‘Action Papa’s Pikin!’ 25 Years After, Jude Gbaboyor Reveals How Late Isaba Chief Fought For Justice

By Passman Akpos

Twenty-five years after his passing, the memory of Late Chief Sunday Sibe Agbedikuru, the Uwangue of Ancient Isaba Kingdom, remains alive in the hearts of his family, community and those whose lives he touched through his courage, discipline and commitment to justice.

In a moving tribute marking the 25th anniversary of his death, Engr. Jude Gbaboyor described the late chief as a respected community leader, successful international businessman, principled man and father figure whose contributions to Isaba Kingdom and his family left an enduring legacy.

Gbaboyor, who described the deceased as his uncle, trusted friend and protector, said Chief Agbedikuru was among the individuals who devoted their resources, influence and personal comfort to the advancement of their community.

According to him, the late chief played a significant role in the struggle for government recognition of Isaba Kingdom, providing both material and logistical support to community leaders working towards the kingdom’s development.

He recalled that Chief Agbedikuru’s residence served as an important meeting point for community stakeholders, where discussions and strategies aimed at securing government recognition and promoting development were regularly held.

The late chief also supported the community during legal battles, attending court proceedings whenever matters concerning the interests of Isaba Kingdom arose.

Gbaboyor noted that, at a time when communication facilities were limited, his uncle’s telephone landline made his residence an important centre for communication and coordination among community leaders.

His Peugeot 504 also became a valuable resource for community activities, frequently providing transportation for journeys to Benin and other locations whenever issues concerning Isaba required attention.

Beyond his traditional responsibilities and community activism, Chief Agbedikuru was an international businessman who believed in hard work, independence and the responsible use of personal resources.

A Man Who Believed In Justice, Not Family Connections

Gbaboyor described the late chief as a straightforward, honest and trustworthy individual who maintained firm principles regardless of the people involved.

He said Chief Agbedikuru did not tolerate wrongdoing simply because the person responsible was a relative or close associate.

According to him, the late chief believed that right and wrong should be judged on their merits, irrespective of family relationships.

His commitment to fairness was accompanied by a strong sense of discipline, particularly in raising children and guiding younger members of his family.

Although deeply protective of his loved ones, he was never reluctant to correct them when they misbehaved.

Gbaboyor said this combination of affection, discipline and fairness earned the late chief respect among family members and helped shape the values he continues to cherish.

How The Late Chief Fought For His Nephew’s School Result

One of the most memorable experiences Gbaboyor shared in his tribute was an incident from his days as a Junior Secondary School One student at Dore Numa College, Warri.

He recalled that he usually occupied third position in his class but was shocked when his third-term examination result suddenly placed him in the 23rd position.

Disappointed and unable to understand the dramatic drop, the young student reportedly remained in school and cried.

After calculating his total scores, however, he discovered that his marks were higher than those of the student placed third, leading him to suspect an error in the result.

Gbaboyor said he approached the school bursar to request a correction but was allegedly dismissed and told that there was insufficient time to address the matter.

With his father, Mr. Alfred Oweifabeke Akpodubakaye, working at sea as a quartermaster at the time, the young student turned to his uncle for assistance.

According to Gbaboyor, Chief Agbedikuru became angry after hearing what had happened.

The chief reportedly dressed, tied his wrapper, picked up his walking stick and instructed his nephew to enter his Peugeot 504 before driving directly to the school.

Upon arrival, he demanded to see the bursar and confronted him over the alleged refusal to correct the student’s result.

Gbaboyor recalled that his uncle insisted that the result be reviewed and corrected in his presence, expressing his determination to ensure that his nephew received fair treatment.

The matter was eventually resolved, and the result was corrected.

The incident earned the young Gbaboyor a humorous nickname among those who knew about the confrontation: “Action Papa’s Pikin!”

Looking back, Gbaboyor said the experience represented far more than a childhood memory.

He described it as a defining lesson in courage, fairness and the importance of standing up for people who are unable to defend themselves.

For him, his uncle demonstrated that love was not merely expressed through words but through action, particularly when someone faced injustice.

More Than An Uncle: A Father Figure And Confidant

Gbaboyor said his relationship with Chief Agbedikuru extended beyond their family ties.

The late chief, whose relationship with Gbaboyor’s father was through their fathers being first cousins, reportedly played an important fatherly role in his upbringing.

He described him as someone he could approach with personal concerns, confident that he would receive a hearing, protection and guidance.

According to Gbaboyor, his uncle knew when to defend him and when to correct him, combining affection with the discipline necessary to prepare a young person for the challenges of life.

He said the confidence and security he enjoyed in the relationship helped shape his understanding of responsibility, courage and the importance of standing firmly for what is right.

Reflecting on the influence of the deceased, Gbaboyor observed that some individuals shape people’s lives in ways that become more evident with the passage of time.

For him, Chief Agbedikuru was one such individual whose lessons continue to resonate decades after his death.

A Burial That Reflected His Standing

The respect Chief Agbedikuru commanded during his lifetime was also evident at his burial, according to Gbaboyor.

He described the funeral as an elaborate ceremony resembling a state burial, with representatives from different kingdoms attending to pay their final respects.

The gathering, he said, reflected the late chief’s influence beyond his immediate family and community.

Gbaboyor also recalled the contribution of the late King Robert, who anchored the music during the burial ceremony.

He said the occasion demonstrated the depth of respect the deceased had earned through his community service, relationships and personal character.

For Gbaboyor, the burial was a reminder that individuals who dedicate their lives to their families and communities leave behind legacies that continue to inspire future generations.

25 Years Later, His Legacy Remains

As the family remembers the late chief 25 years after his passing, Gbaboyor said his uncle’s contributions to Isaba Kingdom and his personal influence on his life remain unforgettable.

He described Chief Agbedikuru as a community builder who invested his time and resources in the kingdom’s development, a businessman who valued independence, and a principled man who stood firmly for justice.

Above all, he remembered him as a loving family man who offered protection, guidance and support when they mattered most.

Gbaboyor said he would forever cherish the memory of the uncle who drove him to school in his Peugeot 504 to challenge an alleged injustice involving his examination result.

That experience, he said, remains a powerful reminder of what it means to stand up for another person when the easier option would be to look away.

Paying his final tribute, Gbaboyor expressed gratitude for the privilege of knowing the late chief and for the lessons he learned from their relationship.

Although Chief Agbedikuru’s physical presence is no longer with his family, Gbaboyor said his values, community contributions and memories would continue to live on.

“To me, you were something even more precious: a father, a friend, and a man I will forever be proud to call my uncle,” Gbaboyor said in his tribute.

He prayed for the continued peaceful repose of the late chief’s soul, describing him as a man whose life demonstrated that true greatness is measured not only by titles and achievements but also by the lives touched and the values left behind.

Twenty-five years after his passing, the legacy of Late Chief Sunday Sibe Agbedikuru, the Uwangue of Ancient Isaba Kingdom, lives on through the memories of those who knew him and the community he helped to build.

— Engr. Jude Gbaboyor