Obol Wilfred Oden Inah Ofem

Biography

Chief (Knight) Obol Wilfred Oden Inah Ofem

16 September 1940 – 3 January 2021

Chief (Knight) Obol Wilfred Oden Inah Ofem was a distinguished Nigerian public servant, administrator, elder statesman and political figure from Ugep in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State. He belonged to a generation of Cross Riverians whose professional careers spanned the formative years of Nigeria's post-independence public administration and the evolution of the old South-Eastern State and Cross River State.

Known for his disciplined disposition, intellectual depth and outspoken views on governance and public affairs, Inah rose through the public service to become Head of Service of Cross River State and later served at the federal level, including as Commissioner representing Cross River State on the Federal Character Commission. He was also a participant in Nigeria's constitutional development and later ventured into partisan politics.

Beyond his official positions, Inah became an influential elder and public commentator whose opinions on governance, development, peace and communal relations continued to attract attention long after his retirement from public service.

Early Life and Education

Wilfred Oden Inah was born on 16 September 1940 and was of Yakurr origin in present-day Cross River State, Nigeria.

He belonged to a generation that came of age during the late colonial period and witnessed Nigeria's transition to independence and the political and administrative transformations that followed.

His early education included attendance at Mary Knoll College, Okuku, in Yala, before he proceeded to the University of Ibadan, one of Nigeria's foremost institutions of higher learning, where he studied History.

His academic background in History would prove relevant to a career that increasingly placed him at the intersection of administration, public policy, politics and the historical development of the Nigerian state.

Career in Public Administration

Inah's professional life was principally defined by his career in public administration.

He rose through the civil service at a period when Nigeria's regional and state administrative structures were undergoing significant transformation. His career brought him into contact with some of the country's most important political and administrative figures of the period.

He served within the administration of Brigadier General Udoakaha Jacob Esuene, the military governor of the former South-Eastern State. Years later, Inah spoke publicly and positively about Esuene's administration, describing him as an exceptionally effective administrator and highlighting projects undertaken during his tenure, including major road infrastructure, housing, educational institutions and sporting facilities.

Inah eventually rose to one of the highest positions attainable within the state civil service, becoming Head of Service of Cross River State. Contemporary and later reports consistently identify him as a former Head of Service and as one of the senior figures of the old Cross River State public administration.

His career was characterised by a reputation for discipline, administrative experience and a strong understanding of government processes.

Service at the Federal Level

Following his career in the state public service, Inah continued to serve the Nigerian public at the federal level.

He was appointed Commissioner representing Cross River State on the Federal Character Commission, an institution established to promote fairness and equity in the distribution of public appointments and opportunities among Nigeria's diverse communities.

Contemporary reports identify him as a former Cross River representative on the Federal Character Commission.

His federal appointment further established him as a public figure whose influence extended beyond Cross River State.

Constitutional and National Engagement

Inah was also involved in Nigeria's constitutional affairs during the military era.

He participated in the 1994/1995 Constitutional Conference convened during the administration of General Sani Abacha. Later reports described him as a member of the conference and quoted him on questions concerning governance and the political development of Nigeria.

His participation placed him among the Cross Riverians who contributed to national conversations concerning the structure and future of the Nigerian federation during an important period of the country's political history.

Political Career

Retirement from the civil service did not mark the end of Inah's public life.

He ventured into partisan politics during Nigeria's Third Republic and became a gubernatorial aspirant on the platform of the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC).

In the 1991 political contest for the governorship of Cross River State, he was among a group of prominent Cross Riverians who sought the NRC ticket. Other aspirants included Clement David Ebri, Victor Ndoma-Egba, John Uguru Egbe, Linus Bisong and Josephat Okey. Clement Ebri eventually emerged as the party's candidate and went on to become governor.

Although political competition created tensions among some of the aspirants, later accounts indicate that relationships were eventually repaired. In particular, accounts of Clement Ebri's life describe how his relationship with Inah was restored after their political contest and remained cordial until Inah's death.

