Poet | Elder Statesman | Army Officer | Community Chief | Patriot
Alabo (Major) Pedro Ayebanimiworio Adukpo-Egi IKATA was a distinguished Nigerian Army officer, frontline war veteran, poet, elder statesman, and revered traditional chief from Nembe Kingdom in present-day Bayelsa State. A courageous patriot who fought gallantly during the Nigerian Civil War, he became widely respected for his military discipline, unwavering commitment to justice, intellectual depth, and remarkable service to community and nation.
Throughout his lifetime, he combined military excellence with traditional leadership, spiritual devotion, literary expression, and humanitarian service, leaving behind an enduring legacy in Nembe Kingdom, the Niger Delta, and Nigeria as a whole.
Early Life and Family Background
Pedro Ayebanimiworio Adukpo-Egi IKATA was born on November 10, 1935, into the prominent Egi and Gbasigha families of Nembe Kingdom in present-day Bayelsa State.
His father, Adukpo Egi Efere, popularly known as Chief Will Kemmer Oruwari, was a respected aristocrat and influential figure who belonged to the:
- Okainfie family in King Ikata, Chiefs Oruwari/Kemmer Group of War Canoe Houses
- Ogbari & Basuo Group of Houses in Nembe Kingdom
His mother, Ngoebiye Gbasigha, the last wife of Adukpo, hailed from:
- The King Ockiya, Chiefs Omo/Berena Group of Houses in Nembe Kingdom
- Agudama in Ogbia Local Government Area
Born into a heritage deeply rooted in leadership, nobility, and communal service, Pedro grew into a man whose influence would later transcend military, traditional, political, and spiritual circles.
Childhood, Education, and Cultural Formation
From 1944 to 1951, Pedro attended St. Luke’s School, Nembe, one of Nigeria’s oldest educational institutions established in 1869.
After completing his primary education, he gained admission into the prestigious:
Kalabari National College (KNC), Buguma (1951–1957)
During his formative years, he actively participated in:
- Omungo-aru dogu
- Swimming competitions
- Seki-apu dance clubs
Beyond academics, he developed a deep fascination for Nembe history, customs, and traditions. He maintained close relationships with elders and chiefs, learning firsthand about the heritage and historical foundations of his people. This cultural consciousness later shaped his philosophy of leadership and community service.
Entry into the Nigerian Army
In 1957, Pedro Ayebanimiworio Adukpo-Egi IKATA enlisted in the Nigerian Army, beginning a remarkable military career defined by courage, professionalism, and patriotism.
He underwent extensive military training both locally and internationally and initially served as a Sergeant in the Nigerian Army. Before receiving his commission, he also served as an Education Instructor at the Nigerian Army Education Corps. Following successful completion of his Cadet Training at the:
Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna
He earned a Regular Combatant Commission and was commissioned as a:
- Sub-Lieutenant
- Senior Cadet Officer
Rise Through Military Service
Pedro IKATA distinguished himself through discipline, bravery, and leadership. Over the years, he steadily rose through the ranks and attained the rank of:
Major by 1974
His military assignments exposed him to strategic command, combat leadership, and administrative responsibilities across several regions in Nigeria.
He became widely admired for his professionalism, courage under pressure, and ability to inspire troops during difficult operations.
Heroism During the Nigerian Civil War
During the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970), Major IKATA served courageously as a frontline infantry officer defending Nigeria’s unity.
He held several vital combat positions, including:
- Platoon Commander
- Adjutant
- Company Commander
- Battle Group Commander
During one of the intense military operations, he sustained severe gunshot wounds to:
- His right arm
- Lower abdomen
Remarkably, a small Bible inside his field jacket was torn by bullets during the attack—a moment he believed miraculously saved his life.
His courage deeply inspired his troops. According to Brigadier-General Samuel Femi Daramola, Major IKATA was:
“an epitome of morale in battle.”
His soldiers reportedly refused to abandon their positions after he was wounded because they believed they were unsafe without his presence and leadership.
Military Commands and National Assignments
Following the civil war, Major IKATA continued to serve Nigeria in several strategic military positions, including:
- 2 Division Rear Task Force, Ikeja, Lagos
- 186 Infantry Battalion, Benin and Ibadan
- 202 Infantry Battalion, Ore
- 133 Infantry Battalion, Owo
- 131 Infantry Battalion, Oshogbo
- 7 Infantry Battalion, Sokoto
- 65 Infantry Battalion, Sokoto
- 74 Infantry Battalion, Gusau
- 184 Infantry Battalion, Okitipupa
- 2 Infantry Brigade, Port Harcourt
He also served as:
- Brigade Major
- Acting Brigade Commander, 7 Infantry Brigade, Sokoto
Unfortunately, the injuries he sustained during the civil war eventually led to his:
Medical discharge from the Nigerian Army in May 1980
ending a highly honorable military career.
