern parts. It lies between miles 20 to 30 at the Forcados River. She has boundary on the northern side with Igbo-Ede Community; on the eastern side with Okrika (Ofonibenghan), Frukama, Ezebiri and Esanma communities; on her southern border with Enekorogha Community, while on the south west with Orugbene, Kenloghene and Obotebe communities; on the western part with Afoughene and Obotebe communities and on the north western part with Gbekebor Community respectively.
Ayakoromo is a federated community comprises the Ayakoromo maintown, Oyangbene (now autonomous community), Akparemogbene, Eseimogbene, Egolegbene, Ogborogbene, Oweibigbene, Yeringbene, Asiayeigbene, Ebeingbene, Edumogirengbene, Ororaigbene, Itallygbene, Newtown, Bubougbene, Sosegbene, Kokodiagbene, Okegbene, Ekorogbene, Yayorogbene, Abegbene, etc.
This Community has existed for centuries beyond human memories. From ages to ages Ayakoromo had always featured in the archives of intellectual history. Thus, the story of the historic oil struggle in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria cannot be told without the mention of the ancient Ayakoromo Community.
In 1888, the Royal Navy led by Capt. Mack Tanger carried out a reprisal attack on the Community by engaging one fearless and legendary hero, Pa Onduku Badeinmo in gun duel. In the ensuing battle of wits, the former bombarded Ayakoromo. In the process, one of the heroes at the time, Pa Agia Badeinmo was killed by the invading British forces.
While the Royal Niger Company (RNC) forcefully penetrated into the interiors of the Niger Delta region to trade with the hinterland dwellers, Onduku Badeinmo, the great Bekederemo of Kiagbodo and other comrades in the struggle prevented the foreign invaders from penetrating into the territories of Mein Kingdoms without recognizing the rights of the communities therein. Thus, Ganagana Island became the trading point in River Forcados where the local traders exchanged their goods with the British merchants.
In the pre-colonial and colonial eras leading to the independence of the Country, Ayakoromo intellectual pundits played vitals roles in community services. Amongst some of these intelligentsia were Pa Onduku Badeinmo who being one of the oil merchants. After that incident of fighting against the British Royal Niger Company at Ganagana Island when he killed the Company staff he went on exile and on his return from exile, he worked to redeem himself by paying the fine pronounced on him by Ayakoromo Community. He was made a Warrant Chief and a member of the Native Courts sitting at Akugbene, Frukama and later kiagbodo. Pa Onduku was an Orator and a great judge who decided complex cases with equity and fairness. He worked as an interpreter of Ijaw language to the British colonialists.
Pa Alaowei Yere (grandfather of Alaowei Cleric) was a sailorman. He worked with the colonial masters as a deckand. He worked in different ships such as Saltpond, Champion, etc. In one of his trips to the United Kingdom, he had a brief stay at a countryside in Liverpool. Upon his return to Nigeria, he died a sudden death after brief illness in 1940 at Eseimogbene. Similarly, Engr. Pesigha Friday Nafugha was also a sailorman. He died in London. He was Pa. Onitsha Kitua's maternal uncle from Akubiri and Ekeremowei egede. It's interesting to note that Pa. Pesigha Friday Nafugha was believed to be the first literate person in Ayakoromo Community who acquired Western education at the pre-colonial era.
Also in the list was Pa Birasingbegha who was an interpreter of Ijaw language to the missionaries in the pre-independent era. He influenced a missionary school to Ayakoromo Town in the late 1930s which later metamorphosed into Ngbilebiri Primary School on acquisition by the colonial government in 1944. Ayakoromo Community market was opened for business in 1939 through the influence of her educated sons and daughters of the Community at this point in time.
The likes of Pa Eselemobiri, Pide, etc were educationists who taught at the missionary schools across the western Ijaw communities in the old western region. They brought in knowledge in western education thereby engendering civilized practices in community governance.
