HRH ALHAJI PATRICK AJAYI OBOAREKPE (JP), THE (OKPHE UKPI OF OGBONA 1955-1994 AND OGIEAVIANWU OF AVIANWU, 1986 – 2010)
His Royal Highness, Alhaji P. A. Oboarekpe (JP), was born on November 18, 1922, into the Ogbona ruling house in Avianwu Clan. Born to peasant parents, he had humble beginnings.
GENEALOGY AND PLACE OF BIRTH: He hailed from Ivhitse Quarter in Ogbona Sub-clan-head Zone of Avianwu Clan. His father, Oboarekpe, was the eldest son of Akpheokhai of Ivhitse, while his mother, Aghiegho Oboarekpe, was the eldest daughter of Agbayekhai, who hailed from Okotor Quarter of Iraokhor in Iraokhor Sub-clan-head Zone of Avianwu Clan, all in Etsako Central Local Government of Edo State. HRH Alhaji P. A. Oboarekpe was the fourth child of his father, who had a polygamous family.
EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT: It was customary during those difficult early years of Western education in the country for only children who were less suited to farm work but gifted with intelligence to be encouraged to pursue formal education and to be sent to missionary schools.
Patrick Ajayi Oboarekpe, as he was known at that time, was fortunate in this regard. He began his early primary education in 1937 at the then St. John’s Catholic School, Ogbona, now Oboarekpe Primary School, which was later named after him.
He completed his studies and obtained the Standard Six School Leaving Certificate in 1945 at Sacred Heart Catholic School, Agenebode, in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.
In 1946, he was employed as a teacher and posted to St. Peter’s Catholic School, Afashio Uzairue, in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, under the Catholic Mission.
He later proceeded to St. John Bosco College, Ubiaja, where he successfully obtained the Teacher’s Grade I Certificate in 1948. He worked assiduously as a classroom teacher and later as a headmaster. While in service, he introduced many innovative activities that attracted unwilling children and helped them develop a love for education.
Through his untiring quest for the expansion of schools in Etsako, he assisted the missionaries in no small measure by opening schools in deep rural areas, where he personally accepted unpaid work in order to teach rural communities.
He was also a sports enthusiast who won many laurels during the Empire Day Sports Meet organized under the auspices of the colonial administration. He was a sprinter, a distance runner, a footballer, and a local wrestler.
CHIEFTAINCY CAREER: While still in service, and in recognition of his indomitable organizational ability, his love for corporate values, and his commitment to unity of purpose, he was recalled by his people to occupy the vacant stool in the leadership of Ogbona following the passing of the former Ukpi Drummer, Late Chief Pa Okozi, who was then the village head.
In 1955, in response to the yearnings and aspirations of the people of Ogbona, he accepted the challenge and took over the reins of office in the community while still pursuing his teaching career.
He later found the dual responsibility cumbersome and, in 1958, resigned from teaching in order to devote himself fully to governing the community more effectively. He was appointed a member of the Customary Court located at Fugar, where he served from 1967 to 1969.
In 1984, following the passing of the former clan head, the Ogieavianwu of Avianwu, HRH Alhaji J. A. Alao (JP), and with Avianwu being a federated clan, the rotational royal sceptre fell on the domain of Ogbona. Thus, the mantle of leadership of the clan fell on him, and he became the next Ogieavianwu of Avianwu.
He was gazetted to the throne as the Ogieavianwu of Avianwu on June 19, 1986, by the Edo State Government, a position he occupied until he was gloriously called to join his ancestors on February 27, 2010.
ACHIEVEMENTS
In the history of Avianwu Clan, he was the first Royal Highness to have four fully fledged subordinate clan heads in attendance at deliberations on issues affecting the clan.
He created 117 villages to be manned by Ikhaemhos in the dispensation of grassroots justice, including three autonomous villages that were formed into a ruling house known as Ebadi Ruling House.
He fought for the expansion of Avianwu into more viable villages and clans, to be headed by subordinate clan heads.
During his reign, he endorsed and influenced the creation of Etsako Central Local Government Council, with headquarters at Fugar in Avianwu Kingdom, Edo State.
EDUCATION
His tenure witnessed giant strides in the educational sector, as many new schools were founded.
The former St. John’s Grammar School was upgraded to a model unity school.
He supported the establishment and completion of the Skills Acquisition Centre at Fugar.
He witnessed the Federal Government’s extension of UBE schools within his domain.
His reign also saw the founding of Afemai University and several other institutions.
HEALTH
During his reign, the University of Benin Teaching Hospital Comprehensive Health Centre was established at Ogbona.
The General Hospital located at Fugar, along with many other primary healthcare centres, was established to care for the health of his subjects.
SECURITY
He was the first Ogieavianwu to organize a general congress on ways to avert security threats, with all security agencies in the area in attendance.
During his reign, he imposed harsh penalties on those involved in riots, family feuds, carrying dangerous weapons on minor provocation, and assault of any kind.
He stopped dusk-to-dawn night parties and ceremonies that posed threats to security in the community.
SOCIAL LIFE AND LEGACY: Socially, he inspired the formation of progressive unions and became the first Ogieavianwu to visit each of his 170 villages, spreading messages of unity, harmony, and peaceful coexistence. His fairness in social justice, together with the honorable conferment of chieftaincy titles on outstanding citizens, fostered a spirit of pride and service among his people.
Fondly remembered as a pioneer and builder, His Royal Highness left behind a legacy of honesty, courage, and compassion. He was a loving father and grandfather, deeply religious, and governed with a heart for justice and mercy. For generations to come, he remains a beacon of leadership, unity, and hope for Avianwu and beyond.
