Edo State: Okpella Lose Monarch

Kingsley Momoh - Lagos


Okpella Lose Monarch

Edo state, Nigeria was thrown into mourning as news of the passing away of one of the longest rulling monarch in Nigeria His Royal Majesty, Dr. Andrew Yesufu Eshioroamhe Dirisu, JP, OON, Okuokpellagbe of Okpella filtered in on Tuesday 19th of February, 2019.

The late monarch was born to Mr. Omosotomhe Dirisu Azamoh of Utayokhe – Imiegiele, Okpella. He grew up as an adventurous young man both among his mates and his immediate community wherein, he soon displayed profound leadership qualities.

He attended Saint Bonaventure Primary School, Imiegiele – Okpella. Thereafter, he proceeded to the then Etsako District Council (EDC) School, Okugbe – Okpella where he obtained the prestigious First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC).

Pursuant to the quest for professionalism at the time, His Royal Majesty, Alhaji Dirisu (JP) Okuokpellagbe of Okpella enrolled for a three-years course in Printing Technology at the famous Adeleye Printing Institute, Akure and having successfully completed all aspects of the course he obtained a certificate in Printing. In spite of these educational qualifications, the Okuokpellagbe still had an unquenchable thirst for further education, which is why as a private candidate, he successfully studied and passed five subjects with very good grades in the G.C.E Ordinary Level at a sitting.

He taught briefly as a teacher in his ‘alma mater’ St. Bonaventure between  1956 and 1957 before his course at Akure.

Thereafter, H.R.M, Alhaji (Dr.) A.Y.E Dirisu (JP) Joined the Civil Service of the Defunct Western Region where he served as a Recorder at the School of agriculture, Akure from 1961. Following the creation of the defunct Mid-Western Region in 1963, he humbly transferred his service from the Western Region to the new Region wherein, he was subsequently appointed as Recorder/Stores Assistant in the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Headquarters, Benin City (1963-66)

He was subsequently recalled home to assume the royal throne of Okpella, which had become vacant following the death of Late H.R.H Oba Obinogbe. Having successfully gone through the various hurdles of succession, he was consequently accorded official recognition by the Government of the then Mid-Western State under Brigadier General Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia (RTD), as the Traditional Ruler and Prescribed Authority of Okpella. He took the symbolic and unique title of “Okuokpellagbe” which literally means “The symbol of Okpella Unity”.

Under the Okuokpellagbe, Okpella is today reputed to be the industrial nerve-centre of Edo State due mainly to her rich mineral endowments. This explains why a large number of companies/factories are engaged in diverse mineral exploitation in the kingdom.

In his bid to ensure Okpella total development, he fought from all directions to provide electricity in the Kingdom. happily, the kingdom is today connected to the national grid. This has greatly contributed to the industrial growth of Okpella kingdom.

In the field of Education, this quintessence of a gentleman has done no less than he has attained in other fields. Before his reign, there was one secondary school in the kingdom. Happily there are today, five Government secondary schools in okpella in addition to about 13 Primary Schools and many private schools at different levels. His yet to be achieved educational goal, is the establishment of a Tertiary institution in Okpella. God willing, he intends to pursue this goal with renewed  vigour and resilience of getting the government to establish one of such institutions in Okpella.

He served as the Vice-President General of Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (N.S.C.I.A) 1987 – 1995. His contributions and inputs greatly helped in making the Council what it is today. He holds several other positions as a Muslim Traditional Ruler.

As part of his general desire to uplift Okpella community economically, H.R.M, Alhaji (Dr.) A.Y.E Dirisu (JP) OON is today credited with the establishment of Okpella Community Bank Limited, now Agbelor Microfinance Bank and currently serves as the Chairman, Board of Directors.

Other appointments held by H.R.M are statutory Chairman of Hospital Management Board University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. This rare gem of a man has also been appointed as member of Africa Traditional Rulers and Eminent Personalities Forum, Chairman MAMSER Implementation Committee in defunct Etsako LGA; Chairman 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Appeal Fund Launching Committee, Etsako Chapter; Chairman, Bendel State Development Appeal Fund Launching Committee, Etsako Chapter; Member National universities Commission, Member Steering Committee of the movement for the creation of Edo State (1981 – 83); like Chairman Edo State Council of Traditional Council (1995/96); Chairman Etsako East Local Government Traditional Council 1995/96, 2000/21; Member National Rulers and Eminent Persons Forum of Nigeria and many others.

It is in recognition of his commitment to the upliftment of humanity that he has been conferred with the patronship of several social clubs and philanthropic Organizations, notably are Patrons, Etsako Club’ 81, Lagos, Etsako Professional Women’s Association, Edo/Delta State; Etsako Club, Sapele; Esan Unity Club of Nigeria, Etsako Student Union of University of Benin and Obafemi Awolowo University; Okpella  Oghele Women Association, Benin City; Elegance Circle of Nigeria, Auchi; Okpella Student Union.

In recognition of his invaluable good work and contributions which His Royal Majesty had made to the development of Nigeria and the World in general, the City University of Los Angeles awarded him a honorary Doctorate Degree in 1989. Back home, he was conferred with the prestigious award of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) by the President Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Alh. Umaru Musa Yaradua, GCFR.

He was awarded a Justice of Peace (JP) in 1986 in apparent recognition of his love for peace both within his domain and her neighbours. He has made personal sacrifices to engender peace.

His interests include among others: Exchange of Royal visits, writing, reading, current national and international affairs and sports. He is a widely traveled traditional father (Locally and overseas).

His Royal Majesty is happily married and blessed with children.

Source: Afemai Award 2012