In 1950s, Ayakoromo Community has ushered in new breed of intelligentsia some of whom became Nigeria's foremost historians. The likes of Chief Thomas Omete Onduku, Matthew London Agbegha, Pa Samson Yerin Ekpedibo, (the great Abasuo Kare-owei who was the Ogula bulou wene-owei of the Community at that time, a great scholar); Chief A. E. Bamuza, Pa Silvester Ariake Kokole amongst others piloted the affairs of the Community with their intellectual acumen. Thus, by 1960, the Republican Ayakoromo people enacted their first constitution to govern the affairs of the Community.
Since 1960 to date, Ayakoromo Community has been a democratic society, practicing the American model of federalism. Thus, the Community government is dividend into four arms comprises of the Town Council, Elders' Council, Advisory Board and the Youths Movement. Each of these organs operate as checks and balances to the other.
While many African countries are still grappling to get a perfect document for governance, Ayakoromo Community had already have to her credit due to the growing cream of intellectuals for over the years, enacted a near perfect document, christened "the Ayakoromo Constitution".
I'm pleased to announce to my readers the cream of intellectuals in different strata of life born into this democratic Community. In history, Pa Yekwe, Chief Samson Yerin Ekpdibo, Chief T. O. Onduku, M. L Agbegha, Chief Saibakumo, Chief Seisinghan, Pa Gboun Seigha, Chief John Ayabotu, Pa Onoku Tambou of blessed memories were historians of international repute as well as traditional arbiters.
Chief A. E. Bamuza (former Chairman of OMPADEC), Hon. Edumson (former member of Bendel State House of Assembly), Hon. J. O. Eyenanaotu (former member of Bendel State House of Assembly), Hon. Clement Tobi, (former Commissioner, Bendel State), Prince A. A. Okpe, Chief Kedikumor of blessed memories; late Chief Barr. (Mrs.) Bamuza-Mutu, former Commissioner, Bendel State; member, 1999 Constitution Drafting Committee etc; Chief (Hon.) Yerin Ekpedibo Yerin (pioneer member, Delta State House of Assembly), Dr. Braduce Amakazi Angozi were prominent politicians that dictated the political pace in the second republic.
In the traditional religion, the likes of Eyoro, Bamughan Ebibor, Pa Atane (former Odele Chief Priest), Puoyebo, Arerebo, Disi (Ozibou Chief Priest), Amon Tuedon, Tolo, etc were known traditionalists. These believers of the traditional religion were not only dedicated worshippers to the traditional religion, their services to the society bettered the lots of humanity in no smaller measures.
In the Christendom, Pa Stephen Brasingbegha Ozigbo, founder of St. Spephen RCM which later changed to Ngbilebiri Primary School in 1945, Pa M. L. Agbegha, Onuko Tambou and a host of others were strong christian faithful who worked with the European missionaries. Ayakoromo produced the first Ijaw Reverend Father in the Catholic Church, Rev. Fr. Ewarewa. Other Reverend Fathers the community produced are Rev. Fr. Eselemobiri Mathias, Rev. Fr. James Morkor, Rev. Fr. Omgbu, Rev. Fr. Suoware, etc.
Still on the christian religious worshippers: the likes of Apostle Fullpower Owei (late), Apostle Orukemeabegha, Apostle Gboluseride, Apostle Numberone Tuarede, Apostle Emmanuel Tuarede and Apostle Ebila of blessed memories; Apostle Okubo Saibakumo, Senior Apostle Morgan Gboluseride, Apostle Theophilus Gboluseride, Apostle Monday Akarama, Superior Apostle Seriala Benigbene Demebide, etc were/are dedicated worshippers of Christ.
Presently in Ayakoromo Community, we have the only political Pope of the universe, His Excellency, Dr. Braduce Amakazi Angozi whose ideological inclinations in politics remains unbeatable. Hon. Godwin Edumogiren, the Agbegu; a man whose intellectual acumen lies in his diplomatic warfare. He is a political masterstroke. Hon. Richard Tuedon, the Aforogu, a master strategist whose prowess lies in his ideological sagacity.
