Ogbidi Okojie

Ogbidi Okojie, Onojie (king) of Uromi (1857 – 3 February 1944), was a ruler of the Esan people in what is now Edo State in Nigeria, still remembered for his opposition to British rule.

After the Royal Niger Company transferred its territories to the British government, the latter expanded and strengthened its control, unseating the traditional rulers.

Unlike Chief Nana Olomu of Brohimie-Warri, who opposed a strong resistance to the British troops when his domain was invaded, with 100 cannon, several shot-guns and more than 5,000 slaves at his disposal, Okojie I, who had no modern weapons, but only Dane guns, bows and arrows, held out for six months, until he was betrayed by Iyahanebi, his "younger brother", and had to surrender to the British.

Back home in Uromi, he adapted to the British system of government through "indirect rule", establishing his court at Ubiaja as the Divisional Supreme Judge.

When he died, he left behind an undisputed heir to the throne, glorious memories of life in exile and the fulfillment of his aspiration for renewed independence for black Africa and Nigeria.