[This is a portrait of a remarkable man in Urhobo history. He was one
of two recipients of scholarship awards from Urhobo Progress Union
during World War II years. (The other recipient was G. N. Igho.) He
returned to Nigeria after his graduation with a B.A. degree of Durham
University in 1948, thus becoming the first Urhobo graduate. He then
became the founding Principal of Urhobo College, Effurun. He brought
that famous secondary school to its great heights in many fields.
Professor David Okpako
of Ibadan University, a pupil of Urhobo College in its pioneering years,
described his former teacher as "the most learned man I have been
influenced by." Mr. Ejaife later served in many other capacities
in Urhobo affairs. He was Urhobo's first Senator, serving with
distinction in Nigeria's Upper Chamber during the country's First
Republic. -- Peter Ekeh,
Editor@waado.org]