Hon. Paul Kurugbe, the only sixth and seventh Book of politics in the universe, an orator per excellence. The only man who can give his opponent a humiliating political defeat but the opponent will rather applaud his maradonic skills than complaining. Chief John Akpotudougha, one time member of the National Executive Committee, All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP), Chief S. D. Kitua, the General Overseer of the only Church of the Truth in the universe where no one lies. His weapon of warfare is his charismatic truthfulness. Late Hon. Sunday Feke, a man whose leadership credentials were second to none. A field player in the politics of Delta State. Mr. Amadiowei Saibakumo is also a gifted political player from the community.
Have you met the phonological orator, Hon. Austin Edumogiren? His strength lies in his oratory prowess with which he can conquer the opponents no matter their strength. Hon. Ebisine Koffee Amasumo, a technocrat and a financial expert of international repute. Of course I am not forgetting Hon. Sunny Perekeme, Senator Mike Edoukumor, Hon. Stanley Gari, Hon. Trust Edumogiren, Hon. Anthony Dauyebo, Hon. Ezonowei Sojaowei, Barr. Pele A. Demebide, Alaowei E. Cleric, Esq. Dr. Ekanpou Enewaredideke, Coleman Timipere, Hon. Ayabotu Otoro, Mr. Albert Edumogiren, Desmond Edumogiren, Collins Edumogiren, etc who are key players in the politics of Delta State.
In business, Ayakoromo Community gladly hosted the only colonial Bank that's still existing in Africa, Chief Clement Moni, a business tycoon of international repute. Hon. Sunday Feke (now late), the Dangote of Niger Delta, was a financial expert-cum a reputable contractor of international standard. Mr. Gregory Emolade, Princess Perekeme, Mr. Boro Brown and a host of others too numerous to mention in the business field.
In the military, Ayakoromo men gallantly fought for the unity of Nigeria during the civil war. Maj. College Maye, Maj. Fabor, Malaito, Ebegha Gilo, Labra, Rigogo Ogbolakumo, Tolomone, Chief S. D. Kitua, Angokpo Demebide, Thunder Ekisa, Moritala Timoko, Emomoyeiya, Chief Dogori Asiayei, Fulpower Asiayei, Billy Ibadan Yerin, Mounkena Yonrovigho (who was a soldier attached to Maj. Isaac Boro's amphibious battalion).
Ayakoromo Community's contribution to the Nigerian defence sector is very high. Maj. Gen. Kakadudu Aprezi (rtd), former GOC, Guards Brigade, late Col. Luke Aprezi, former ADC to Gen. Abubakar Abdusalami, Commodore Yekwe, Navy Captain Nelson Demebide, Maj. Godspower Oroso, Commander Thomas Oroso, Navy Commander Andrew Oroso (rtd), Commodore Edward Yeibo, (Phd), Navy Commander Birinimughan, Maj. Isaac Ebegha Atteh, Maj. Perezide Asiayei, etc.
In the Nigerian police, Ayakoromo sons and daughters flooded the official cadet. The likes of Innocent Ayabotu, Pius Eredei, Ebimobowei Eyenanaotu, etc are ranking police officers from the Community.
In the artistic world, Ayakoromo Community produced colony of artists in different fields. Dr. Ball-ere Mislaw, Kuroendi Ezingbobo, Apolo Pouke of blessed memories, Madam Eseimokumor, Prince Christopher Perekeme (the Blender Brothers), etc were foremost musical artists known in the entire Ijaw nation, while Dr. Ebi Yeibo, late Dr. Joseph Benike, Ekanpou Enewaredideke (PhD) all of whom won numerous awards in the global community, Mr. Enaibo David Asiayei aka the Talking Drum of Africa, etc ruled the literary world in contemporary Nigerian society.
