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By Enyeribe Ejiogu
For four days, from 27th to 30th August, this year, Agbarho Kingdom will witness an influx of dignitaries as well as distinguished sons and daughters, who will converge to pay their last respects to Chief Sunday Warien Anaughe.
Pa Anaughe, a native of Ikweghwu town in Agbarho, Delta State, was born on December 29, 1925. Named Sunday at the time of his baptism, it is noteworthy that Chief Anaughe died on Sunday, January 4, 2026 at the age of 101 years and was buried on Friday of the same week.
Until his demise, Chief Anaughe was next in line to be the king and held two important titles as Usueche II (kingmaker) and Otota (Spokesperson) of Agbarho Kingdom. He was a career civil servant who started out as a journalist and eventually transitioned into the diplomatic corps. In the course of his career, he was privileged to serve five Nigerian governments from Queen Elizabeth to the Shehu Shagari civilian administration.
In his last interaction with Sunday Sun at the Festival Hotel (formerly Golden Tulip), Festac Town, Lagos, he remained sharp and articulate, smiling warmly as the conversation progressed. His retentive memory easily recalled facts and details of incidents that happened decades ago, when he was still a very young and committed civil servant, who served both within and outside the country on major national assignments.
With a grin, he compared the time when he started school with the present time when children start schooling at the age of 18 months: “During the time I was born you had to grow to a certain level before being enrolled in school. At that time you would be asked to pass your right hand across your head to touch your left ear and if your hand touched the ear you were then qualified to go to school and if it did not, you would stay at home. I did this for some years and then I started school when I was ripe. It was not like what happens now when 18-month children start school in a playgroup and at two years they go into nursery class.”
He was already 12 years old when he got into primary school. Eventually, he took and passed the entrance exams and was sent to Government College, Warri, which later became Government College, Ughelli, after it was moved from Warri in 1951. At the end of 1951, he sat for and passed the school certificate examination. His set was the first to write the exam in the school. In 1952, he sat for the Civil Service Examination, passed and was taken to Lagos to start work in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, as a Third Class Clerk. While working there, he began taking private tutorial lessons, which enabled him to pass the entrance exam and gain admission into the London School of Journalism. He later studied at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom. Fortuitously, and prior to going to the , the articles he wrote, which were published in magazines and newspapers, caught the eye of the British officials. He was then redeployed to the Information Department, which had a publications section as Publication Officer and then sent to London for training.
Career landmarks
“Before I came back from London in 1963, the then Midwest was fighting to become a region separate from the Western Region. The late Hon. Okotie-Eboh, who was a powerful chieftain of the NCNC and prominent figure in Nigeria, mobilized us as referendum officers, to conduct the referendum which was organized by the Federal Government in the Midwest. We had over 95 per cent yes votes. I was in-charge of the Urhobo and Isoko areas,” Anaughe gleefully recalled.
While still working in the Information Department, he was posted outside the country to work at the Nigerian Mission in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, when Gen Yakubu Gowon was Head of State. At that time, Emperor Haile Selassie was the Ethiopian leader and chairman of the then Organisation of African Unity (OAU), the present day African Union (AU). Campaigns were on to choose a new OAU chairman.
In a very real sense, listening to Pa Anaughe trace the trajectory of his career felt like hearing a piece of Nigeria’s history in a capsule. With his trademark smile, he said: “I was in-charge of the effort to produce publicity materials about our head of state, and to push his campaign for the position. Because of our efforts which publicized the good works he did in Nigeria, he was elected the chairman of OAU. “Thereafter, I stayed in Addis Ababa for two years and later got transferred to Ghana. I was in Ghana when Gowon was toppled by General Murtala Mohammad. Later, when General Murtala Mohammad was assassinated in the failed coup led by Lt Col Bukar Suka Dimka, General Olusegun Obasanjo took over. Unfortunately, somebody who was related to the Head of State committed certain things in Ghana and I was directed to get him out. I got him out and brought him to Nigeria and handed him over to officials of the Ministry of External Affairs before going back to Ghana.
