Dr. Obi Wali (1932-1993) was a remarkable Nigerian scholar, politician, and activist, widely celebrated for his contributions to literature and minority rights. Born on February 27, 1932, in Rumuigbo town, Rivers State, Nigeria.
| Full Name | Obi Wali |
| Common | Chief Senator Dr. Obi Wali |
| Age | 61 years old (as of April 26, 1993) |
| Date of Birth | February 27, 1932 |
| Gender | Male |
| Occupation | Academician, Administrator, Politician, Minority Rights Activist |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Ethnicity | Ikwerre |
| State of Origin | Rivers |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
Table of Contents
Dr. Obi Wali Biography
Chief Senator Dr. Obi Wali (1932-1993) was a prominent Nigerian academician, administrator, politician, and minority rights activist. He was known for his exceptional oratory skills, literary criticism, and a superior command of the English language. Born on February 27, 1932, in Rumuigbo town, Rivers State, he was the first Ikwerre man to earn a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree and serve as a Senator. Dr. Wali was a fervent advocate for the rights of the Ikwerre people and played a pivotal role in the creation of Bayelsa State.
Dr. Obi Wali Educational Background
Dr. Obi Wali began his education at Holy Trinity Primary School, Rumuapara, where he excelled in English and other subjects. He received his First School Leaving Certificate in 1939. He attended secondary school at the West African Peoples Institute in Calabar and St. Augustine’s College in Nkwerre, Imo State. In 1955, he was admitted to University College Ibadan, where he graduated with a B.A. (Honors) in English Language and Literature in 1959. He furthered his studies in the United States at Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, where he earned a Master’s degree in 1963 and a PhD in English and Literature in 1967.
Dr. Obi Wali Career
Dr. Wali’s career spanned academia, administration, and politics. Before starting his secondary education, he began working at CMS Press in Port Harcourt. After graduating from university, he briefly worked as an Assistant Secretary with the Federal Public Service. He then joined academia, teaching English at the University of Ibadan and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, until the Nigerian Civil War in 1967.
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After the war, Dr. Wali transitioned into politics. He served as Commissioner and Member of the Rivers State Executive Council under Lieutenant Commander Diete Spiff’s Military Administration. He was involved in several ministries, including Rehabilitation, Economic Development, Reconstruction, Education, and Health. In 1975, he was sacked from the cabinet due to disagreements over the creation of Port Harcourt State.
He later became a member of the Constitution Drafting Committee and the Constituent Assembly, contributing to the 1979 Constitution of Nigeria. In 1979, he was elected Senator for Port Harcourt Senatorial District and became the leader of the Nigerian People’s Party in the National Assembly.
Dr. Obi Wali Awards
Dr. Obi Wali received several accolades throughout his career. In March 1991, the Rivers State University of Science and Technology awarded him an Honorary Doctor of Laws (LL.D) for his distinguished service. His contributions to academia, politics, and the advocacy for minority rights were widely recognized.
Dr. Obi Wali Age
Dr. Obi Wali was born on February 27, 1932, and tragically passed away on April 26, 1993, at the age of 61.
Dr. Obi Wali’s Personal Life
Dr. Obi Wali was married and had children, though specific details about his wife and children are not widely documented. He was known for his deep commitment to his family and his community.
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Dr. Obi Wali Death
Tragically, on April 26, 1993, Dr. Obi Wali was murdered in his home. The circumstances of his death remain unclear, and the perpetrators were never caught. He was 61 years old. His legacy lives on through his contributions to politics, literature, and minority rights. The Rivers State Government honored him by naming the Obi Wali International Conference Centre in Port Harcourt after him.
Dr. Obi Wali International Conference Centre
In 2014, the Rivers State Government honored Dr. Obi Wali by naming a state-of-the-art conference center after him. The Dr. Obi Wali International Conference Centre, located in Port Harcourt, can seat about 2,500 people and hosts various significant events, contributing to his lasting legacy.
Dr. Obi Wali Net Worth
Dr. Obi Wali’s net worth is not publicly documented. His life was marked more by his contributions to society and less by the accumulation of personal wealth.
Dr. Obi Wali Books
Dr. Obi Wali made significant contributions to African literature. His works are known for their deep insights and critical perspectives on African culture and literature. Here are some of his notable books:
- “The Dead End of African Literature” (1963)
- In this controversial essay, Dr. Wali argued that African literature should be written in African languages. He believed that writing in foreign languages alienated African writers from their roots and audience. This essay sparked significant debate and influenced many African writers.
- “The Individual and the Novel in Africa” (1965)
- This book explores the role of the individual in African novels. Dr. Wali examines how African writers portray personal experiences and societal issues in their works. He emphasizes the importance of the individual’s voice in African storytelling.
- “Chiefs of Eastern Region of Nigeria”
- In this pamphlet, Dr. Wali delves into the history and roles of traditional chiefs in the Eastern Region of Nigeria. He highlights their influence on local governance and cultural preservation.
- “The Problem of Art”
- This work addresses the challenges faced by African artists. Dr. Wali discusses the complexities of creating art that is both authentic to African traditions and appealing to a global audience.
- “The New African Novelist: A Critique”
- In this critique, Dr. Wali analyzes the emerging trends among new African novelists. He provides insights into their themes, styles, and contributions to the broader landscape of African literature.
- “Black Africa Revisited”
- This book revisits the themes of African identity and cultural heritage. Dr. Wali reflects on the progress made in African literature and the ongoing struggles for cultural and political autonomy.
Dr. Obi Wali’s writings have left an enduring legacy in African literature. His bold ideas and critiques continue to inspire discussions and reflections on the role of language and culture in African storytelling.
Dr. Obi Wali’s Social Media Handles
Dr. Obi Wali lived before social media; thus, he did not have any social media handles. However, his legacy continues to be celebrated and remembered through various online platforms and memorials.
You can follow Dr. Obi Wali International Conference Centre’s Facebook page:
Facebook: Dr Obi Wali International Conference Center