In the entertainment world, traditional orators such as Pa Gboun Seigha, Chief John Ayabotu, Hon. Salaco Arerebo, Alex Ebolo of blessed memories, Matthew Apiakise, Hon. Yerin Ekpedibo Yerin, Samuel Robber, Zipamoh Wilson, etc possessed an unbeatable skills in the masters of ceremony. Have you met the two masters of ceremony from the same womb, MC Akpolokpolo 1, Pastor Stephen Demebide, a traditional orator and MC Akpolokpolo II, Mr. Anthony Demebide, an intellectual orator? These men mastered the game of entertaining their guests. Gifted and talented orators. Still on the entertainment industry, we have Mr. Perekeme Glean Perekeme, Joy Tambou who are foremost and talented Nollywood actor and actress who have featured in hundreds of movies in the highly competitive Nollywood Movies.
I'm not forgetting the likes of Pa Enieke Adon, Pa Abenzi (Ozibou taru adein Ozifareowei), Pa Enaseimokumo Abelewa, late Oyabebefa Akarama aka Aworowo who were unbeatably talentedly traditional drummers. Ezonowei Sojaowei, a gifted traditional drummer. Pa Aye, Liberty Obodo, Pa Okpu, Amakeme Famous of blessed memories, Nicodemus Alaowei, Bomieghan Egbe, Dennis T. Amadiowei, Collins Otoro, etc are gifted sculptors from the Community.
The likes of late Fred Ebi May, Sir Joseph Ekeremieye of blessed memories, Bestman May, Tolumo, Eniye Egole, Patrick Egole, Peres Okpe, Pal Jagz, Lisbeg Awiki, Sally Aba, Peter MD Samuel, Torkeyei Fineman, Dilayei Kokole, King Benson Tosi Pafiyee, etc ruled the musical entertainment industry in the 21st century.
Still on the entertainment industry, Pa Egbere, Pa Kaduna Daubrifade, Pa Lebra, Pa Kurugbe Ateme, Pa John-Ogbe, Sipi, Pa Oyabrade Efole, Akuta Daubrifade, Egwe Esefa, Ebegha Gillow, Amaebi Gillow, Ebisine Afeton, Ela Yereke, Edwin Omorun, Odougbene, Ebiyebo, Angola Akeme, Augustine Ferebo, Benaebi Clearance Biayeibo, Arekumo Ferebo, Macaulay Arogbo, etc were wrestling champions.
Also, Moritala Timoko, Thunder Ekisa, Andrew John-Ogbe, Ade Bibor, Benjamin Yeigagha, etc were boxing champions, while Pina Kpikpi, Prince A. A. Okpe, Bamuza, Amasumo, Hon. Arerebo Salaco, Ela Yereke, Samuel Tuedon, Joseph Bandmaster, Kekere Amala, Isaac Offi, Arogi Amasumo, Augustine Ferebo, Resident Okekebo, Mrs. Akelade Bandmaster, Saka Oleh, Christiana Tuedon, Ango-ere Niyanta, etc were great sprinters,
Similarly, the likes of Ofiti Parke, Bruce Parke, Resident Okekebo, Ango-ere Niyanta, etc were great swimmers of repute who won so many medals in national sports festival.
In the creative artists, Ayakoromo community rules. The likes of Mr. Abraka Prester Onduku, a First Class Artist in Fine Art who graduated from the prestigious University of Benin, 1983. He is a Art Teacher at the University of Science Technology Demonstration Secondary School Port Harcourt; Prof Sylvester Ebigbagha, a Professor of Fine Art at the Niger Delta University, Amassoma Bayelsa State, Hon. Austin Edumogiren is also a graduate of Fine Art from College of Education, Warri and taught fine Art at Ayakoromo Grammar School. I'm not forgotting Barr. Preye Onduku, a graduate of Fine & Applied Arts Education from the University of Benin,1994. He also Taught Fine Art at Cambridge International School, Warri. Delta State.
