HRH Maxwell Clarkson-Kikile’s Eternal Journey: The End of an Era
Etete Enideneze writes on HRH Maxwell Clarkson-Kikile’s Eternal Journey: The End of an Era
For four decades, from 1982 to 2023, the Oguo stool, scepter and crown did not tumble, while HRH M. A. Clarkson-Kikile, Oguo the V, reigned as Ebeni-Eken of Yenagoa Town, Capital of Bayelsa State.
His death marks the end of a long era in the history of the Oguo stool and Yenagoa Town.
Born September 10, 1934, to Chief Clarkson-Kikile Ogosi Abua of Fankile Community, Yenagoa and Madam Gbabrebofa Otobo of Yenequi Compound, Famgbe Town, (all of blessed memories), in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa, HRH Maxwell Clarkson-Kikile lived a modest, impeccable and fulfilled life.
His father’s descent is Aguobiri in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.
Whereas, the name Maxwell is a baptismal name given to him in the Anglican Church, Yenagoa, in 1953, a spirit revealed the name Amatolo, meaning “Teacher of the Town”, to him in a dream when he was critically ill, and he woke up healed miraculously.
Undeterred by the death of his mother, while he was about 7 years, and with the support of his father, the ambitious Maxwell began education at St. Peter’s Anglican Primary School, Yenagoa Town in 1955.
In 1956, he left the school for the then Practical Teachers College, Oporoma in Southern Ijaw Local Area of present Bayelsa State, where he obtained Teacher’s Grade II Certificate (TCII) in 1963.
Thereafter, in 1970, the burning desire for further training, took him to Esanebe Teachers College, Bomadi now in Delta State, and rounded off in flying colours in 1971.
For better career progress, the young chap known by his peers as avid reader of books, read for the private London GCE, and passed the exams with good grades in 1975.
In 1979, he enrolled at the then P.T.C College of Education, Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, and earned the National Certificate in Education (NCE), Social Studies/Sociology, in 1982, after which, he did the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) assignment in Markudi, Benue State, from 1982 to 1983.
Kikile was a star in leadership and other extracurricular activities in his school days. He was House Prefect at Esanebe College, Choir Master at Anglican Church, Bomadi, a member of the college’s Debating Society, which honed his speaking talent, member of Photography Club, as well as a champion in high jump and swimming.
A lover of knowledge, with passion for developing others, teaching and school administration took most of Maxwell’s active years. He began as a teacher at his Alma Mater, St. Peter’s Anglican Primary School, in 1957, and later served as teacher in other schools, and headmaster in some of them, until retirement in 1990.
He was enthroned as Ebeni-Eken of Yenagoa in 1982, after five years interregnum and succession crises following the death of his predecessor, Chief Titus Goa Igodo in 1977. HRH Maxwell won in the consensus mode of election, and the elders/kingmakers threw him into river, a symbolism of his coronation, and the practice as of then.
The resolution of the leadership skirmish in the community at that time, through peaceful election was the outcome of advocacy by a group of youths under the aegis of the Yenagoa Youth Development Movement (YYDM).
Years after, on May 12, 1999, the Bayelsa State Government classified the Oguo Stool as Second Class, and certified, HRH Clarkson-Kikile as its occupant.
Throughout his era, HRH Maxwell Amatolo Clarkson-Kikile, JP, operated inclusive and participatory leadership, uniting the entire community, for progress. He was strong, sociable and actively discharged his obligations as a traditional ruler and in other capacities until he died August 3, 2023 in course of a brief illness, at the age of 89.
A man who exuded charisma, integrity, frankness, intelligence and articulacy, Kikile was indeed a sage, a peaceful and selfless leader, whose memories will remain indelible in the minds of many people.
During his reign, his intelligence and oratory prowess made many local and international governmental and nongovernmental organisations to engage him as royal father as well as key speaker on many forums. On most occasions, the eloquent traditional ruler spoke truth to power, offered policy advice, as well as counselled youths to shun crime and social vices.
Severally, he unequivocally advocated for a better deal for his community, the entire state capital, traditional rulers, youths and women. His advocacies created socio-cultural awareness, besides attracting development projects from government and corporate organisations, even as more still needs to be done.
HRH Clarkson-Kikile, who also held the title of Ikia the II of Fankile Community, unrelentingly advocated that Bayelsa State Government should classify the Oguo Stool as First Class, given the pivotal position of Yenagoa Town and sacrifices made for hosting the state capital. This demand, he wished to see fulfilled while he was alive, but to no avail.
As Secretary of Atissa Welfare Union, member of Atissa Council of Chiefs, Epie-Atissa Joint Council of Chiefs, Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers and Traditional Rulers of Oil Mineral Producing Communities of Nigeria, he readily offered services to the Kings at the helm of affairs, for the progress of these councils and society.
Aside traditional leadership, he held membership positions in Committee of Master Plan for Bayelsa Capital City, Advisory Committee on Yenagoa Development Master Plan, Bayelsa Health Advisory Board (1998), UNICEF Social Mobilization and Publicity Technical Committee, Executive Council member/Patron of Bayelsa Boys Brigade and F.S.P Nursery/Primary School Board of Trustees.
He was also pioneer Chairman of Bayelsa State Street Naming/House Numbering Committee, member of Bayelsa State Oil Company Board; Chairman of Police Community Relations Committee, Area Command, Yenagoa and later Chairman of same organisation, Bayelsa State Command.
In religion, he toed the path of his father, Chief Clarkson Kikile Ogosi Abua, the first convert of the Anglican Church in Epie-Atissa, who was instrumental to the missionaries establishing the church in Yenagoa in October 11, 1911. Given the tutelage of his father, HRH Maxwell was a devotee of the church, where he worshipped God until death.
He left behind to mourn him, a wife, Mrs. Birimo Clarkson, NEE Baton Okunazu of Ovom Town, who begat 9 children for him. He is also survived by 4 stepchildren, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and numerous relatives.
He first married Madam Fanty, NEE Warri Aputu of Onopa Town, but lost her to the cold hands of death; a son who was product of their marriage, also died.
The funeral of the late HRH Clarkson-Kikile started November 16, 2024. His remains will be committed to mother earth on November 22, 2024, while Beletiomo is slated for December 8.
As the bereaved families and people from all occupations pay last respect to the sage, HRH M. A. Clarkson-Kikile, Oguo the V, JP, the call is on his children, relatives, Yenagoa Local Government Council and Bayelsa State Government to immortalize him for his selfless services to his people and government.
Adieu, the wise king, adieu the orator. Rest in Perfect Peace.
