By Onome Oghenetega
A prominent Urhobo traditional chief and founder of the prestigious Westminister College, Lagos, Chief Johnson Modika Barovbe, is dead.
The Delta-born international businessman and philanthropist passed on Monday in Lagos after a brief illness.
The deceased hailed from Ovu town in ancient Agbon Kingdom of Delta State. He was aged 76.
He was a former President and current chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT) of the influential Lagos-based Urhobo Social Club until his passage on Monday.
Chief Barovbe, a renowned educationist, philanthropist and proprietor of the prestigious Westminster College, Lagos, was the Okunna of Agbon Kingdom and Ahwotu of Urhoboland.
He also held the traditional title of Tosogbe of Badagry in Lagos State.
Barovbe was a strong voice in Urhobo Nation owing to his uprightness and ability to speak truth to power.
Born June 12, 1945, Barovbe attended Catholic Primary School, Ovu Inland, Ethiope LGA, Delta State, 1952- 57 and Catholic Secondary Modern School, Okpara Inland, 1958-60 for his primary and secondary school education.
He also went to the then Provincial Teachers Training College, Warri, now College of Education, Edjeba, Warri.
The deceased thereafter proceeded to Middlesex University, London and University of Bradford, West Yorkshire, UK, for his undergraduate.
He was awarded Federal Government of Nigeria Postgraduate Scholarship Award to study at University of Bradford, West Yorkshire, UK, for his postgraduate studies.
Chief Barovbe worked as Deputy General Manager, Transcap Ltd., 1980-89; General Manager, Dumex Industrial Nigeria Limited, 1989-95, CICA Nigeria Limited, 1996-98 and Managing Director Modika Property Development Company.
