By Martin Jinadu Ohwo Esq.
Tribute to my darling friend, Frank Eyan James-Oru:
It has been said ; all the world’s a stage and all men, merely players ; they have their exits and their entrances, and one man in his time plays many parts. Frank Eyan James-Oru esq, was a Prince and Chief of his native kingdom of Ughelli, in his time, he was essentially a strong-spirit, proud, polite with dignity, affable without formality, grave without austerity, full of common sense and his good humour never changed. He was a good man. This whole 47 years, he had been my dearest friend, indeed a brother. I shall miss him dearly, but celebrate with gratitude his albeit short and remarkable life. Requiescat in Pace Frank !
Martin J Ohwo Esq.
BIOGRAPHY
Late Chief Frank Eyanmekwaire James-Oru, was born on the 9th day of August 1962, at Ughelli in the then Delta Province of the defunct Western Region of Nigeria, what is now Ughelli North Local Government Area, of Delta State, of Nigeria. His father was the Late Prince James Egbejakare Oru, one of the prominent Ughelli sons of his time, a chemist. James Egbejakare Oru is grandson of Chief Oritsejobo — The Iyasere of Ughelli kingdom, warrior statesman and diplomat Prince. James Egbejakare Oru’s grandmother was the legendary Ukochovweran. Chief Frank Eyanmekwaire James-Oru’s mother was the Late Mrs Oni Anna James-Oru, daughter of Pa Ighoyivwin of Ekrabovwe-Uduere, of the same Ughelli North Local Government Area. It is difficult to see any Urhobo man or women in this country, who is not familiar with the Oru Royal family of Ughelli kingdom.
Chief Frank Eyanmekwaire James-Oru, attended st Paul Catholic School Ughelli between 1969 and 1974. At school he managed to enjoy himself in the manner of the young between schooling. He was an active Boy Scout and rose to the rank of Patrol Leader.
Between 1975 and 1980, Chief Frank Eyanmekwaire James-Oru was educated at the prestigious Government College Ughelli, a public boarding school, famous in these parts modeled after Eaton, Britain’s most exclusive public school. Public schools in England were structured Societies requiring conformism and obedience to rules, so it was with Government College Ughelli. It was at this boarding school he arrived to begin a programme of schooling that was designed to turn him into a gentleman. At this school his character was moulded for the future of his life. At college, he learnt to play the sport of cricket as was customary. At college, he fell in love with literature, the classical texts and fine arts. With this foundation, he had no trouble gaining entry into the prestigious University of Benin, where he was awarded the LL.B in 1986. From the University of Benin, Chief Frank Eyanmekwaire James-Oru proceeded to the Nigerian Law School and was Called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988.
In the 1986/1987 National Youth Service Year he was with the law firm of D. A. Eremie and Associates, in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State.
On completion of his national service, Chief Frank Eyanmekwaire James-Oru went into partnership with the law firm of Ejoh and Associates in Warri. With a high and undisguised zeal for practice of law, Chief Frank Eyanmekwaire James-Oru decided in 1989 to set up the firm of Frank James-Oru and Associates, with Ughelli as base and rapidly did well. The practice took him all over what is now Edo, Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers States. He was in private legal practice until 2000 when he joined the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DESIEC) as Director Litigation and Assistant to the Chairman of the Commission.
Between 2000 and 2003, despite a busy official schedule, he created, found the time to attend and completed a Post Graduate Course in Management at the Delta State University Abraka. He was awarded a Master in Public Administration of the University in 2003.
Chief Frank Eyanmekwaire James-Oru’s forthright character, erudition, driving energy, hard work and single minded commitment, enabled his subsequent elevation to positions of Director of Legal Services and later Acting Secretary to the Commission.
In August of 2022 , Chief Frank Eyanmekwaire James-Oru attained the age of 60 years and by contrivance of law he retired from service.
In all these years at the Commission and in his 35 years in the practice of law. Chief Frank Eyanmekwaire James-Oru epitomised hardwork and erudition. These noble and exemplary traits of personal and professional character was found worthy by the Governor of the State, who appointed him to the board of the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission as member, just one year after his disengagement from service.
He was along with the other members of the Board, Sworn into office on the 25th day of September 2023
Chief Frank Eyanmekwaire James-Oru was a member of several social organisations, too vast to mention. Especially, his contributions to the development Ughelli community has been monumental and consistent. His contributions in terms of money, ideas, suggestions, constructive criticisms and advice, have all marked him out as a towering giant. It is no surprise that his native Ughelli-Kingdom was well pleased to have honoured him with the Chieftaincy titles of Olotu – Ovie and Odjuri – Ovie .
Despite his achievements and high status in government Chief Frank Eyanmekwaire James-Oru, remained disarmingly cheerful, respectful, amiable, humorous, approachable and very humble.
Chief Frank Eyanmekwaire James-Oru lived a happy family life. He is a devout Catholic, and widely travelled.He is married to Chief Mrs Patricia James-Oru and an especially devoted and doting father to his five children; Mrs Ese Azeke , Mr Rukevwe James-Oru, Miss Orunor James-Oru, Lt Afoke Egone (Mrs), Miss Oro James-Oru.
And a proud grandfather. Chief Frank Eyanmekwaire James-Oru, passed through transition after a brief illness on the 2nd day of November 2023 .
His passing, has left a great vacuum in the profession, immediate society and beyond. For now we mourn his passing, but will cherish his memory and celebrate his remarkable life and time with us.
Rest in Perfect Peace !!!!!
Martin Jinadu Ohwo Esq.
GCU Co 1973.
