CHIEF JAMES ONANEFE IBORI: THE MAKING OF A HERO

Every society needs heroes. And every society has them. The reason we don't often see them is because we don't bother to look. There are two kinds of heroes. Heroes who shine in the face of great adversity, who perform an amazing feat in a difficult situation. And heroes who live among us, who do their work unceremoniously, unnoticed by many of us, but who make a difference in the lives of others.

Heroes are selfless people who perform extraordinary acts. The mark of heroes is not necessarily the result of their action, but what they are willing to do for others and for their chosen cause. Even if they fail, their determination lives on for others to follow. The glory lies not in the achievement, but in the sacrifice.

So, what is a hero? Who is a hero? Is it the decorated general who leads his army to victory, or the unknown soldier quietly obeying orders? Is it the researcher who finds a cure for cancer, or the country doctor treating the sick? Should a hero be one who saves thousands of lives, or who comforts just one? And what drives them, these men and women we call our idols, our mentors, our elders, our friends? Is it duty? Determination? Perseverance? All these factors play their part.

Heroes serve to remind us of the higher purpose of self and society.

As Bishop God-Do-Well Avwomakpa, rightly noted: In Urhobo land we only have two persons who have proven themselves to be God's gift as such they can be referred to as heroes in Urhobo land, they are Olorogun Michael Ibru and Chief James Onanefe Ibori.

Last Sunday, Oghara, the home town of former Delta State governor, Chief James Ibori, once again was host to the creme of Delta State political, traditional and clerical fields as the Oghara community held a special thanksgiving service for the former governor. The church service, which was held at the First Baptist Church, Oghara, was organised by the community to thank God for the return of Chief Ibori from United Kingdom. Since returning from the United Kingdom, Chief Ibori’s home has become a sort of mecca.

Among his gubernatorial peers from 1999-2007 as Governor of Delta State, his colleagues often referred to him as The Sheikh. But because of agitation for the control of revenue from oil and gas, which he stood up stoutly for, stunned and astonished the government at the centre. For their role and steadfast commitment to the resource control movements, Chief Alamiesegha and Chief James Ibori were the first targets by the powers that be. This narrative will continue in another day.

But there is another vital, unquantifiable element, and that is love. It is love, a love of his people that sent Chief Ibori to pursue resource control, despite his persecution.

Heroes represent greatness, and aspirations. Because our lives seemed so small, our heroes had to be larger than life. And that is what Chief James Onanefe Ibori has become to majority of Deltans.

Perhaps Chief Ibori did not set out to be a hero; no doubt he would rather have his family back. But circumstances stirred something in him, something he could not hold back. Giving up his way of life to fight for resource control.