FESTUS OKOTIE EBOH

He was a flamboyant character, attending the 1960 independence celebrations, for example, in flowing garments with a chain a yard long. He spent his money lavishly in support of political causes and at the time of the 1959 election was ferociously attacked by Action Group leader, Chief Awolowo, and accused of corruption. Africa being a continent where socialism in one form or another is a common political theme, Okotie-Eboh was the target of bitter criticisms, he certainly was very rich. He was a man of influence and power, with considerable financial strength and know-how. He retained the important Finance portfolio until the fall of Nigeria’s first civilian administration, which brought his own career and life to an end. He was kidnapped and killed by soldiers on January 15th 1966 in the military coup d’ etat.

Nevertheless Chief Okotie-Eboh still remained the popular “Omimi Ejo” – the Water Spirit – to many Itsekiris, particularly in the Benin River villages. His respect for the elders was spoken of and particularly his generosity. He himself boasted that he had spent over £3,000 in paying other peoples’ fines, usually imposed for non-payment of taxes or a breach of customary law. It was said that he had paid for a new corrugated-iron roof for the chapel of the Cherubim and Seraphim sect in one village and that he was paying for the rebuilding of the Diare family shrine, although he was only remotely connected with the family.