An Elder Statesman and Public Voice

In his later years, Inah remained actively involved in public affairs.

He was frequently sought out for his views on governance, development and political leadership in Cross River State. In 2019, for example, he publicly advised Governor Ben Ayade to embrace consultation and draw on the experience of older statesmen and administrators in the formulation of government policy. He argued that experienced citizens could contribute intellectually to governance and urged the administration to build upon the achievements of previous governments.

His interventions demonstrated that his interest in public service did not end with his formal retirement. He continued to regard governance as a responsibility requiring experience, consultation and institutional memory.

Advocate for Peace and Community Development

Inah was also vocal on matters affecting the people of Yakurr and neighbouring communities.

During periods of communal conflict in Cross River State, he spoke publicly about the dangers of violence and the proliferation of arms. In 2016, while commenting on the conflict involving Nko and Mkpani communities in Yakurr, he criticised the alleged involvement of politicians in the supply of arms and ammunition and called for stronger government action to end the violence.

He similarly participated in efforts by traditional rulers and community elders to confront social problems affecting the Yakurr area. In 2017, he spoke on behalf of elders at a meeting in Ugep concerning cult-related violence and condemned the activities of cult groups in the area.

These interventions reflected a broader aspect of his legacy: the willingness to use his experience and public standing to speak on matters affecting the peace and development of his people.

Character and Personal Philosophy

Accounts of Inah's public life consistently portray him as a disciplined and experienced elder who remained deeply interested in governance and public affairs.

He was not simply a retired administrator who withdrew from society. He continued to comment on government policy, development, political leadership and community affairs well into his later years.

His public statements often reflected a belief in consultation, institutional experience, responsible leadership and the importance of learning from the past.

His understanding of history and his long experience in government gave him a perspective that allowed him to speak both as an administrator who had served the state and as an elder who had witnessed several generations of political leadership.

Later Years

Even after leaving active government service, Inah remained a respected figure in Cross River's public life.

He continued to participate in discussions concerning the direction of the state and the country. He was recognised in public discourse as a former Head of Service, former federal commissioner and elder statesman.

He was also remembered within Cross River's political community as one of the prominent figures of his generation.

His influence extended across professional, political and community circles, and his name remained associated with the formative generation of senior Cross River public servants.

Death

Chief (Knight) Obol Wilfred Oden Inah Ofem died on 3 January 2021, aged 80.

His death was mourned by friends, political associates and members of the Cross River public community. Contemporary accounts described him as a prominent elder and political figure in the state.

His passing marked the departure of one of the notable members of a generation that helped shape Cross River's public administration and political development.

Legacy

The legacy of Chief Wilfred Oden Inah is rooted primarily in public service, administration, political participation and community leadership.

From his early education and university training to his rise through the civil service, his tenure as Head of Service, his federal appointment, participation in constitutional affairs and subsequent political engagement, his life reflected a long journey through some of Nigeria's most significant institutional transitions.

For the people of Yakurr and Cross River State, his story represents the contribution of an indigenous son who rose to occupy important positions in public administration while retaining a strong interest in the affairs of his community.

He belonged to a generation of public servants for whom government service was more than a profession; it was a platform from which they could contribute to the development of society.

Chief (Knight) Obol Wilfred Oden Inah Ofem therefore occupies an important place in the modern history of Ugep, Yakurr and Cross River State. His life offers a record of public service, political engagement and civic responsibility that deserves to be preserved for succeeding generations.

Born: 16 September 1940
Place of origin: Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria
Profession: Public Administrator / Civil Servant
Notable position: Head of Service, Cross River State
Federal appointment: Commissioner representing Cross River State, Federal Character Commission
Political affiliation: National Republican Convention (NRC), during the Third Republic
Died: 3 January 2021
Age at death: 80 years