Uromi, a vibrant town in Edo State, Nigeria, is a land rich in history, culture, and a strong sense of community. It is one of the most prominent towns in Esanland, known for its resilience, resourcefulness, and contributions to the broader Nigerian society. Through the centuries, Uromi has produced men of great vision, strength, and influence—leaders, warriors, politicians, business moguls, and intellectuals who shaped the destiny of their people and left an indelible mark on the sands of time.
The story of Uromi is one of struggle and triumph, of men who rose above the ordinary to become legends in their own right. From the pre-colonial era, when the Esan people fiercely defended their autonomy, to the post-independence years, when Uromi’s sons took their place in politics, commerce, and governance, the town has never lacked great figures. These men, though from different generations, share a common trait—an undying love for their homeland and an unwavering commitment to progress.
Among these towering figures are kings who led with wisdom and courage, politicians who fought for the people’s rights, and entrepreneurs who brought prosperity to the land. Some played pivotal roles in Nigeria’s independence struggle, while others helped shape modern Uromi through infrastructural development, education, and economic empowerment. Their stories are intertwined with the growth of not just Uromi but the entire Esanland and beyond.
In the heat of colonial rule, some of these men resisted foreign domination, ensuring that Uromi’s cultural identity was preserved. Others embraced the winds of change and positioned themselves as bridges between tradition and modernity. In the post-independence era, when Nigeria was struggling to define itself, these sons of Uromi stood as beacons of hope, proving that leadership is not just about power but about service.
Here are 10 notable men from Uromi, each with a brief knowledge of their lives and achievements:
CHIEF ANTHONY AKHAKON ANENIH
Chief Anthony Anenih, affectionately known as “Mr. Fix It,” was a significant figure in Nigerian politics. Born in Uromi, he began his career in the Nigeria Police Force before transitioning into politics. Anenih served as the National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and played a crucial role in the election of Chief M.K.O. Abiola in 1993. He later became the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and served as Minister of Works and Housing. His political acumen and influence were instrumental in shaping Nigeria’s political landscape.
CHIEF ANTHONY ENAHORO
Chief Anthony Enahoro, was a foremost anti-colonial and pro-democracy activist. Born in Uromi, he became Nigeria’s youngest editor at 21, leading Nnamdi Azikiwe’s newspaper, the Southern Nigerian Defender. In 1953, Enahoro moved the first motion for Nigeria’s independence, earning him the title “Father of Nigeria State.” Throughout his career, he remained committed to democracy and social justice, enduring imprisonment and exile for his beliefs. His efforts were pivotal in Nigeria’s journey to independence in 1960.
PETER ENAHORO
Peter Enahoro, also known by his pen name “Peter Pan,” was a distinguished journalist, author, and publisher. Born in Uromi, he became one of Africa’s most celebrated journalists, known for his witty and satirical writing style. His book “How to Be a Nigerian” remains a classic in Nigerian literature. Enahoro held various editorial positions, including editor of the Daily Times, and was influential in shaping journalism in Nigeria.
OGBIDI OKOJIE
Ogbidi Okojie, was the Onojie (king) of Uromi and is remembered as a formidable Nigerian nationalist and freedom fighter. Born in 1857, he ascended to the throne in 1900 and became renowned for his staunch opposition to British colonial rule. Despite limited weaponry, he resisted British forces for six months before his eventual capture and exile to Calabar in 1900, where he met Oba Ovonramwen, the exiled Oba of Benin. After his release, Okojie continued to assert his authority and influence, serving as the supreme judge in Esan, Agbor, and Benin City. He was instrumental in infrastructural development, including building roads connecting Uromi to neighboring regions. His legacy is honored through his descendants, including Chief Anthony Enahoro and Cardinal Anthony Okogie.
PROF. AMBROSE ALLI
Although not born in Uromi, Professor Ambrose Folorunsho Alli, was a Nigerian academic, medical doctor, and politician. He served as the first civilian governor of Bendel State (now Edo and Delta States) from 1979 to 1983 under the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), led by Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
During his tenure, he prioritized education, establishing numerous primary and secondary schools and founding Bendel State University (now Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma). He also invested in healthcare and infrastructure development.
After the 1983 coup that brought General Muhammadu Buhari to power, Alli was arrested and jailed on charges of corruption, though many viewed this as politically motivated. He was later released but died in 1989. His legacy remains strong, especially in Edo State, where he is celebrated for his contributions to education and development.
CARDINAL ANTHONY OLUBUNMI OKOGIE
Cardinal Anthony Okogie, though born in Lagos, has ancestral roots in Uromi. He served as the Archbishop of Lagos from 1973 to 2012 and was elevated to the cardinalate in 2003. Known for his outspoken stance on social and political issues, Cardinal Okogie has been a moral compass in Nigeria, advocating for justice, peace, and good governance.
ROBERT OKOJIE
Dr. Robert Okojie, a descendant of Ogbidi Okojie, is a renowned scientist with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in the United States. He has made significant contributions to the development of silicon carbide (SiC) microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) for harsh environment sensing and power generation. His work has been pivotal in advancing technologies used in aerospace applications.
CHIEF TOM IKIMI
Chief Tom Ikimi, is a prominent architect and politician from Uromi. He served as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1995 to 1998 and played a vital role in diplomatic relations during a challenging period in Nigeria’s history. Ikimi, was also a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), contributing to the nation’s political evolution.
CHIEF MIKE OGHIADOMHE
Chief Mike Oghiadomhe, is a notable politician from Uromi who served as the Deputy Governor of Edo State from 1999 to 2007. He later became the Chief of Staff to President Goodluck Jonathan, playing a significant role in the administration’s policy formulation and implementation. His contributions have been influential in both state and national politics.
HON. PATRICK IKHARIALE
Hon. Patrick Ikhariale, is a medical doctor and politician from Uromi. He represented Esan North-East/Esan South-East Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives from 2007 to 2015. He was known for advocating for healthcare reforms and contributing to legislative processes to improve Nigeria’s health sector during his tenure.
These men’s legacies are found in the institutions they built, the policies they influenced, and the countless lives they touched. Their names echo in history, sung in the praises of elders and etched into the minds of younger generations who aspire to walk in their footsteps. Even today, their impact can be felt in the town’s politics, economy, and social structure.
As we explore the lives of these ten great men, we do more than recount their achievements—we celebrate the spirit of Uromi itself. Their journeys are not just personal triumphs but collective victories that belong to an entire people. They remind us that greatness is not merely about individual success but about lifting others, fighting for justice, and leaving behind a legacy that inspires generations to come.
Uromi continues to thrive, and as the world evolves, new leaders will emerge, following the path paved by these illustrious men. Their stories serve as a blueprint for the future—a future where the values of courage, wisdom, and service remain in the heart of Uromi’s progress.
By Benprince Ezeh
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