“I came back to Nigeria, after working in Ghana for four and half years. I was assigned to the Public Enlightenment Section in the Federal Ministry of Information. I was sent to Rivers State to establish the Federal Ministry of Information there and stayed there for one and half years, before I was then posted to Ethiopia, Ghana and then back to Nigeria. I was in charge of Publicity work all through my working career in the diplomatic corps.
“Alhaji Shehu Shagari was not popular when he became the president. As I was in-charge of public enlightenment, I posted capable staff to all the branches and gave publicity to Shagari. We projected some of his programmes and policies both in our internal memo and foreign journals. All these were what made Shagari to become popular and accepted by the people.”
Golden age of civil service
To hear him talk about how the Nigeria Civil Service was in his time, you are left in no doubt that it was the golden age of the civil service. He berated the present crop of civil servants for their lackadaisical attitude to work.
“When I was working, sometimes I didn’t eat and would stay without food till evening. During our time we liked to work, unlike now when people are not serious. It was our diligence in work that gave us promotion. Prior to my retirement, I was the Acting Director External Publicity, Public Enlightenment and Information Division. Everything considered I am fulfilled as a man. I feel happy with myself whether I eat or not. I was trained to be like this from the beginning, it was my late father who contributed to my being happy in any condition.”
From interactions with the children of Pa Anaughe one thing clearly comes across: he was a revered patriarch, steadfast leader and man of remarkable character.
His daughter, Dr Efe Anaughe, a lawyer and President, Warien Rose Foundation as well as the Executive Director, Warien Rose Academy, captures the essence of her father in a heartfelt tribute, describing the forthcoming celebration of the life of Pa Anaughe as an opportunity to unite, honour, reflect upon the legacy of the late Usueche II, which she noted “continues to inspire and endure” adding that his life was marked by wisdom, strength, compassion, and unwavering service.
In the tribute, she said: “Here stands the legacy of a quintessential gentleman. I speak not only in admiration, I speak as his daughter. Papa was integrity in human form, accountable in all things, kind, reliable, humble, and courageous when it mattered most. Deeply compassionate, endlessly patient, fiercely loyal and never condescending; never drawn into petty exchanges, always composed, dignified and always in service to others. I could not have wished for a better father. And yes, you always said one of your children would be a lawyer. I have fulfilled that wish.
“Your excitement was contagious when I earned my doctorate two years ago, coming out at the top of my class with gold medals. In that moment, your pride was louder than any applause.”
The Bible states in Proverbs 13:22 that “a good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children.” Without equivocation, Efe declares: “Papa was a good man who did not only leave an inheritance to his children he left the most precious ones. His legacy lives in my discipline, my profession, my love for words, reverence for knowledge and in the name I carry with honour.”
It is noteworthy that “Warien” the native name of Chief Anaughe has been integrated into the official identity of the Warien Rose Foundation established by Efe to serve as a vehicle for institutionalizing the values of the beloved nonagenarian, quintessential journalist and diplomat. Through the foundation, the values he stood for are “working, giving, building, and blessing lives,” Efe enthused.
One of his sons, Otemu Anaughe, summed up Pa Anaughe as a rare gem, adding: “In his quiet, yet powerful way, he shaped my life more than words can fully express. Many of my friends often say I am wise, but what they may not know is that such wisdom is first from God and nurtured at the feet of my father.
“He taught me to think before I speak; to listen before I decide, how to negotiate – a skill that has carried me through many seasons of life and continues to guide my path today. Papa was not a perfect man, but he was a devoted father. He did everything to be the best father to me, not through indulgence, but through discipline. Not by spoiling me but by strengthening me. He was intentional about raising me to stand firmly on my own feet, and for that, I am eternally grateful.”
