HRH WILLIAM ULOKO IDODE: (OKPHE-UKPI OF OGBONA (2008-2022)
The Black Race has lost a titan: HRH William Uloko Idode, the immediate past Okphe Ukpi and Sub-Clan Head of Ogbona Community in Etsako Central, Edo State. The late Willy Uloko Idode was a steadfast pillar of the arts, culture, and traditions of Ogbona. His reign, spanning from 2008, brought peace, unity, and progress to his people. His thoughtful approach to leadership challenges and unwavering commitment earned him deep affection—he truly came, saw, and conquered.
His 14-year reign, marked by honor and integrity, drew countless tributes from subjects, friends, and admirers alike. Idode’s legacy is defined by his boldness, courage, and selfless devotion to the advancement of his community. As a unifier and ambassador for peace, he guided Ogbona to newfound prosperity, with a special focus on empowering youth and restoring order. Shakespeare’s words ring especially true here: “When beggars die, there are no comets seen; the heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes.” Chief Willy Idode’s fearless leadership left indelible footprints on Ogbona’s soil.
Born on April 4, 1959, to Mr. Momodu Ojakpa Idode and Mrs. Lametu Amiunomhene Idogho of Ivhiobore Quarters, Ogbona, he left home at a young age to live with his uncle, Dr. J.B. Idode, in Benin City. There, he attended Arinze Primary School and Western Boys High School (1972–1977). Willie later moved to Kaduna to work with the Nigerian Defense Industry, but was soon called back home to teach, especially as his father’s health declined and he later passed away in 1986.
In the years that followed, Willie ventured into business—engaging in trade, contract work, solid-mineral mining, and petroleum. Entering politics in 1996, he held several prominent roles, including Ward and Local Government Party Chairman, and served on governmental boards. Through his political and business acumen, he was instrumental in community development: renovating schools, providing furniture, constructing and upgrading health centers, drilling boreholes, expanding electricity, and creating opportunities for employment and education.
Understanding the need for harmony, he established the Ogbona Reconciliation Committee to insulate traditional leadership from politics and foster unity. Under his leadership, Ogbona achieved relative peace, restored social order, and experienced transformational growth. His fair and truthful arbitration was matched only by his optimism and unrivaled love for his people.
In 2007, urged by his kindred and elders, and with support from the late Chief Patrick A. Oboarekpe, he accepted the Egboise title—the second-highest in rank. With the passing of HRH T.A. Osigbemhe in 2008, he became the Okphe-Ukpi of Ogbona. He expressed deep gratitude for the collective progress achieved during his reign.
Chief Willy Idode also made history by creating Ogbona’s first Advisory Committee, serving as a think tank and organizing body for community development. Subcommittees were formed for Security, Education, Town Planning, Health, Agriculture, Markets, Cultural Revival, and the Judiciary, ensuring focused progress and sustained peace.
He passed away at the age of 63, survived by his three wives—Mrs. Nana Idode, Mrs. Paulina Idode, and Mrs. Afeghe Idode—his five children: Iregbenesi, Aloaye, Osilama, Oghoya, and Anoghena; his three grandchildren: Princess, Daniel, and Daniella; and foster children: Imoudu, Oshobughie, Oshioayemheya, and Monday Idode. The legacy of Chief William Uloko Idode’s vision and leadership will remain fresh in the hearts of Ogbona and beyond.
