CHIEF VITAL ENAMEGBAI ANAVHEOKHAI – Former village head of Ivhiosano Quarter, Ogbona
He was Secretary to Avhianwu Traditional Council from 1992 to 2010. Member of The Area customary Court, Fugar, from 2000 to 2003.
Palace Chief representing Ivhiosano Quarter from 1992 till date
He has served in pastoral council in most parishes he worked from 1955 to date. Church Council, Ogbona 1986 – Till Date
One of the go-to persons on Ogbona history and customs
Chief Vital Enamegbai Anavheokhai, a native of Ivhiosano-Ivhioche in Ogbona (Imhakhena), Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State. He was born into a Christian family of Mr. Joseph Akhaniamhe Anavheokhai of Ivhiosano-Ivhioche and Mrs. Christiana Eladi Asapokhai of Ivhitse-Ivhioche on the 8 October 1935 at Onitsha. His father was a businessman who traveled as far as Onitsha to sell goods. He was baptized in 1940, confirmed in 1950, and married on 14 May 1961.
EARLY LIFE, EDUCATION AND CAREER
As a young boy, he started his education at Holy Trinity Catholic Primary School, Onitsha, between 1946 and 1947. In 1948, he returned home at his father’s request and resumed studies at St John’s School, Fugar. He had to return to Onitsha and attend the African school which would later change to Our lady’s Primary School, Onitsha. Between 1951 and 1954, he also attended the Metropolitan School Onitsha. And in those days, once one finished school, he/she was sure of available employment, and immediately started working.
His career in life began at the West African Institute for Oil Palm Research (WIFOR) now the Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) in 1955 as an Agricultural Assistant in training. In 1957, he proceeded to the School of Agriculture in Ibadan for more training till 1959. Upon completion of his studies, he returned to NIFOR, since he was trained by the institute. His normal career continued till 1964. With the creation of the Midwestern Region, he had to transfer to the Midwestern Nigerian Development Corporation (MNDC) from 1964 to 1970. But not long after, it was dissolved. He worked at Urhonigbe Rubber Estate for some time. In 1970, the Government acquired a Rubber plantation in Egbududu-Aka and he was immediately posted there in 1971 to develop and manage the Ajagbodudu Oil Palm (Howard Estate) from 1973 to 1986. He was seconded to the Malaysian government by the Nigerian government to develop palm Oil farming in Malaysia between 1960-61.
OGBONA ACTIVITIES
He was Secretary to Avhianwu Traditional Council from 1992 to 2010. Member of The Area customary Court, Fugar, from 2000 to 2003. Palace Chief representing Ivhiosano Quarter from 1992 till date.
CHURCH LIFE
Chief Vital E. Anavheokhai, to say the least, can easily be referred to as a “churchman”. Right from an early young age has been a faithful, committed, and dedicated catholic. He is well grounded in his catholic faith and has always been very active in almost all places he worked and was posted. He has served in pastoral council in most parishes he worked, JDPC, Evangelization 2000 (then in Ben in Diocese council, Inter-Religious Dialogue Commission, to mention a few:
RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES
1955 Church Council, NIFOR
1964-1966 Church Council, Igueben
1966 -1970 Church Council, Urhonigbe
1970 -1973 Church Council, Egbudu Aka
1973-1974 Church Council, Ajagbodudu
1974-1976 Church Council, Ewhohimi
1976-1978 Church Council, Nsukwa
1978-1986 Church Council, Benin City
1986 – Till Date Church Council, Ogbona
HIS REGRET That in spite of all the memos they wrote to the Federal Government pointing out the dangers of abandoning palm oil for crude oil was not heeded.
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*A TRIBUTE TO LATE CHIEF VITAL ANAWEOKHAI*
The Anaweokhai Dynasty and the entire Ogbona community mourn the loss of a great patriarch, Late Chief Vital Anaweokhai. His passing leaves a void in the lives of those who loved and respected him.
As a devoted family man, Chief Anaweokhai was deeply committed to his loved ones and community. He played a significant role in establishing the Ogbona Community Secondary School, a testament to his dedication to education and community development.
One of his most notable roles was as Secretary to the Traditional Palace of the Oghie-Avianwu of Avianwu Clan. In this capacity, he worked closely with the traditional ruler, providing guidance and support in matters related to the clan.
Chief Anaweokhai was a devout Christian who lived by the values of his faith. His strong belief in God guided his actions and decisions throughout his life. He was a proud member of the Catholic Church and was deeply committed to his spiritual growth.
One of his greatest joys was seeing his son become a Catholic Priest, a testament to his commitment to his faith and his family. He took great pride in his son’s vocation and was a constant source of support and encouragement.
Throughout his life, Chief Anaweokhai demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities, wisdom, and a deep sense of responsibility. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and community, but his legacy will continue to inspire and motivate future generations.
May his soul rest in peace, and may his loved ones find comfort in the memories they shared with him. May his family continue to draw strength from their faith and from the knowledge that his legacy will live on through them.
*COMRADE ODIA ROBERT (OGEDEGBE) PhD*
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The Ogbona Elites Forum extends its condolences to the family of Chief Vital E. Anaweokhai. May the Lord accept his soul and provide comfort to the entire Anaweokhai family. We hope they find solace in the cherished memories they shared with him.
