Ratification Of A Philosopher King: Reinforcing Unity And Progress In Okaka-Epie
By Enideneze Etete – Plato conceived the idea of Philosopher King. In the Republic, he envisaged leadership by philosophers, as they were considered as the most knowledgeable, enlightened, rational, wise, ethical and selfless, and could best guard society towards realization of the common good.
This classical Platonic idea still resonates with the problem of ineffective leadership in many societies, and the clamour for people-oriented leaders, irrespective of being philosophers or not.
Okaka community, alias Obigbo, founded by Oka, one of the sons of Epie, whose ancestry is traced to the ancient Bini in present Edo State, holds a vantage position in the history of Epie-Atissa, and as one of the host communities of the state capital in Yenagoa. Thus, effective organization of the community, which population has increased, and new communities have emerged, becomes necessary amid quest for unity and development.
This burden, falls not only on the entire community, but squarely on the new Obenaken (Paramount Ruler), HRH (Dr.) Morrison Itelimo Odede, Obigbo VI, who will be ratified by the Bayelsa State Government.
The Philosopher King, fondly called Tell Me More, will on Saturday, December 27, 2025 be issued Certificate and Staff of Office by Governor of the state, Senator Douye Diri, through Chief (Hon.) Thompson Amule, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
His certification, billed for Noon at the Okaka/Ekeki Primary School Field, Okaka-Epie will be one of the highlights of this years Obigbo Day celebration. The community uses the day to commemorate its ancestry and cultural heritage, strengthen unity, appraise development and recommit to God.
HRH Morrison Itelimo Odede, is the sixth substantive occupant of the Obigbo Stool. He succeeded HRH Ernest Samuel who ruled for 18 years and was elevated to the throne of Odapiri of Osusu-Epie Kingdom.
Morrison, a personification of the Platonic Philosopher King, in academic background, native wisdom and in actions, was born August 21, 1971, to community leaders: Chief Odede Numo of Yenada in Okaka-Epie and Chief (Mrs.) Omofina Itelimo, Nee Bagiri, all of Okaka-Epie in Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State.
Maternally rooted in Adah Nwan Osian family in Omoku Urban, Ogba Egbema/Ndoni LGA, Rivers State, he enjoyed the support of Adah in Omoku, and Odede, in his upbringing, and realization of his life’s ambition.
His foundation for greatness was laid at Okaka/Ekeki Primary School, where he obtained First School Leaving Certificate in 1982, and later Bishop Dimieari Grammar School (BDGS), Yenagoa, from 1983 to 1987, where he sat for the West African School Certificate (WAEC) examination. Thereafter, he re-registered for WAEC in Mater Dei High School, Imiringi-Ogbia, where in 1988, he completed credits in subjects required for further studies.
Morrison was set to break the jinx of lack of University graduate in Okaka-Epie. He gained admission into University of Port Harcourt in 1994, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Degree in Philosophy in 1998; the first university degree holder in Okaka-Epie.
He returned to UNIPORT, where he bagged Master of Arts, in 2011, and subsequently, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), in 2023, both in Philosophy (Social and Political Philosophy bias). He made mark as the first person to obtain these levels of degrees, in his community.
He also holds Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE), obtained from Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (2013), professional certification of Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), and membership of Philosophy Practitioners of Nigeria (APPON).
Other professional bodies he belongs to are Nigeria Association of Philosophers (NAP), Philosophy of Education Association of Nigeria (PEAN), as well as Research and Development Council, International Research and Development Institute.
HRH (Dr.) Itelimo’s work career began in the National Youth Service (NYSC) scheme in Bauchi State, in 1999, in Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), where he lectured Philosophy and Logic as a general studies course, designed and introduced by him for the first time in the university. This feat, earned him certificate of recommendation and offer of employment in the university, but he declined and returned home, due to the compulsive enforcement of Sharia Law in the state, which made him apprehensive.
While in the NYSC scheme, his dedication and leadership prowess displayed in the orientation camp, earned him positions such as Regiment Sergeant Major (RSM) of the Quarter Guards. He was also an active member of the Road Safety Club, NYSC wing, from which he acquired a Road Safety Marshall Certificate
Willing to serve home-state and his community, Morrison returned home from Bauchi and was employed by the then Bayelsa State College of Arts and Science (BYCAS), Agudama-Epie in 2000. Again, he became the first person in his community to lecture in a tertiary institution.
