His Royal Highness Christian Otobotekere
Mr. Samuel Otobotekere Tribute.
Inspired by His Kindness, Compassion, and Generosity
We gather here today to honour the life and legacy of His Royal Highness C. A. O. Otobotekere, my beloved father, a leader, patriarch of the family, author, Paramount Ruler of Tombia Ekpetiama, one-time Acting Clan Head and Chairman of Ekpetiama Council of Chiefs, and Daddy to all.
My father, HRH C. A. O. Otobotekere, was born and raised in his home community, Tombia, where he developed a deep love for his family, community, and culture. He was a hardworking and dedicated individual who made community affairs a priority. He worked tirelessly to provide for his family and was always willing to lend a helping hand to people who came his way.
Daddy was a lover of sports, especially traditional wrestling, and golf. That was why he was a regular guest when Victor Kodei (the wrestling champion from Tombia-Ekpetiama) had wrestling competitions. I remember accompanying Daddy to watch wrestling competitions between:
- Victor Kodei and Appah of Ikibiri in Yenagoa in front of the Government House in 1989. By then, the area was an open sand field.
- Victor Kodei and Akatah in Sabagreia.
- Victor Kodei and Feotedei in Sabagreia.
I remember our 4:00 p.m. golf sessions from the present College of Nursing Road to the Tombia bridgehead. By then, the College of Nursing junction to the bridgehead was a long stretch of sand field, which we used as our makeshift golf course with Daddy.
I remember our voyage to and fro Yenagoa with either the green fibre boat powered by Yamaha 8 Horsepower engine or the pink speed boat powered by a Yamaha 25 Horsepower engine through the River Nun.
I also remember the responsibilities Daddy gave me in my Junior Secondary Classes. Daddy will send me to SPDC, Ministries, Companies, Parastatals, and my elder sisters to deliver his business letters. I delivered several letters to SPDC. Daddy will give me the phone number of Engr. Emmanuel Opigo and tell me to call him at the Shell gate, and he will give me access to deliver the letter.
As a father, he was a constant source of love, guidance, and support for us, his children. He instilled in us the values of hard work, honesty, and respect, always encouraging us to pursue our dreams and passions. His love for the family was unconditional, and he always went above and beyond to ensure our happiness and well-being. This trait of respect can be seen as a signature in all of us, his children.
He instilled the fear of God and taught us to be fearless. He always told us we should not be afraid of work. This has paid off as most of us, the children, are workaholics. In our various offices, they can only do with us. It is not a thing of arrogance but a fact that can be verified in our diverse workplaces.
My father was a man of integrity in his community, and everywhere he worked, including Shell BP (SPDC), where he rose to the level of regional Treasurer before he voluntarily resigned in 1978.
He was also an unassuming personality, which I have adopted in all aspects of my life, including my place of work, and I have remained outstanding at my workplace because of this inherited trait from Daddy.
My father was a mobile encyclopedia who had authentic responses to issues raised when engaged in a discussion. As stated in some of his literature, Daddy was an early riser. You will see Daddy in his study anytime you wake up between 03:00 a.m. and 06:00 a.m. He only napped from 05:30 a.m. to about 07:00 a.m. with his radio tuned to BBC or Voice of America. He was always studying while others were deep asleep. This gave him an edge over most of his contemporaries and younger generations. This was the secret to his 14 Books and over four hundred poems published in his old age.
His kindness and warmth were one of a kind.
Even though my father was a professional economist, he knew his environment and nature and was interested in engineering, measurement, and mathematics. His interest in nature and River Nun is reflected in his poetic works.
HRH was also deeply committed to his community and was an active member of various organizations and groups, including the Association of Nigerian Authors, Bayelsa State Council of Chiefs, and many more.
He was a respected leader who was always willing to lend his expertise and support to initiatives that aimed to improve the lives of those around him.
Though his passing is a significant loss to us all, we take comfort in knowing that our father lived an accomplished and meaningful life. His kindness, compassion, and generosity will continue to inspire us all, and his memory will live on in the hearts of those he touched. We, the children, will continue with our Father’s legacies by God’s grace.
Daddy, our legacies will never be forgotten. They are the foundation we build to improve ourselves, our families, and our communities.
Rest in peace.
Mr. Samuel Otobotekere
Child No. 15.
