The Urhobo nation has been thrown into a mourning state as a prominent educator and traditional chief — the Ahwotu of Urhoboland, Chief Johnson Modika Barovbe has passed away at the age of 76 years.
The Delta-born businessman and founder of the prestigious Westminister College, Lagos, was said to have passed away after suffering a brief illness on Monday.
The deceased who hailed from Ovu town in ancient Agbon Kingdom of Delta State, was a major stakeholder in the Urhobo nation.
Before his demise, Barovbe holds a triple title. He was a Tosogbe of Badagry; Okunna of Agbon Kingdom and Ahwotu of Urhobo Kingdom.
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.
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.
