BIOGRAPHY OF CHIEF JAMES OSHIOKPEKHAI ODALUMHE (10 AUGUST 1915 – 31 OCTOBER, 1996)
Roots and Early Life
Chief James Oshiokpekhai Odalumhe was born on August 10, 1915, in Ogbona, Etsako Central LGA, Edo State. He was the only son and the third child of Odalumhe Umosor Aikpabeghie and Madam Asimawu Odalumhe Umosor (née Emakheomhe of Iraokhor).
Following the untimely loss of his parents, James was raised by his uncle, Ikhanoba, of the Aikpabeghie dynasty. Although industrious and bright, he initially lacked access to formal education as there were no schools in Ogbona at the time. His life changed when a family friend from Agbede recognized his potential and took him under his wing to provide him with an education.
Educational Journey
1926–1932: Attended primary school in Agbede, successfully obtaining his Standard Six School Leaving Certificate with distinction.
Lagos Years: Seeking better opportunities, he moved to Lagos to work for his guardian’s elder brother, an employee of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC). His dedication and integrity eventually earned him a clerical position within the NRC under the colonial administration.
A Career of Firsts
Chief Odalumhe’s literacy and technical aptitude caught the attention of expatriate officers. He was selected for advanced training in the United Kingdom, specializing in the maintenance of diesel engines.
Upon his return, he was appointed Senior Diesel Engine Maintenance Manager (SDM). He became a pivotal figure in the national transport system; it was said that no locomotive nationwide could be certified for movement without his professional clearance. He retired from the NRC in 1978 after decades of meritorious service.
Landmark Achievements & “The White Keke”
Chief Odalumhe was a man of “firsts” who brought modern marvels to Etsako:
The Bicycle: In the early 1940s, he imported a bicycle (the “White Keke”) from the UK. It was such a rare sight that it sparked celebrations across Ogbona, Fugar, and Auchi. The locals even composed a viral song: “Omaseli kekeooo Odalumhe seli…”
Architecture: He built the first modern house in Ogbona, designed with British architectural influences. The house, featuring two molded lions at the entrance symbolizing courage, still stands today opposite EDC Primary School.
Lagos Legacy: He developed a twin duplex in Alashia, Oshodi, leading to the naming of Odalumhe Street in Lagos in his honor.
Community Leadership and Service
Unlike many of his peers who remained abroad or in Lagos after retirement, Chief Odalumhe returned to Ogbona in 1978 to serve his people.
Education: Alongside figures like Chief M.C.K. Orbih and T.A. Osigbemhe, he championed the establishment of the Ogbona Community Secondary School. He served as the PTA Chairman until his passing.
Chieftaincy: In recognition of his contributions, the Clan Head of Avianwu, HRM Chief J.A. Alao, conferred upon him the title: The Evhoidu of Avianwu Clan.
Faith and Family
A devout Catholic and a Knight of St. Mulumba, Chief Odalumhe was a pillar of St. John Catholic Church, Ogbona. He served as the Chairman of the Catholic Men Organization (CMO) and was known for his unwavering commitment to Christian values.
He was married to Mrs. Christiana Odalumhe from North Ibie. Together, they had five children (two sons and three daughters). He was a philanthropist who not only educated his own children but also extended family members and helped numerous Ogbona indigenes secure employment within the Nigerian Railway Corporation across the country.
Legacy
Chief James Oshiokpekhai Odalumhe passed away on 31 October 1996. He is remembered as a man of discipline, a pioneer of modern technology in Afemailand, and a leader who believed that the true measure of success was the upliftment of his community.
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Extensive supervision and invaluable on-site support were provided by Chief J. A. Odalumhe during the construction of Ogbona Secondary School. He also served as PTA Chairman from 1980 to 1988, playing a crucial role in daily oversight and resource mobilization.
Gilbert Odior
My acquaintance with Chief Odalumhe dates back to my years in primary school. He resided directly opposite Imhakhena Primary School, and even to the impressionable eyes of a young boy, his residence stood out as an architectural masterpiece—imposing, elegant, and dignified in bearing.
Shortly after his return home, he acquired a biro-blue Peugeot 504 Saloon, a vehicle that became something of a quiet emblem of his presence. To my youthful estimation, its speed rarely exceeded forty kilometres per hour, gliding with measured composure along the village roads. To the best of my recollection, only two individuals had the privilege of driving that car: first, the late Bros Tony Kylie, the day Chief Odalumhe was conferred with a chieftaincy title; and subsequently, Eramha Pius Oghena, in his later years.
Chief Odalumhe’s contributions to Ogbona Secondary School—both as a member of the Building Committee and as Chairman of the PTA—are comprehensively chronicled in one of the episodes of The Ogbona That Flows in My Veins. His commitment to the advancement of education and communal development was neither perfunctory nor self-serving; it was marked by sincerity, sacrifice, and an abiding sense of duty.
Posterity will undoubtedly deal kindly with him for the selfless services he rendered to our beloved community. May his soul rest in perfect peace, and may his memory remain an enduring blessing. Amen.
Dr John Odior Anaweokhai
Chief J.K Odalumhe was initially never willing to relocate to the village after retirement. His fear was that Ogbona is full of witches and wizards and that his life would in danger of some diabolical forces.
I recall, how his late sister – Onemhegho used to come to our house at Congo, appealing to my father to encourage her brother (Chief J.K Odalumhe) to relocate home. I had to be engaged as the Akowe to write several letters numbering more than ten, to assure him of his safety.at home as I was directed by her sister.
At other times, my father (L.K Ogedegbe) and M.C.K Orbih would persuade him any time they traveled to Lagos on the same matter.
The eventual response of Chief J.K to relocate home was a great risk both for him and the persuading team. The wife on the other hand could not be convinced otherwise but rather decided to play safe. She stayed back while Chief J.K came back alone.
I join others to celebrate the services of this great and illustrious son of our community both at the ecclesiastical and educational levels.
His sermons which were often marathon after normal Mass service were periods of practical counseling sessions for the youth and young adults. His early morning presence at the secondary school gates was a way of fighting late coming by unserious students.
Ogbona is indeed blessed by patriots and that’s why we are the people to beat in Etsakor Central LGA.
Only remembered by what we have done.
Anthony Ogedegbe
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