Oji Awala, Chief, HRH, Emere Eleme

 

HRH Oji Awala (1935-2005)

Paramount Ruler of Ogale (Oneh-eh Eta), 1970–2005

Oneh-eh Eleme (Installed 1974)

His Royal Highness, Chief Oji Awala (1935–2005), was a distinguished traditional ruler, educator, statesman, and community leader whose life and reign left an enduring legacy on Ogale and the entire Eleme nation. Installed in 1974 as Oneh-eh Eleme and serving as Paramount Ruler of Ogale for over three decades, he remains remembered for his integrity, intellect, and commitment to peace, unity, and community development.

Birth and Parentage

Born on 9 January 1935 in Ogale, Eleme, Chief Oji Awala was the youngest of three children of Chief Obe Nwafor Awala and Madam Okia Awala.

His father, Chief Obe Awala, was a respected hunter, farmer, and member of the Eleme and Ogale Councils of Chiefs, known for leading the task force that built the first educational institution in Eleme: Holy Trinity School, Nchia.

His mother, Madam Okia Awala, was a prominent trader and agriculturalist noted across the region for her enterprise and industry.

Early Life

Growing up in Ogale, young Oji was admired for his strength, cheerful disposition, and willingness to help. He loved hunting and wrestling and was respected among his peers for his friendliness and good humour. His amiable nature earned him the nickname “Onye Nganga” — a man of noble qualities.

Education

Though initially reluctant to attend school, community intervention and recognition of his intelligence redirected his path. He received his early education at Holy Trinity School, Nchia, completing in 1950.

Determined to advance academically despite financial hardship, he worked in Cameroon before returning to Nigeria to pursue teaching. He trained at Seventh-Day Adventist institutions from 1958 and earned the Teachers’ Grade III Certificate in 1961.

In pursuit of higher education, he passed the London GCE Ordinary Level examinations in six subjects in one sitting (1963) and later obtained Advanced Level qualifications in three subjects (1965).

He gained admission to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, graduating in 1974 with a Second Class Upper Degree in Political Science, during which he also rose to become President-General of the National Union of Rivers State Students (1973/74).

His academic promise would have led to postgraduate study, but he was called home to assume traditional leadership.

Career and Public Service

Chief Oji Awala began his teaching career in 1959 and taught in various schools across Eleme, where he became known for his sharp memory, discipline, and devotion to his pupils. He later joined the Rivers State Government Service and served briefly as Assistant Secretary in the State Revenue Department.

In the 1950s and 60s, he served as Private Secretary to His Majesty Chief Walter G. Ngegwe, then Paramount Ruler of Ogale and Oneh-eh Eleme, a role that shaped his political and administrative foundation.

He was deeply involved in community affairs, serving as:

• Secretary-General, Eleme National Union
• Secretary, Nchia Teachers’ Association
• Member, Land Use and Allocation Committee, Bori (1978–1980)
• Member, Police Community Relations Committee, Rivers State (2000)
• Chairman, MOSOP Electoral Commission (2003)

Chief Awala was also a strong advocate for environmental justice and supported the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP).

Political Leadership

A progressive political thinker, Chief Oji Awala played a central role in Eleme’s political awakening of the 1970s. Under his leadership of the Nyime Eleme political bloc, Eleme achieved several notable electoral victories, including:

• The election of Bishop (Dr.) Friday Nwator to the Constituent Assembly (1979)
• The election of Chief J.D. Osaronu to the Rivers State House of Assembly (1979)

These successes reflected a new era of unity, strategy, and political relevance for Eleme under his guidance.

Traditional Leadership

Chief Oji Awala ascended the throne as Paramount Ruler of Ogale in 1970 and was later installed as Oneh-eh Eleme in December 1974.

His reign was marked by:

• Community cohesion
• Protection of Eleme’s cultural heritage
• Structured stakeholder representation
• Advancement of communal infrastructure
• Mediation of conflicts
• Promotion of education and youth development

He also achieved the revered traditional yam titles A-O Achu and Obo, symbolizing honour and excellence in farming.

Contributions to Development

During his tenure, Chief Oji Awala championed several landmark achievements, including:

Infrastructure & Communal Development

• Initiation and completion of the Ogale Farm Road, which stimulated employment and commerce in the 1990s.
• Support for the upgrade of State School Ogale, adding new classrooms and improving staffing.
• Facilitation of opportunities arising from the Shell 36NB Manifold project, which created jobs and business prospects for Ogale contractors.

Security and Community Protection

• Leadership of the Ogale Special Force that removed the illegal Equatorial Guinea Returnees’ camp from the communal barn area.

Governance & Inclusion

• Promotion of effective town-hall-based decision making.
• Inclusion of legitimate stakeholder groups in community governance, strengthening trust and accountability.

Religious Life

Chief Awala maintained strong Christian roots throughout his life. He worshipped with several denominations—Anglican, Seventh-Day Adventist, Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, and finally, the Assemblies of God Church. He served variously as chorister, choirmaster, and pastor, depending on the denomination.

His devotion to faith shaped his humility, compassion, and principles of leadership.

Family Life

He married early, admired widely for his character, warmth, and charisma. He was survived by his wife, Lady Kaka Oji Awala, and five children: Nwafor, Ollor, Nkporon, Ebie, and Obo.

He was a caring husband, father, and pillar of support to extended family and relatives.

Final Years and Death

After a period of illness, HRH Chief Oji Awala passed away on 15 January 2005, at Arrowline Clinic, Akpajo, Eleme. He died a reconciler, harbouring no enmity toward anyone — a testament to his peace-loving nature.

Legacy

Chief Oji Awala’s reign stands as one of the most influential in the history of Ogale. His achievements in governance, education, political unity, environmental advocacy, and community development transformed Ogale and shaped Eleme’s identity in the modern era.

He is remembered as:

• A visionary traditional ruler
• A scholar and educator
• A builder of people and institutions
• A custodian of Eleme values
• A leader who served with truth and courage

His legacy endures in the institutions he strengthened, the leaders he nurtured, and the community he helped shape.

Edited by Nwafor Oji Awala 

©️ Two & Half Decades of Cultural & Political Developments in Eleme