Contributions Beyond the Battlefield
Major IKATA contributed significantly to national development outside active military combat.
Among his notable contributions were:
- Serving as Chairman of the South Africa Relief Fund in Gusau LGA, which raised the highest amount nationally in 1977
- Organizing the largest Operation Feed the Nation Farm within the Nigerian Army at Gusau
- Hosting a visit by then Head of State General Olusegun Obasanjo
- Supporting the National Drought Relief Fund in 1973
- Providing strategic suggestions on national issues to military authorities and the Head of State
These contributions highlighted his patriotism and commitment to national progress.
Traditional Leadership in Nembe Kingdom
On November 10, 1979, Pedro Ayebanimiworio Adukpo-Egi IKATA became:
Head Chief of the King Ikata, Chiefs Oruwari/Kemmer Group of Houses; He was formally installed on: January 18, 1980 by the Amanyanabo of Nembe, HRM Justice Ambrose Alagoa Mingi II
As a traditional leader, he dedicated enormous time, wisdom, resources, and energy toward the peace, development, and unity of Nembe Kingdom.
Chairman of the Nembe Chiefs Council
Chief IKATA served: Four terms as Chairman of the Nembe Chiefs Council during various periods between 1987 and 2003.
His leadership was characterized by:
- Courageous advocacy
- Conflict resolution
- Promotion of communal harmony
- Defense of Nembe cultural heritage
- Community mobilization and development
He became one of the most respected traditional voices in Bayelsa State.
Business, Politics, and Civilian Life
After retiring from military service, Major IKATA ventured into:
- Business
- Contracting
- Investments
He became: Founder/Chairman/CEO of Opuada Co. Nig Ltd and partnered with several companies and enterprises.
He also briefly participated in partisan politics during the 1980s, contesting for a political position in Brass Local Government Area, though unsuccessfully.
Socially, he remained active in organizations such as the:
Senocratic Society of Nembe
which brought together individuals from various backgrounds to discuss community growth, celebrate culture, and strengthen social bonds.
National Appointments and Public Service
Major IKATA held numerous public leadership and honorary positions, including:
- Life Member, Bible Society of Nigeria
- Former Chairman, Defunct NPN Brass LGA
- Grand Patron, Nembe Youth Movement
- Associate Member, Nigerian Red Cross Society
- Founder/Vice Chairman, Retired Armed Forces Officers Forum
- Chairman, Brass/Nembe LGA United Front supporting the creation of Bayelsa State
- Member, Federal Board of Directors, Savannah Sugar Company, Numan
In 1997, he received three prestigious awards from the Institute of Internal Auditors of Nigeria, including an Honorary Fellowship Award
Religious Life and Spiritual Calling
Major IKATA was raised in the Anglican faith and confirmed at St. Luke’s Church, Nembe in 1982 and later he joined the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star where he later became an ordained Pastor in 2006
Despite divisions within the Brotherhood, he remained committed to his faith and respected religious freedom and tolerance.
Literary Works and Passion for Poetry
Beyond his military and traditional leadership roles, Major IKATA was also a gifted poet and thinker.
Some of his literary works included:
- Journey to the Seaside
- To My Mother
- I Believe (written during the Nigerian crisis in 1966)
His poetry reflected themes of:
- Justice
- Democracy
- Patriotism
- Liberty
- Humanity
- Spiritual conviction
Through poetry, he expressed his deep concerns for society, moral values, and national unity.
Personal Values and Philosophy of Life
Pedro Ayebanimiworio Adukpo-Egi IKATA was widely respected for:
- Integrity
- Courage
- Discipline
- Compassion
- Fairness
He strongly opposed oppression and injustice and remained committed to helping others throughout his life.
He tirelessly worked for:
- Community development
- National unity
- Human dignity
- Peace and social progress
Final Years and Passing
Alabo (Major) Pedro Ayebanimiworio Adukpo-Egi IKATA passed away peacefully on August 7, 2021, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, at the age of 86.
Until his passing, he resided at:
- No. 44B Omerelu Street, G.R.A. Phase 1, Port Harcourt
- No. 1 King Ikata Boulevard, Igopiri, Nembe
The latter residence was one he intended to rename:
“MINGIAPOLIS”
Legacy and Historical Significance
Alabo (Major) Pedro Ayebanimiworio Adukpo-Egi IKATA remains one of the most respected figures in the history of Nembe Kingdom and the Niger Delta.
He will forever be remembered as:
- A fearless soldier
- A defender of Nigeria’s unity
- A revered traditional chief
- A gifted poet
- A patriot and statesman
- A spiritual leader
- A champion of justice and community development
His life stands as a timeless testimony to courage, sacrifice, intellect, leadership, and unwavering devotion to God, community, and country.
His legacy will continue to inspire generations across Nigeria and beyond.
His Signature:
