I. Roots and the Twin Bond (1962–1974)
Boye Onome Akpore entered the world on December 12, 1962, in the bustling city of Warri, Delta State. Born an identical twin into the influential family of the late Chief Demas .O. and Grace .T. Akpore of Orogun kingdom and Agbarha-Ame, Warri kingdom, his identity was deeply rooted in the soil of both Kingdoms.
Growing up in the post-independence era of Nigeria, Boye’s childhood was a tour of the Delta region, moving between primary schools in Warri, Orogun, and Ughelli. Those who knew him then saw the early markers of his character: he was fiercely loyal to his mother and possessed a natural, protective “might” that signaled a future of leadership. He was his father’s son—brave, great, and mentally a giant.
II. The Legend of Government College Ughelli (1974–1982)
In 1974, Boye enrolled at the prestigious Government College Ughelli (GCU), an institution that would become the forge for his “indomitable” spirit. At GCU, Boye was an enigma—a powerhouse athlete and a disciplined tactician.
On the Track: He was known for his explosive speed in the 110m Hurdles.
On the Pitch: He was a mainstay of the College Cricket team.
Leadership: In the Nigerian Army Cadet Unit, his authority truly shone. Serving as the Commanding Officer from 1981 to 1982, he commanded respect through a “rugged” charisma.
This culminated in his appointment as Head of School, where he balanced the weight of administration with a sweetness of spirit that endeared him to both juniors and peers.
III. The Communicator and the Political Architect
After a brief stint as a clerk in the Bendel State House of Assembly in 1980, Boye pursued a degree in Mass Communication at Auchi Polytechnic. He later moved to Lagos to join the staff of Thisweek Magazine, where he worked until 1991, honing a voice that was both articulate and persuasive.
By 1992, Boye pivoted into the world of business and active politics. In the political arena, he earned the nickname “The Catalyst.” Unlike many who sought power for themselves, Boye was a kingmaker. He nurtured the political maturity of others, offering selfless service and standing as a pillar of strength during “stormy and rocky times.” He held the potential to reach the highest offices in the land—Governor or Senator—as his influence in Delta State became impossible to ignore.
IV. “Sir B”: The Father to a Generation
While Boye did not have biological children of his own, he occupied a space in the family that was profoundly paternal. To his nieces, nephews, and cousins, he was “Sir B”—the man who “spoke the language of children.” Despite his physical stature, Boye was famous for laying on the floor to play, turning simple visits into “legendary adventures.”
He mentored with a rare combination of strength and sweetness. He gave his nephews haircuts, took them on berry-picking walks, and taught them the joy of simple things like damaraun (bread and coconut). Like his father, he was a lover of classical piano music and deep spiritual inquiry, often discussing the “functions and purposes of the Holy Spirit” with his sister, Stellamaris. He lived by the philosophy that a “good name is better than fine perfume,” a trait that made him a beloved guardian to the entire Akpore and Omu clans.
V. The Legacy of the Uncle: Fatherhood Beyond Blood
The Language of Play
Boye possessed a “giant-like” physical and mental might, yet he was famously the only adult who truly knew how to “speak the language” of the young. Whether in Lagos, Uyo, or Port Harcourt, his arrival was a signal that the rules of the adult world were suspended. He was humour personified. For Oghale Omu, the thrill of waiting by the door was a childhood ritual; Boye made every child feel like the most important person in the room.
“Augustine” and the Power of a Name
His relationship with ‘Fejiro Omu was defined by a playful, affectionate teasing. Boye gave Fejiro the nickname “Augustine.” Today, that name is a sacred memory. As Fejiro reflects, “If I could pay for you to call me that name again, I would do so without hesitation.”
Simple Rituals and Permanent Marks
Muro (Ejiro) Akpore recalls the “little adventures” of berry picking and horseback rides.
Voke Omu learned a life lesson regarding Boye’s love for beans; today, that simple meal serves as a sensory bridge back to 54 Tafawa Balewa Crescent.
The Compass: For Kiara, Sade, and JJ, Boye remains a “mythical” figure. JJ carries Boye’s picture in his office and named his oldest son after him, looking to that infectious smile on tough days to “keep pushing.”
VI. Love, Promise, and Enduring Bonds
Eunice Ovuweraye Alawuru was his fiancée, and although they had completed their traditional marriage rites, their white wedding had not yet taken place when the incident occurred. She shared a very close bond with his mother, marked by deep affection and companionship, often spending time together as though they were mother and daughter.
Whenever his mother returned to Nigeria, Eunice remained constantly by her side. They would stay together, talk for hours, and laugh with an ease that reflected a deep and genuine connection. To many, it felt less like a relationship by marriage and more like one by birth.