Chief Anaweokhai’s legacy is one of great significance, evident in the lives he touched and the contributions he made to the Ogbona community. His family, including his siblings Pastor (Mrs.) Julie Inu Umoru and Dr. John Odior Anaweokhai, as well as his children, continue to build upon his foundation, making notable impacts in their respective fields and our community.
We hope that the gesture of condolence from the Ogbona Elites Forum brings some comfort to the grieving family, and may they continue to celebrate Chief Anaweokhai’s life and legacy.
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I am short of superlative degree to write on my encounter with My father in the Lord. He was a man I respected so much till his transition to the great beyond.
Though we share a common boundary in our ancestral homes, I have never really had close contact with him till 1997.
In that year, I experienced a very traumatizing, persecution from the Catholic Charismatic Renewal in the then Afemai Deanery now Auchi Diocese. A petition was written against me to Archbishop Patrick Ekpu that I am not a Catholic and should not be allowed to preach in any Catholic Church in Ogbona and Afemai Deanery. As a result, the announcement marriage of Bann was suspended from being announced in St Theresa Catholic Church in Fugar and St John The Baptist Catholic Church in Ogbona. I rushed to Chief Vital Anaweokhai armed with a photocopy of the petition. He took up the case as if the petition was specifically written against him. At his age, he took me to almost all the Parish Priests in the Deanary to resolve the issue. He ensured that my response to the petition got Archbishop Patrick Ekpu the then Archbishop of Benin Archdiocese. In a nutshell, the matter was resolved by Archbishop Patrick Ekpu who gave me episcopal approval to keep operating my ministry not only in the Deanary but also in the entire Archdiocese.
He was always there for me. He was a father of fathers, a Counselor of counselors, a Teacher of teachers, and a friend of all irrespective of age or socio-economic status. He was the first to name my ministry UNITY IN FAITH MINISTRY due to the interdenominational structure of the ministry. His wife was one the first with other two women who were the first pioneer members of my ministry. In fact it was his wife and these other two women that introduced me to the Church Council of St John The Baptist Catholic Church, Ogbona in 1976 after their participation in a programme I was invited to anchor by late Reverend Father Thomas Obozuwa of the blessed memory.
My late father in the Lord, I will ever live to be greatly indebted to you even after your glorious transition to the great beyond in the bosom of the Lord. My Daddy in the Lord, my family, ministry, and my humble self wish you eternal perfect rest and peace in the bosom of the Lord to join the 24 Elders to keep singing Hosannah in the highest to the glory of God till we meet to part no more. May God console and comfort the entire members of the Anaweokhai Dynasty in Jesus name.
Evang. Godwin Asekomhe
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*A Tribute to Chief Vital Enamhegbhai Anaweokhai*
Today, we gather our hearts and voices to honor the indelible legacy of a giant whose life was a beacon of hope, service, and courage. Chief Vital Enamhegbhai Anaweokhai was more than a man; he was a movement, a guardian, and a voice for the voiceless.
Born into humble beginnings, Chief Anaweokhai’s journey was a testament to the power of vision and determination. He rose to become a shining example of integrity, resilience, and selflessness. He embodied the values of our shared humanity and served as a tireless champion of justice, equity, and community empowerment.
As a leader, Chief Anaweokhai led not by command but by example. His wisdom lit up rooms and guided decisions that shaped lives for the better. He stood for truth, even when it was inconvenient, and for progress, even when the path was treacherous. His efforts to uplift the underprivileged, advocate for education, and preserve the cultural heritage of our people will echo through generations.
To those who knew him, Chief Anaweokhai was a father, a mentor, and a friend. He had the rare gift of making everyone feel seen and heard. He poured his heart into the causes he believed in, often sacrificing his comfort for the good of others. His laughter, his warmth, and his unwavering faith in humanity made him a pillar of strength in our community.
Though his physical presence is no longer with us, Chief Anaweokhai’s spirit will forever be a part of us. His life was a flame that burned brightly, and though it has been extinguished, the light he left behind continues to illuminate our paths.
We celebrate you, Chief Vital Enamhegbhai Anaweokhai—a hero, a leader, and a legend. Your legacy lives in the hearts you touched, the lives you changed, and the dreams you inspired. Rest well, our beloved chief, knowing that your work here was not in vain. You may have departed this earth, but you will remain immortal in our stories, our songs, and our unyielding quest for a better world.
Farewell, great son of the soil. Your journey on earth may be over, but your impact is eternal. May your soul find eternal peace.
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IT IS HARD TO SAY GOODBYE, CHIEF VITAL ENAMHEGBHAI ANAWEOKHAI
As sunset claims the day’s last light,
We bid farewell to a shining star, so bright.
Chief Vital Anaweokhai, a soul sublime,
Leaves behind a void, a heart-wrenching chime.
A mobile encyclopedia, with wisdom’s might,
He guided us through life’s labyrinthine night.
A leader, counselor, and noble of heart,
His integrity shone bright, a beacon to never depart.
With heavy hearts, we mourn his passing dear,
Yet celebrate a life that banished fear.
His legacy remains, an indelible mark,
A testament to love, compassion, and a shining spark.
As tears fall like October’s rain,
We find solace in memories that remain.
His spirit, though departed, stays near,
Guiding us still, dispelling doubt and fear.
Farewell, dear Chief, your memory stays,
A blessing to our lives, in endless ways.
May your journey home be peaceful and bright,
May your legacy continue to inspire and ignite.
Adios Baba
Dr. John Odior Anaweokhai
