…Ex-commissioner, Retired Shell Staff, Amaopusenibo Benneth George Daminabo Ogolo Emerges
Amaopusenibo Benneth George Daminabo.
After more than three decades without a substantive occupant, the historic stool of the Chief Daminabo Ogolo House, Diepri Polo, Opobo Town, has a new occupant-designate following the election of Amaopu Benneth George Daminabo Ogolo as Alabo-designate.
His emergence on Sunday October 1, 2026, having been unanimously elected by the Daminabo Ogolo House Seniapu Council, brings to an end a prolonged period of vacancy that began after the transition of the last chief of the house more than 30 years ago, and opens a new chapter in the leadership, unity and preservation of the heritage of the Daminabo Ogolo War Canoe House.
The election of the Alabo-designate has also attracted attention because of his extensive public service, traditional responsibilities and professional experience.
Amaopu Benneth George Daminabo Ogolo is a former Commissioner for Commerce in Rivers State and holds the traditional title of Amaopusenibo of Opobo. He is also a recipient of the Distinguished Service Star of Rivers State (DSSRS) and a retired staff of the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).
His emergence is therefore being seen within the context of a combination of traditional leadership, public service and corporate experience coming to bear on the stewardship of one of Opobo’s historic houses.
The stool of Alabo carries responsibilities beyond the administration of a family or house. In the traditional structure of Opobo, it is associated with the preservation of heritage, the promotion of unity and the protection of the values and traditions handed down through generations.
For the Daminabo Ogolo War Canoe House, the return of a recognised leadership structure after more than 30 years represents a significant moment in its continuing history.
Congratulating the Alabo-designate, well-wishers described his election as both an honour and a call to service, urging him to deploy his experience and standing in public life towards strengthening the bonds of brotherhood within the house and contributing to the wider development of Opobo.
Alabo-elect Benneth George Daminabo (3rd right, front row) shortly after his election with members of Chief Daminabo Ogolo House Seniapu Council, last Thursday at Opobo.
The Alabo-designate was urged to approach the responsibilities of the stool with wisdom, humility, fairness and a commitment to peace and reconciliation.
His supporters also expressed hope that his tenure would strengthen the cultural identity of the Daminabo Ogolo War Canoe House, preserve its ancestral heritage and promote unity, progress and prosperity among its members.
The election was described as more than a change in leadership, but as an opportunity to reconnect the present generation with the legacy of the forefathers of the house.
As Amaopusenibo Benneth George Daminabo Ogolo prepares to assume the responsibilities of the stool, expectations are high that his experience in government, the corporate sector and traditional institution will contribute to a new phase in the history of the Daminabo Ogolo House.
For a House whose Alabo stool has remained vacant for over three decades, his emergence marks the beginning of a new chapter in a story deeply rooted in the history and traditional institution of Opobo Town. He will be formally presented to the general house for ratification and confirmation at a date to be announced soon, before his installation.