In honour of that bond, Eunice named her business after his mother, GTA, a gesture that has endured to this day. She remains dearly loved by the family and is regarded as a true sister, one whose place in their lives remains firm and enduring.
VII. The Toll of the Bell and the Eternal Echo
The trajectory of Boye’s life was tragically severed on March 17, 2001 at Okuokoko, Okpe Local Government Area, Delta State. At just 38 years old, Boye was assassinated in his vehicle. The news broke at a birthday gathering in Surulere; the music stopped, and for many, the world stood still. The betrayal by those he had helped remains a painful lesson, echoing the Bob Marley lyric, “Your worst enemy could be your best friend.”
However, twenty-five years later, Boye Onome Akpore’s sun has not truly set. He remains a “rare find”—a man who proved that a legacy is not measured by the children he bears, but by the love and protection he pours into those he leaves behind.
EPILOGUE: THE ETERNAL SAIL
As we close this record of a life lived with “the might of a Giant,” we return to Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. Boye’s time on earth was only 38 years, but in that season, he planted seeds of kindness that continues to harvest in 2026.
Though he had no biological children, his “sons” and “daughters” are many. They are the ones who look at his picture and choose to be selfless. They are the ones who hear a bell toll and remember not the silence, but the beautiful music that preceded it.
THE CLOSING PRAYER
May the Most High grant him eternal rest. May the “perpetual light” shine upon him. We find solace in the knowledge that he is now united with his twin brother, Papa, and Mama.
Boye Onome Akpore: Treasured in our hearts, until we meet again.
THE ROLL OF HONOR: Voices of Remembrance
- The Siblings, Family Members & In-Laws: Mrs. Stellamaris Ufuoma Omu (Madam), Chief Jomo Akpore-Idise, Kevwe Akpore, Ochuko Akpore, Enai Demas-Akpore, Captain Newman Akpore, Lawrence Akpore, Dr. Frank Eguaroje, Akpore Philomena, and Mike Omu.
*Fiancé: Eunice Ovuweraye Alawuru
- The Cousins: Evelyn Koko, Zino, Gwen Zino Abiola-Oloke, Tega Abobo, and Ena Odjugo.
- The Nieces & Nephews: Muro (Ejiro) Akpore, Kiara and Sade, Oghale Omu, JJ Akpore, Voke Omu, Nero Omu, and ‘Fejiro Omu.
- The GCU Classmates & Peers: ‘Novwe Ikie, Stephen Onakpoma, Paul Ejiofor, Kennedy Osebor, Felix Akugha, and Polycarp Musa.
- The Community & Friends: His Eminence (Amb) Adjerese Meshach Anuku, Hon. Matthew Omonade, Chief (Prof) Edwin Achugbue, Chief (Barr) Warri Dennis, Bandy Jnr, Bishop Prince Omosogba, Hon. Patience Awero, Victor Odiete, Anthonia Okumagba, Doris Enwefah, Oyefia C. Ovoke, Akpede Austin, O.J. Innocent, Patricia Yalaju, Wilson Ozuem, Agnes Egbenine, Alex Unukpo, Omoefe Okoloko, and Cee Leeya Okay, Celia Oyetunji, Meg Onyeagoro, Friday Mazuaria Oribhabor, Felix Ezeh, Enai Agodo, Nosawaru Omoigui, Umweni Omoruyi, Chike Moneme, Alvin Ekamah, Adia Dioru, Bawor Oyibo, Samuel Oji Paul, Felix Ofulue, Emezi Osisiogu, Uche Ntinu, Kenneth Emuesiri Young-Emretiyoma, Frank Otubue, Sylvernus Igbedi, Akpede Jomo, Tony Ndikanwu, Ibie Lincoln, Omokioja Julius Eto, Violet Noruwa, Doris Mabiaku, Kofo Coker, Helen Sule, Pius Eghagha, Augustine Isawhe, Daniel Imiewarin, Temile Ben, Aghogho Badaseraye, Rume Sobotie, Abirhire Thomas, Tina Oghwo, Erhigare Oros, Ejobe Matthew, Perekeme Sawacha Diyerin, Obayagbor Wilson, Engr. Century Onisuru, Agatha Adigwu, Daniel Tadafe, Festus Ogbajini, Odin Emmanuel, David Akpobasa, Maurice Asielu, Dafe Kagho, Innocent Ekuase, Vincent Eyakwaire, Walete Idogho, Emuobohwo Mudiaga-Odje, Ebujoe Iroro, Hon. Elliot Odiushovwi, and Thompson Okpogoro and many others, too numerous to mention
Edited by Foster Akpore