His presence commanded respect, loyalty
Pa Anaughe was a “man whose presence commanded respect and whose love commanded loyalty,” says Odafe Anaughe, another of his sons. “Daddy was not only a loving father; he was a pillar of strength, a steady hand in uncertain times. He was a voice of reason when storms tried to overwhelm me. His love, guidance, and sacrifices shaped me into the man I am today.
“There were moments in my life when I felt lost, when hope seemed distant, when the voices around me suggested limits. But Daddy saved me, not just in body, but in spirit. He made me understand that as long as there is life, there is hope. He taught me that no matter who says otherwise, I can rise. I can become. I can overcome it. That belief has carried me further than words can explain.
“Daddy cherished every one of his children. Not conditionally. Not selectively. He loved us in our strengths and in our flaws. Whether our characters were strong or still growing, he embraced us fully. His love was not based on perfection, it was rooted in commitment.
“All he ever truly wanted was simple yet profound: that we live in peace and love one another. That no matter our differences, no matter life’s pressures, we would remain united. For him, family was sacred. Unity was non-negotiable. Love was the foundation.”
What could be more impactful, and be memorably imprinted on the heart of a young undergraduate than to have his father be present to watch him take the matriculation oath? The joy which such experience evokes is bottomless. It feels and flows like a river – as the popular Christian song, “Joy like a river in my soul” portrays.
Recalling his matriculation experience, Igho Anaughe said: “I remember when the University of Ilorin offered me admission. Papa flew all the way from Lagos to Ilorin for my matriculation. He brought along the tie he had worn at his own matriculation in England and placed it on me. That moment remains one of the greatest honours of my life, a powerful symbol of legacy, pride, and love.
“Papa was not only a father but also a true friend. He took a genuine interest in everything I was doing or planning to do, always asking thoughtful questions with that familiar look of concern and care on his face. He would ask, “How was your promotion examination?” and would proudly congratulate me in my civil service promotions.
“When my mother-in-law passed on, Papa did not hesitate. He mobilized family members from Ikweghewu to attend the ceremony and ensured it had the unique cultural flavour it deserved. By the time we left the venue, my in-laws and many others openly acknowledged that she had indeed been buried with dignity and pomp. That was Papa, always present, always supportive, always dignifying every occasion.
“Among the many unforgettable moments I shared with him, our New Year phone calls stand out. He would always end each call with heartfelt blessings, words that carried strength, hope, and fatherly authority. I truly do not think I could have asked God for more in a father.”
He exhibited resilience, fierce love
As would be expected, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were his greatest joy, as Sunday Sun learnt from Oyovwike Cynthia Anaughe Anidugbe, one of the children. Pa Anaughe showed extraordinary strength, resilience, and fierce love which carried her through some of the darkest times she faced in life.
“I treasure every moment we shared together. He was everything to me. When I lost my mother, he stepped into both roles for me; mother and father. He was an amazing father. He showed up for all of us and loved us unconditionally. I will always remember how he would pick the children and me up from the airport, make us a cup of tea every morning, and sit with us at dinner while sharing his stories. Those simple moments meant the world to me.
“He was the kindest, most thoughtful, and most inspiring person I have ever known. He was generous in every sense of the word with his time, wisdom, and love. My father had a trademark smile that captivated everyone around him. Whenever anyone had a problem, they could always count on him for wise advice or simply a listening ear.
“His family was everything to him. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were his greatest joy, and we all felt that love every single day. His grandchildren admire him deeply because they saw his strength, warmth, humour and unwavering loyalty. He uplifted so many people without ever asking for thanks or recognition.
“He was the heart and soul of this family, and we are so honoured and blessed to have had him by our side as we journeyed through life. The many accomplishments of his lifetime always amazed me but even more remarkable was the patience he had, especially with the family God blessed him with. Papa, thank you for everything. I will love you always.”
From every indication, as Sunday Sun gathered, the forthcoming celebration will reverberate and pulsate with the presence of several notable from the Niger Delta and beyond.
