Today, our hearts swell with joy as we pause to celebrate a man whose life is not only an affirmation of divine grace but also an emphatic reminder of courage, resilience, and service to humanity, Okoi Obono-Obla. Obol, as I fondly call him, is a phenomenal personality whose journey through life continues to inspire us with awe and admiration.
Born a twin on a Thursday, the 30th of October, Obla’s birth was a blessing wrapped in divine purpose. Though his twin sister shuffled off this mortal coil in tender childhood, her brief life left an indelible mark of love and innocence in his heart. It is a story of pain turned into purpose; a path that culminates into the man we celebrate today. Through life’s thorns and triumphs, Okoi Obono-Obla has remained a living example that God’s grace is sufficient and that destiny cannot be denied.
Obla’s parents, who both have since joined the saints triumphant, laid a firm moral and spiritual foundation that continues to guide his path. Their nurturing, discipline, and faith have stood him in good stead, guiding his steps as he evolved into one of Nigeria’s most outstanding defenders of justice and legal minds.
An alumnus of the prestigious Mary Knoll College, Ogoja, and a graduate of Law from the University of Jos, Obla’s intellectual curiosity and passion for justice were evident from the cradle. With over 35 years cognate experience at the Nigerian Bar, his name commands trepidation, tenacity, and an uncommon commitment to truth across Nigeria. His pursuit of knowledge took him beyond the shores of Nigeria to the University of Liverpool, UK, where he obtained a Master’s Degree in International Law with a focus on anti-corruption. His academic journey continues, as he is currently a Doctoral Research Candidate at the same university, a reflection of his lifelong thirst for knowledge and justice.
Obla’s public service career is a chronicle of courage. As Special Assistant to former President Muhammadu Buhari on Public Prosecution and Pioneer Chairman of the Special Presidential Panel on the Recovery of Public Property, he stepped into territories where even lions feared to tread. Fearless and unbending in the face of adversity, he championed accountability and transparency, standing tall against vested interests that sought to weaken Nigeria’s anti-corruption resolve. Those who feared his courage plotted against him, yet he stood firm; unbroken, unbent, unbowed, and uncouth.
Before his national assignment, during the years when the PDP dominated the political space, Obla was the bold face of opposition in his homestead of Cross River State. Against the run of the political tide at that time, he stood steadfast in his convictions, helping to build the foundation of modern progressive politics in Nigeria. He played a historic role as Secretary of the Joint Merger Committee that negotiated the birth of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and earlier served as the Pioneer National Legal Adviser of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC).
Beyond the courtroom and political arena, Obla is a man of remarkable humility and compassion. Beneath his tough, no-nonsense exterior lies a soft, tender heart. He is exceedingly kind, forgiving, and ever willing to help those in need. His life radiates generosity and love, especially toward the weak, the poor, and the downtrodden whose rights he has consistently defended.
He is happily married to his soulmate, Justina Ikwo Obono-Obla (nee Otu Uket Oka); herself a soft spoken and brilliant legal luminary. Their marriage is blessed with two biological sons and an adopted daughter, forming a family encapsulated in faith, love, and intellectual prowess.
Okoi Obono-Obla holds the revered traditional title of Obol Etangala of Ugep Eburutu and Umo Otutu dynasty. He is the Obol Kepon of Letampankom (traditional Ruler), Ijiman Ward, Ugep Urban. This illustrious son of Yakurr, continues to embody the noble virtues of leadership and service to his people. He is a prolific writer with three published books and countless articles in Nigerian national dailies under his belt. Obol Obla is a highly sought-after commentator on national issues by Nigeria’s electronic media.
On this special day, we join family, friends, political associates, and admirers across the globe to salute this towering figure; a lion with a tender heart, a patriot with a clear conscience, a lawyer of repute, and a son of grace.
Happy Birthday, My Beloved Brother, Okoi Obono-Obla!
May the Almighty God, who preserved you from birth and guided you through the storm, continue to bless you with good health, divine wisdom, and greater exploits in the service of humanity. To God be the glory.
Oyama, a media practitioner and kinsman from the Eburutu stock of Ekoi people, writes in from Abuja.
