Teacher • Headmaster • Lawyer • Politician • Chief Judge • Statesman

Early Life and Birth

David Koripamo Ungbuku was born on Friday, 27 May 1938 at 10:00 PM in Sabageria, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of present‑day Bayelsa State. He was the first child of Mr. Ungbuku Ruskin Bikikoro, grandson of the famed warrior Gbegbe of Seibokorogba, and Madam Rose Racheal, a hardworking farmer and trader from Odi. Raised in a devout Anglican household, he grew up with strong Christian values and a deep sense of discipline.

Education and Early Struggles

Koripamo began his education at St. Stephen’s Primary School, Sabageria, later completing his First School Leaving Certificate at Reverend Proctor Memorial Primary School, Kaiama (1954). Despite passing entrance exams to Bishop Demiaril Grammar School, financial hardship delayed his secondary education. Undeterred, he pursued teaching, enrolling at Preliminary Teacher’s College, Oporoma (1956) and later Elementary Teachers’ College, Okordia‑Zarama, where he excelled.

His determination led him to pass both Ordinary Level (1962) and Advanced Level (1966) GCE exams, earning admission to study law at the University of Lagos. He graduated in 1970 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1971.

Teaching Career and Headmastership

Before law, Koripamo served as a dedicated teacher and headmaster across schools in the Niger Delta, Mid‑West Nigeria, and Ekiti. His resilience was legendary — often trekking miles to teach in remote villages when he could not afford transport. His inspirational teaching at Bishop Demiari Grammar School, Yenagoa (1966) left a lasting mark, mentoring future leaders including Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha.

Rise in Law and Landmark Cases

Starting his practice in Port Harcourt in 1971, Koripamo quickly earned respect for his brilliance and work ethic. His first major case, G.T. Denemu v. Makbob (1973), became a landmark ruling in Nigerian contract law, cementing his reputation as a fearless advocate. By 1975, he had inherited the chambers of Chief Okara, expanding his influence in Rivers State’s legal community.

Traditional Leadership and Politics

In 1976, he was installed as Pere I of Sabageria, serving eight years before stepping down in 1982 after embracing Pentecostal faith. Politically, he joined the National Party of Nigeria (NPN), contesting for Rivers State House of Assembly and the Constituent Assembly, though betrayed by party politics. His loyalty to NPN remained steadfast.

Public Service and Judgeship

Appointed Chairman of Rivers State Civil Service Commission (1979–1983), he later ascended to the bench as Judge of the High Court of Rivers State (6 June 1983). Known as the “9 o’clock Judge,” he demanded punctuality, discipline, and swift justice.

In 1992, against all odds, he became Chief Judge of Rivers State, later transitioning to become the pioneer Chief Judge of Bayelsa State (1996–2003). He built the judiciary from scratch, establishing nine judicial divisions, eleven magisterial districts, and the Federal High Court in Yenagoa. His tenure was marked by an uncompromising stand against corruption.

National Recognition and Awards

• Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) – conferred by President Olusegun Obasanjo (2003)
• Fellow, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (2006)
• Member, National Judicial Council, National Judicial Institute, and Body of Benchers

Faith and Christian Service

Originally Anglican, Koripamo embraced Pentecostalism in 1982, becoming a devoted member of Greater Evangelism World Crusade (GEWC). He funded and dedicated the Sabageria GEWC church building (30 April 2006) and served as trustee and choir member. He also founded the Bayelsa State Judiciary Fellowship, later becoming President of the Judicial Fellowship International.

Family Life

A polygamist, he married Kate (late), Evangeline, and Dele Dauperemo, raising sixteen children, a step‑daughter, and foster children. He was deeply committed to family welfare and education.

Retirement, Death, and Immortalization

Justice Koripamo Ungbuku retired on 23 May 2003, the longest‑serving Chief Judge in Southern Nigeria at the time. He passed away on 18 September 2008 at age 70, after a stroke, and was buried in Sabageria.

On 11 January 2023, the Bayelsa State Government immortalized him by naming the High Court Complex in Yenagoa after him, cementing his place in history.

Legacy

Justice David Koripamo Ungbuku’s journey from a barefoot village teacher to the sentinel of justice exemplifies resilience, faith, and service. His towering contributions to education, law, politics, and the judiciary shaped Bayelsa State and Nigeria. His life remains a beacon of integrity, discipline, and devotion to God and humanity.

Source:

This biography draws upon material from The Sentinel of Justice and is published with the gracious permission of the Ungbuku family.