He became pioneer lecturer in Philosophy and Logic, the only lecturer in the course, a general study requirement in the institution, and later in Bayelsa State College of Education, Okpoama.
The erudite scholar and lover of Philosophy, now with Isaac Jasper Boro College of Education (IJBCOE), Sagbama, as Chief Lecturer, currently researches, lectures and supervises students projects in philosophy and philosophy of education courses, with emphasis on the social and political aspects.
Apart from performing core duties, he also served in relevant academic and non-academic committees and boards in the previous institutions, and still saddled with such extra responsibilities in the IJBCOE, where he presently works. He twice served as head of department and three times as dean of humanities, general studies and general education, respectively. These are besides community services, as required for advancement in the academic work career.
The avid reader and researcher has more than 50 academic and practice-oriented works published to his credit in local and global publications, with focus on his areas of specialization. His works have enriched literature and proffered practical solutions to contemporary social, moral, political, leadership, governance, community and development problems in society.
This philosopher, not only brings his knowledge of philosophy to bear in his personal conduct; but equally provides moral guidance to others, groups, community, and in society’s quest for good leadership.
The philosophical tenets of selfless service, effective leadership, development, equity, unity, peace, justice and communalism have been his major concerns since becoming a philosopher, and in positions he has held in Okaka-Epie, until date. Dr. Itelimo has reflected these principles from youthful years of leadership, as a pivot in Okaka community.
Notably, when he was a member of Yenada compound’s nine-man Peace and Administrative Committee, which he was pioneer Chairman, he spearheaded amicable out of police/court settlement of a lingering leadership dispute, through the mediating role of Oda-Apiri, HRH Thomas Ogori (of blessed memory).
In another instance, Dr. Itelimo, was instrumental to the surveying and sharing of Yenada’s plots of land to members of the compound, for their personal development and sales.
His charisma, commitment to service and accomplishments in personal and societal endeavours shot him to the apex of Okaka traditional leadership, when his people overwhelmingly elected him as Obenaken (Paramount Ruler) of Okaka Autonomous Federated Community in December 10, 2023. He was sworn in as Obenaken in December 23, 2023, and admitted to the Epie Kingdom Council of Chiefs, same day, and serves as Secretary General of the Council till date.
He occupies the throne till date, providing inclusive leadership, even after tussles, which were legally resolved. His agendas for sustenance of unity, physical and human development in Okaka are lofty, and requires total support of all Obigbos to achieve, just as he is poised to delivering on the mandate entrusted on him by the people.
From ascension to the throne till date, his leadership, with the support of the Council of Chiefs and other organs, has made some progress, through self-help programmes, and attraction of projects from governments and donors.
These include peace and security; financial accountability; fair distribution of communal resources; primary school scholarship awards; purchase of 7 plots of land through SPDC for ultra-modern auditorium project; solar-powered water for OKaka and Ekeki communities; Successful installation of Solar lights in the community by the NDDC; renovation and upgrading of health center; construction of over 10 roads in OKaka by Bayelsa State Government.
The community under him also records effective representation and participation in Epie Kingdoms meetings and traditional festivals; government programme settles disputes; attracted SPDC/Renaissance scholarship awards to 13 students; relief materials for flood victims; initiated and sustains Obigbo Day festival/Thanksgiving; inclusion of females in community general meetings; created 4 new communities, each headed by Odie-Aken; provided a reviewed constitution, among others.
Despite been academically indoctrinated with extreme philosophical theories on the proofs and counter-proofs about the existence of God, HRH Morrison believes in God as the Supreme Being – Creator of the universe, and in Jesus Christ as the Saviour of humankind. Thus, he worships God in OPM and serves in various capacities, including Chairman of the Assets and Records Committee, Bayelsa 1 Regional Headquarters, Opolo.
He is married to his lovely and supportive wife, Queen Victoria Morrison Itelimo, Onuomo 1 of Okaka Autonomous Federated Community, and they have five children.
As the Bayelsa State Government ratifies HRH (Dr.) Morrison Itelimo Odede, as Obigbo the VI, Paramount Ruler of Okaka-Epie, tomorrow, the expectation of the community is for him to remain steadfast and continue to deliver on the Obigbo throne.
The call today, is also for the people of Okaka and its leaders to see the Obigbo Day celebration, and recommitting of the community to God, as an opportunity to reinforce unity and jointly work with HRH (Dr.) Morrison for more progress.
