Late Dr. (Chief) Omokaro A. Izevbigie, JP was born on August 8, 1933 in Evbohighae, Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. He was married, with Children. Before his glorious exit on September 27, 2019, Dr. Izevbigie left a tray of monumental achievements in several spheres of human endeavor.
He began his early childhood education in Evbohighae. After graduation, he proceeded to T.C. III Provisional Teachers Training College, Agbede between 1959 and 1960. Three years later, he attended T.C. II Benin/Delta Teachers Training College, Benin City. His quest for education didn’t stop there.
He proceeded to read His B.A. (Hons) Fine Arts – from Amadu Bello University, Zaria between 1966-1970. Because he determined to reach for the sky, he left the shores of Nigeria for USA where he got his M.A.T. (Master of Arts in Teaching) Art Education, University of Washington, Seattle in 1972.
He finally reached the pinnacle of his educational pursuit when he got his Ph.D. Art History (Traditional African Art) University of Washington, Seattle in 1978. While in United States, he did a lot of jobs including Instructor, Ethnic Studies, Shoreline Community College, Seattle, and Interdisciplinary Service Coordinator, Mt. Baker Youth Service Program, Seattle.
Upon returning to Nigeria, he ventured into politics and took up teaching in the university. In 1983, he was appointed a Civil Commissioner, in the defunct Bendel State Government under the Governorship of the late Dr. S. O. Ogbemudia.
He was appointed Civil Commissioner, Edo State Government under the Governorship of Chief Nosakhare Igbinedion from 1999-2008. From 1979 to his passing, he was an Art History Lecturer and Coordinator of Art History Programs, University of Benin, Benin City.
Dr. Omokaro Izevbigie was also a prolific author. He wrote so many articles and publications including, his 1987 “Sources of Mud Sculpture in Southern Nigeria,” Ivie Magazine, Bendel Arts Council, Benin City, 5th Edition.
In 1987 “Mbari and Olokun Compared,” Nigeria Magazine, Federal Department of Culture, National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, Vol. 55, No.4, Oct-Dec, pp.32-36. In 1988, he wrote the “Olokun & Leadership in Traditional Benin,” Nigeria Magazine, Federal Department of Culture, National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, May.
In 1995, he wrote “Benin Traditional Religion” in Critical Perspectives on Father Kevin Carrol, Society of African Missions, Ibadan. (Chapter 20). That same year, he wrote “Origin of Olokun Worship in Benin” in Critical Perspectives on Father Kevin Carrol, Society of African Missions, Ibadan. (Chapter 22).
And also, in 1995, he wrote “Description of Ekaladerhan Olokun Temple, Ughoton”(Appendix 4) in D.N. Oronsaye, The History of the Ancient Benin Kingdom & Empire, Jeromelaihon, Lagos, pp. 82-101.
Between 1999-2000, he wrote “Art as the Bedrock of Social and Technological Development: A Case of Improving the Quality of Art Lessons in Schools and Colleges” in Benin Journal of Educational Studies, Vols. 12&13, No.1&2, Institute of Education, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria, ppl 56-63.
In 2000, he wrote the “Native African Arts and Culture in the New World: A case study of African Religions in the United States of America” in African Studies Monographs, Vol.21, No.2., Centre for African Area Studies, Kyoto University, Japan, pp. 45-54. His last work that was forthcoming “The Masking Traditions of Kwakiutl and Benin,” KIABARA – a Journal for the Humanities, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Vol. 6, No. 2.
Other scholarly and selected professional work by Dr. Omokaro Izevbigie included the following:
• His 1970, Bini Mud Sculpture, B.A. Thesis
• His 1971, One-man art exhibition of bronze works cast using the ancient techniques of bronze-casting in Benin plus demonstration. Gallery Nimba, Seattle.
• His 1972, Benin Bronze Casting Techniques. M.A.T. Project
• His 1974, Benin Bronze Casting in Photographs, Shoreline Community College, Seattle (WA)
• His 1975, Tie and Dye in Nigeria, Lectures-Workshop-Exhibition, Evergreen State College, Olympia (WA)
• His 1978, Dissertation “Olokun – a focal symbol of Religion and Art in Benin”, Ph.D. Dissertation, University of Washington, Seattle.
• In 1985, he assisted Dr. F. Kaplan, visiting Fulbright Scholar from NYU to organize and identify the art exhibits entitled Ärt of the Royal Court of Benin, Benin Museum, Benin City.
• In 1991, he exhibited “Society through the Eyes of the Artists,” Society of Nigerian Artists, Bendel State Chapter. Exhibited four works and authored catalogue’s introduction.
• In 1997, he organized exhibition to commemorate the British Invasion of Benin of 1897, Benin City.
Dr. Omokaro Izevbigie belonged to so many professional Associations, namely:
• Member, African Studies Association (U.S.A.)
• Member, Nigerian Society for Education through Art (NSEA)
• Member, National Art Education Society of America (NAEA)
• Member, The Kiwanis Club International, U.S.A.
• Fellow, Institute of Corporate Executives of Nigeria (FICEM)
• Fellow, Chartered Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (FCIM)
• Fellow, Society of Nigerian Artists (FSNA) and was the former Chairman, of the Edo State Chapter
Dr. Omokaro Izevbigie received so many awards, honors, and commendations, namely:
• In 1999, he was appointed and sworn in as Chief Ihama of Ugbeka by the Enogie of Evbohighae, Orhionmwon Local Government Area.
• In 2000, he was awarded Certificate of Merit as the Best Commissioner, Edo State, 2000, from Centre for International Legal Cooperation and Democratic Development in Nigeria.
• In 2001, he was awarded the Merit and Nobel Peace Awards, from Africa Youth Missionary International Association.
Dr. (Chief) Omokaro A. Izevbigie, JP was indeed a very busy and likeable busy man. He was a great and dedicated dad to his children, loving and very caring husband to the wives, a judicious political “guru and Maradona” to his political base, a dedicated lecturer, an external examiner to over seven Universities; Polytechnics, and Colleges of Education, and a devoted Chief.
We truly miss your exit from this world, daddy! We thank God that you have finally found peace and gone home to rest!!
Dr. Scotty Izevbigie