In activism, comrade Austin Ozobo, an internationally recognized human rights activists who has so many awards both in Nigeria and in diaspora. Alaowei Cleric, Esq, a fast rising human rights activist of international repute, Dr. Ekanpou Enewaredideke, a literary activist whose activism is known all over the world. Barr. Pele A. Demebide, the only radical lawyer presently known in the shores of Nigeria.
In the media world, again, Ayakoromo Community dictated the pace. Hon. Manager Seigha, Ekanpou Enewaredideke, Austin Ozobo, Enaibo David Asiayei, Pastor Arex Akemetubo, Anthony Demebide, Oyinbi Owolo Onduku, Tamaraupreye Ekpegha, etc are trained journalists.
In academia/public service, the likes of Prof. Gerald Agbegha, (a Nigerian Government trained professor of mathematics now based in the USA), Sese-Owei Ekaye (PhD), Akpoebibo Onduku (PhD), Chief Dr. (Mrs) Emily O. Mieyefa (NPOM, MNIM), the 1st Female PHD holder in the Community, 1st Female Permanent Secretary in the Bayelsa State Civil Service and 1st National Productivity Order of Merit Award Winner in 2013. She got the award amongst two other women in the whole Country; Chief David Prede Mieyefa, a Chartered Accountant.
Others are: Mrs. Veronica kpeke (PhD), Mrs. Janet Offi (PhD) who is a prominent servant of God in the USA, Mr. Cyprian Agbegha (former Dean of Students Affairs, COE, Warri/DELSU Affiliated), Boss Akanyo (PhD), Ololobou (former Permanent Secretary, Delta State civil service), Clement Tobi (former Registrar, University of Ibadan and former civil Commissioner in the then Bendel State Government), Coleman Agbegha (former Permanent Secretary Delta State civil service), late Samuel Audu Elaweremi (former Permanent Secretary in the Min. of finance, Bayelsa State civil service), late Goodluck Aprefe, Chief C. C. Apiakise JP, (rtd Headmaster), B. K. Brialade, Akanyo Zipamoh Johnson, Ebi Yeibo, late Joseph Benike, Christiana Tuedon, Anthony Dauyebo, Mr. Richard Ebibofa, etc dictate the pace in public services.
In the legal field. The likes of Larry Selekeowei, (SAN), Clara Yekwe, Theophilus Ekaye, the Akanyos, Mrs. C. B. Agbegha, Onduku Preye, Brisibe E. Tambou, Moses kuro Tambou, Emmanuel Abagidi, Anthony Pere Oseme, late Chief B. F. Yeigagha, Alaowei Cleric, Ebika Onduke, Norbert Ayabotu, Pele Demebide, Ebilade Obiri, Jonathan Wenebokefe Obiri, Yerinlaemi Kokole etc are known legal icons.
In the medical and health field, the likes of Dr. William Apiakise,(PhD), a medical Doctor; Ahmed Saibakumo, (PhD), a laboratory scientist and haematologist who doubled as a foremost Ijaw historian in this contemporary society, Dr. Yerin Saibakumo featured in the record.
We have Regina Seikorowei (Ogunu) as the second certified Nurse, Jude Angodideke as a certified laboratory scientist, Esther Akpoyibo (DEMEBIDE) as the first certified Community Health Extension Worker (CHEW), S. A. Kokole was first Pharmacy Technician (Dispenser) before switching to Administration to help in the employment of many in Ayakoromo and Burutu LGA at large, and Kokole Oyasouweigha Charles as the first health information management specialist and first Izon man elected as the chairman of the Association of Health Records and Information Management Practitioners of Nigeria, Delta State Chapter. The list is endless.
Still on the medical field, we have some well trained trado-medical doctors in history. i.e, Pereakuna Adipere, John Ayabotu, Tina Ekpedibo, Ebegha Gillow, Woduma, Ekpokeme, Ogboye, Mrs. Ebikeseiye Ogbolakumo, Akpoebi Apamor, Andrew John-Ogbe, Ebikabowei Woduma, Friday Ekpokeme, etc. (To be continued).
From Alaowei E. Cleric, Esq.
