Grose Educational Media's
Obituary
Profile of the late Chief
S.O. Alli
The late Chief S.O. Alli, The Ezomo of Ekpoma was in the army and
served in the first World War. He was honourably discharged from the Army
in 1921.
Between that year and 1943, he was Sergeant in-charge of the Native Authority
Police force in Owo, Akoko and Oka Divisions of the old Western Region.
In 1943, Chief Alli was appointed Sergeant in-charge, Ishan Native Authority
Police, a position he held until he retired from the public service in 1959.
In recognition of his long, faithful and meritorious services, the Queen
of England awarded him a medal and a certificate.
Aged 96, the late Chief Alli is survived by two wives, eight children, many
grand children and great grand-children. Prof. Ambrose F. Alli, the Governor
of Bendel State, is his eldest child.
October 16, 1980
Wednesday 15th October, 1980
1. Professor A.F. Alli meets the Ukeke and Ibhiele Elders to announce formally
the passing away of his late father.
2. Formal fixing of the date for burial in keeping with tradition.
3. Professor A.F. Alli meets the wider kindred to announce formally the
date for the burial of his late father. Booming of guns starts.
Thursday, 22nd October, 1980
Family rites; booming of guns continues.
Friday, 24th October, 1980
- 10 a.m. Corpse handed over to the Chairman, Oredo Local Government Management
Committee at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City.
- 10:15 a.m. Corpse leaves UBTH in a convoy for Ekpoma Via Urubi - Mission
Road - Ring Road and Akpakpava Street.
- 10:45 a.m. Chairman, Oredo Local Government Management Committee hand
corpse over to Chairman, Ohironmwon Local Government Management Committee.
Flag stop at Ehor.
- 11:45 a.m. Chairman, Orhionmwon Local Government Management Committee
hands over corpse to Chairman, Okpebho Local Government Management Committee.
- 12:15 p.m. Corpse arrives at the Palace Via the R.E.B. junction along
the new Benin - Auchi Road for Palace ceremonies.
- 12:30 p.m. Corpse leaves Palace for his residence at Emaudo.
- 1:00 p.m. Arrives at his residence for family rites and lying in state.
- 2:00 p.m. Paying of last respect by sympathisers.
- 8:00 p.m. Social Wake-keeping - till dawn.
Saturday, 25th October, 1980
- 11 a.m. Corpse leaves Emaudo through Market Road to the Church Requiem
High Mass at the Mary the Queen, Catholic Church, Ekpoma.
- 12 noon Corpse leaves Church for interment at his residence at Emaudo.
Sunday, 26th October, 1980
- 10:00 a.m. Outing Service
- 12 noon Refreshment and Entertainment
Monday, 27th October, 1980
Beginning of second burial: family and traditional rites.
Tuesday, 28th October, 1980
Free Day (Edizee)
Wednesday, 29th October, 1980
Family and traditional ceremonies continue.
Thursday, 30th October, 1980
Professor A.F. Alli, his brothers and sisters perform more of family and
traditional rites.
Friday, 31st October, 1980
Free Day (Edizee)
Saturday, 1st November, 1980
- 11:00 a.m. Dancing procession to the market and throwing of presents to
all and sundry.
- 12 Midnight Traditional rites ending with the burial of the efigy.
Sunday, 2nd November, 1980
- 10 a.m. Conferment of chieftaincy title on Professor A.F. Alli at the
Palace.
- 12 noon Entertainment at the residence of Professor A.F. Alli in Emaudo.
Queen Elizabeth II
