The Opuokun of Opokuma Clan, King William Ogionwo, retired professor of Sociology and Social Psychology, erstwhile Secretary to Government of the first civilian administration of RiversState of Nigeria under Governor Melford Okilo died this morning in
The late Professor William Waripamo Ogionwo was born in
He was a very prolific academic - publishing scholarly papers in well-respected academic journals all over the world. He also authored several books, prominent among which are: Innovative behavior and personal attitudes : a case study of social change in Nigeria; Migrant families in an African City- A case Study of Port Harcourt; An introduction to sociological studies (jointly with Otite Onigu,) and Agricultural modernization: The adoption of agricultural innovations among cocoa, oilpalm [sic], rice and rubber farmers in S Nigeria.The title, Innovative behavior and personal attitudes is a very popular reference materials for sociology researchers, scholars and students all over the world.
Apart from academics, he made his mark in the public service by becoming the first Secretary to Government {SG} of the initial civilian administration of the
On August 11, 2007, he was crowned Opuokun of Opokuma and a became a member of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council as HM King Prof. William Waripamo Ogionwo, Ibedaowei of Opokuma Clan. He will be sorely missed by his peers in the council. At his coronation, he espoused the philosophy of servant king to emphasise his mission to serve his people and be a catalyst for development in the clan.
He is the father of several children and grand children. It was only on Boxing Day December 26 2009 that one of his sons, Prince Douye Olamire Ogionwo married Ochuwa Itsemehekhone, the second daughter of Vice Admiral Okhai Akhigbe rtd. His death is a big blow to his immediate family and all sons and daughters of Opokuma at home and in the diaspora.
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
ReplyDeleteWe deeply mourn the loss of a very dear friend and brother Professor King William Ogionwo. A distinguised scholar, world renowned intellectual, a great Nigerian and Bayelsan and a highly respected citizen of the world. Popularly known and fondly called "Blooming" in his inner circle of friends,King Ogionwo lived a full and exciting life of explemplary dedication and excellence, setting standards that will be extreemely difficult to equal or to exceed.
We loose him, but Our Lord God Almight always knows best. Our deepest condolences to his immediate family, to the Bayelsans and the entire good people of the Niger Delta.
Good bye, Adieu "Blooming" Rest in perfect peace in the Lord.
Professor Anthony & Mrs Tunde Youdeowe and the entire Youdeowei Family.
He was my only surviving uncle in that generation.Fond memories of you will remain evergreen in my mind, especially in my early life when i lived with him.
ReplyDeleteHe was a role model in many ways.He was the driving force that brought pursuit for tertiary education in the Ogionwo family in particular and the entire kingdon at large because of his pioneering heights in academia.
Fondly called "uncle william" by his many nieces & nephews, he left an indelible mark in the lives of all of us.
His sojourn on earth was characterized by a desire to be known for excellence and to be at the top always.no wonder he was referred to among other things as the best dressed lecturer in his days at the University of Ibadan.
He was called many nick-names by different people: "blooming", "willie poko", "prof" etc.
HRH KING PROF WILLIAM OGIONWO may have left this earth, but he lives on in our memories for eternity.
Adieu Uncle and may your soul rest in peace!
Engr. Ebi Ogionwo. (On behalf of the nephews and nieces)
Apart crom being the father of one of my oldest friends, he was also a role model and mentor to many at the University of Ibadan. I remember the first time I met him at the medical centre in 1989 and introduced myself as Doye's childhood friend... he was trusting and kind enough to give me a room in his bq at Ijeoma road in UI staff qtrs. I stayed there until he moved finally to Port Harcourt two years later.
ReplyDeleteI remember Prof, tall and distinguished with a commanding presence in his classic blue blazer and oxford grey trousers. In physical presence and intellect, he stood out in any crowd at Ibadan in those days...
Adieu O Prof.
Adekunle Shotubo
When a mutaul close friend called me to report the passing of HRH Professor William Ogionwo to me, I could not believe the sadness that overtook me. I have not seen him in many years and was planning to pay him a visit in a few months. Prof. Ogionwo, who we fondly called "Blooming" was a man of immense ideals and confidence. He was elegant both physically and intellectually. He was as adoring of commonsense as he was intolerant of stupidity.
ReplyDeleteHe led a very rich, exciting and exemplary life of intellectual honesty, dedication to true friendship and the service of man.
I console the family of this remarkable man. I share your loss, believing that what we suffer at this time cannot be compared to the Glory that will be revealed to us by his passing.
May his beautiful soul rest in peace.
Professor Ajovi Scott-Emuakpor and the entire Scott-Emuakpor family.
while i was doing my undergrad in the United States, i came back to Visit Nigeria in 2005 and my Dad asked me to go visit "Prof" as he was fondly called. I have never visited our King on my own, so i was a bit nervous going to visit an academia. However, i summoned courage and went to see him. he was glad that i came, we talked for a long time of which i learnt a lot and i told him i was going back to the states, he blessed me and ask for my address in the states so he can write letters and send to me. funny how old school he was, yet very intelligent and sound.
ReplyDeleteAfter that 1st visit with HRH Prof. william Ogionwo, i decided that whenever i am in Nigeria or Port harcourt, I must go spend time with my King. My last Personal visit to HRH was late december 2009, and he made a statement i would never forget in the presence of a Bishop. we were talking about corruption and the solution and the Bishop asked His Royal Highness:
"Sir since you have been in the system before, what is the best way to curb abandonned contracts and corruption"?
HRH: "The people, i.e masses should rise up checks and balances of contracts by the people, the people should be more involved in the process of government, and until the people rise up, the government will do whatever they like".(not in the exact same words)
My last sight of HRH Late Prof. Ogionwo, was him waving bye bye to my family and I, from his balcony, after our Annual family visit to HRH. Not knowing the next day he was going to be with the Lord.
Sir your Legacy lives on, may your loving and caring soul rest in the bossom of the Lord. We will all grately miss you and the strong leadership you have shown in our community.
I pray for strength, Love,Peace and guidiance for all member of the Ogionwo Family, we Stand by you as one FAMILY....
BYE BYE PROF...
FROM
MICHAEL.Z.AGGREY
ON-BEHALF OF THE AGGREY OKPOWAI FAMILY
OF Igbainwari Town
I have great sadness in my heart as I read this. Early this morning King William Ogionwo entered into God's rest. he was a giant, One of the great intellectuals of our day. You'll be missed.
ReplyDeleteFrom Soro Monday
Gbaranbiri Town.