13/09/2026
*SPECIAL BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE*
*TO*
*CHIEF SAM IGBE -THE IYASE OF BENIN KINGDOM BY BENIN WRITERS SOCIETY*
_By: Douglas Ogbankwa Esq._
On this glorious day, we celebrate a towering iroko, a custodian of tradition, and a living encyclopedia of Benin history — *Chief Sam Igbe (JP) , the Iyase of Benin Kingdom, as he turns 97 today and as he launches some books .
Iyase, you are not just a title. You are the voice of the Palace, an anchor of the Benin Traditional Institution, and the bridge between our ancestors and this generation.
Your wisdom has guided kings and commoners alike. Your courage in defense of our customs has kept the soul of Benin unshaken. In you, we see loyalty without compromise, service without noise, and leadership that puts the kingdom first.
Maya Angelou said: _"When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time."
You have shown us who you are a patriot, a father, and a defender of our heritage. And we believe you.
Jim Rohn taught: _"You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with."_
The Palace, the Kingdom, and indeed Edo State are better because you are in the room where decisions are made.
As you mark another year and launch your books, we pray:
May the ancestors grant you long life in good health.
May your staff never lack strength.
May your words continue to carry weight in the Palace and beyond.
May your reign as Iyase be peaceful, impactful, and eternally remembered.
*IGBE, SAM ODIGHI UGINVIWE: A LIFE OF SERVICE IN THE NIGERIA POLICE FORCE*
*IGBE, Sam Odighi Uginviwe* was a distinguished Nigerian police officer who rose to the position of Acting Commissioner of Police, Anambra State. His career reflected decades of dedication to law enforcement, education, and public service.
*EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION*
Sam Odighi Uginviwe IGBE was born on *September 13, 1931, in Benin City*, present-day Edo State.
He began his education at *St. Peter’s CMS, Benin City*, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate. He proceeded to *Edo College, Benin City*, and obtained the Cambridge School Certificate. Driven by a passion for learning and teaching, he attended *St. Andrew’s College,
