[citation needed] As a politician, he detested party politics and tried to form unbiased opinions on important matters of the period.

[citation needed] He was born in Asaba, Delta State, to parents of mixed cultural backgrounds.

After, completing his studies, he returned to Nigeria and established a law practice in Aba and was also made the legal adviser of the NCNC.

In 1951, he contested and won a seat on the Western Region House of Assembly, which was dominated by the rival Action Group (AG).

On 16 January 1966 a military coup brought Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi to power, terminating the first period of democratic rule.