🎉 HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHIEF OKOI OBONO-OBLA! 🎂👑
30TH OCTOBER 2026 — CELEBRATING A FEARLESS PATRIOT AND A PRINCIPLED ICON
Today, Matto Network Groups and Chatafrik.com proudly celebrate Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, the Traditional Ruler of Letamkpankom Kingdom, Ijiman, as he marks another glorious year.
A prominent and influential Chatafrik.com writer, Chief Okoi brings bold perspectives, intellectual depth, and a passion for Nigeria to our community. His writings challenge assumptions, inspire reflection, and enrich conversations on history, justice, and governance.
Chief, we celebrate your voice, your convictions, and your valued contributions to our growing intellectual family.
May this new chapter bring you sound health, renewed strength, abundant joy, and many more years of meaningful service to your community and our nation.
🥂 Here’s to more wisdom, more impact, and more powerful words from your pen!
Happy Birthday, Chief!
Moderator Matto
For Matto Network Groups & Chatafrik.com
————
See additional Tribute below.
By Don Olive
Today, 30th October, 2026, a rare Nigerian icon adds another glorious year — Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, the Traditional Ruler of Letamkpankom Kingdom, Ijiman.
Chief Okoi Obono-Obla defies easy definition. He is a traditional ruler, a seasoned Barrister-at-Law, a historian, a politician, a founding member of the All Progressives Congress, and above all, a good man and a jolly good fellow. But beyond these titles is a man who has chosen to live his life in total service to humanity.
In a political landscape littered with compromise and convenience, Chief Obla has remained an uncommon, principled voice. He has resisted every temptation to be a typical Nigerian politician. He has refused to soil his hands in shabby deals. He spoke truth to power when it was dangerous to do so. He fought for the less privileged against their oppressors. He refused to trade his firm stand on good governance for filthy lucre. He fought corruption at the highest level of governance and dared to touch the untouchables.
For this uncommon courage, he has paid a price. He has been denied important appointments and privileges that should have ordinarily come to him. Yet, in the face of it all, he has remained unbroken, loyal and steadfast — a committed party man who continues to defend, promote and propagate the interests of the APC government at the centre and in Cross River State.
Chief Okoi Obono-Obla is not a man to be tamed. He is a reformer with an independent mind who rarely bows to political pressure. His bluntness, which some mistake for arrogance, is in fact the discipline of a brilliant lawyer who detests mediocrity and sycophancy. He does not indulge in hero-worship or the “licking of ashy hands” that has become the stock-in-trade of today’s political elite. He thrives on merit, not manipulation. He needs no superior’s favour to perform; give him a clear mandate and the freedom to execute, and he will deliver.
And yet, behind that radical, fearless exterior lies a man with a sunny disposition — an unassuming gentleman, a giant with a warm heart. A guardian of humanity, an embodiment of selfless service, and an unwavering custodian and advocate of One Nigeria’s unity.
As he marks his birthday today, 30th October, I celebrate not just a leader but a man who made my honorary coronation as the Obol Kobil 1 of Letamkpankom Kingdom, Ijiman possible — a friend, a mentor, and a brother.
On behalf of my family, my friends, and political associates, I pray that God Almighty will continue to grant you long life in good health, protect you from the fangs of the enemy, and crown your labour of love with greater honour.
Happy Birthday, Chief!
You are a good man. You are a jolly good fellow.
*Oliver Okeke [Don Olive]*
*Obol Kobil 1 of Letamkpankom Kingdom, Ijiman*
