Lifestyle
Justice Akinwunmi Rhodes-Vivour: A Legacy Carved in Law and Integrity
Born on the 8th of July, 1910, in Lagos Island, Akinwunmi R.W. Rhodes-Vivour came from a distinguished lineage that would later shape some of Nigeria’s most illustrious legal minds. His father, Garnet Vivour, and mother, Sarah Rhodes de Vivour, belonged to the early class of educated Lagosians. From the start, his life was steeped in the values of hard work, discipline, and public service.
He began his early education at the Methodist Church Primary School and continued at the prestigious Wesleyan Boys’ High School in Lagos. Initially trained as a surveyor, he obtained a diploma in Surveying from the British Institute of Engineering Technology, London, and worked with Shell and D’Arcy Exploration between 1939 and 1942. However, destiny had other plans. Inspired by his uncle, Justice Steven Bankole Rhodes—one of the earliest Nigerian judges—young Akinwunmi turned his attention to law.
He went on to study law in London and was called to the Bar at the Middle Temple on the 18th of November, 1946. Upon his return to Nigeria, he joined the colonial judicial system as a Magistrate Grade I on August 1, 1950. Through sheer dedication and an unwavering commitment to justice, he rose through the ranks: promoted to Senior Magistrate in 1955, Chief Magistrate in 1961, and appointed a High Court Judge in 1964. He served in this capacity until his retirement in 1972.
Justice Rhodes-Vivour’s tenure was not without turbulence. During the military rule of Col. Samuel Ogbemudia in the Mid-Western region, he was falsely accused of bribery in a case widely believed to be politically motivated. He fought the charges in court, was acquitted, and emerged with his integrity intact—a testament to his character and resilience in the face of power.
Beyond the bench, he was deeply respected in society. In 1972, the Alake of Egbaland honored him with a traditional chieftaincy title. He was also a prominent member of the Lagos Metropolitan Club and the Island Club, institutions that symbolized the emerging Nigerian elite of his time.
Justice Akinwunmi Rhodes-Vivour’s influence did not end with his own life. His legacy lived on through his son, Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour, who rose to become a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, and through his grand-nephew, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, a prominent architect and political figure in Lagos.
He passed away in 1987, leaving behind a name etched into the annals of Nigerian legal history—respected, tested, and never found wanting.
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In this deeply emotional video, a young Nigerian boy shares his heart-wrenching experience of racial and cultural discrimination in a foreign school.
His only wish? To come back home to Nigeria where he feels he belongs.
But the harsh reality hits hard — the state of things back home is not encouraging. From insecurity to poor infrastructure, his dream of returning feels more like a painful trap than a comforting escape.
This video captures the raw truth many Nigerians in the diaspora silently endure. It’s a cry for acceptance, identity, and the longing for a better Nigeria that can welcome its own with pride.
💬 Share your thoughts in the comments. Can Nigeria ever truly become home again?
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Historic Declaration: Oba Sen. Abdulrasheed Ladoja Crowned as 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland | Full Council Pronouncement
In a momentous and culturally significant event, the Olubadan-in-Council officially pronounces His Imperial Majesty, Oba Senator Abdulrasheed Adewolu Akanmu Ladoja, as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
This video captures the traditional pronouncement ceremony, a sacred rite deeply rooted in the rich heritage of the ancient Yoruba kingdom. Witness history as Ibadan land ushers in a new era under the leadership of a revered statesman, respected elder, and true son of the soil.
📍 Location: Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
👑 Title: Olubadan of Ibadanland – The Paramount Ruler of the Ibadan People
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Oba Akenzua II, born on 7 January 1899, was a respected traditional ruler and modernizer who served as the 37th Oba of Benin from 1933 until his passing on 11 June 1978. His reign marked a critical period of transition in the Benin Kingdom, blending deep-rooted tradition with the evolving dynamics of colonial and postcolonial Nigeria.
Early Life and Ascension
Born Godfrey Edokparige Akenzua, he was the son of Oba Eweka II and succeeded his father upon his death in 1933.
His title, Ọmọ n’Ọba n’Ẹdo Uku Akpolokpolo, which translates to “King of Kings of Edo, the Mighty Thinker”, reflected the grandeur and intellectual depth associated with his leadership.
Reign and Achievements
Preservation of Culture: Oba Akenzua II was instrumental in preserving Benin’s cultural heritage, especially the famed Benin bronzes. He actively campaigned for the return of looted royal artifacts taken during the 1897 British punitive expedition.
Modernization: While rooted in tradition, he encouraged education, healthcare, and infrastructural development in Benin and beyond, maintaining strong ties with both colonial authorities and later Nigerian leaders.
He served as a member of the Western House of Chiefs, using his position to advocate for his people’s welfare and cultural pride.
Legacy
Oba Akenzua II’s reign lasted 45 years, one of the longest in Benin history, marked by stability, cultural revival, and national recognition.
Upon his death in 1978, he was succeeded by his son, Oba Erediauwa, formerly Prince Solomon Akenzua.
Today, he is remembered as a visionary monarch, guardian of heritage, and father of modern Benin royal diplomacy.
Oba Akenzua II’s impact continues to resonate, particularly in ongoing discussions about the repatriation of Benin artifacts from European museums.
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