[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]
