The death of Olorogun Frank Ovie-Kokori marks the end of an era of active unionism mixed with positive politics; and is yet another loss to the nation. Chief Kokori who died on December 7, 2023, on his 80th birthday anniversary was one of the titans that thronged the political landscape in 1993 fighting relentlessly for Nigeria’s democracy, while he was leading the union of petroleum workers. He was one of the heroes of Nigerian democracy during the long bleak years of military dictatorship. A statesman till the very end, Kokori had a long and distinguished career in the oil industry. Chief Kokori was known as a diligent and hardworking unionist who spoke the truth, not minding whose ox was gored. As a unionist, he was shrewd; as a politician he was astute. He was highly regarded among the pro-June 12 pro-democracy activists, who included the likes of Gani Fahwenmi, Femi Falana, Olisa Agbakoba, Chuma Ubani and a host of others who were in the trenches during the struggle for a democratic rule in Nigeria.
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Chief Kokori was not just an influential union leader, he was a dogged defender of democratic values; a leading figure in the struggle for the actualization of June 12, 1993 Presidential election, annulled by General Ibrahim Babaginda military government. As the secretary of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), he led a nation-wide strike by the union of petroleum workers that lasted for about nine weeks; an industrial action that held the military government, led by General Sani Abacha into a near helpless state, over the incarceration of Moshood Abiola, the presumed winner of the June-12 1993 presidential election. His activities led him into trouble with the military junta. He was arrested and sent to jail in Bama, Maiduguri.

Born on December 7, 1944 in Warri, Delta State, Chief Kokori started his elementary education at Urhobo College Warri, 1959-1962. He proceeded to Eko Boys High School in 1964. He earned his first degree at the University of Ibadan. Chief Kokori grew up during the nationalist ferment of the 19th Century and was quickly attracted by its message of liberation from colonial rule. Indeed, early in life, Chief Kokori was drawn to political enlightenment, a major vehicle through which this ferment found expression. As a young High school student when the nation attained independence, he followed the political activities through newspapers and radio of Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Tafawa Balewa, Ahmadu Bello and others in the country religiously. This kept him abreast with everything about politics in the country at that time as well as shaped his path in politics.

Chief Kokori belonged to a generation of those devoted to democratic principles which they pursued rigorously. He was a man so committed to the ideal of a better society and a champion of the struggle for democratic rule. Kokori was well known for his exploits at workplace, he was an activist for the worthy causes that he believed in. He worked as a tariff clerk under the defunct Electricity Corporation of Nigeria (ECN) and as a district sale representative, Lever Brothers Nigeria Ltd. He used those positions and platforms to sharpen his drive for unionism and as a leader. He was ever an active participant in democratic process.
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At a time the country was in dire need of a new Constitution, Chief Kokori was a member, Constitution Review Committee (1987-1988). He was also part of the body of Constituent Assembly, a body headed by Supreme Court Justice Anthony Aniagolu between 1988-1989, that debated the 1989 Constitution and when the news of his death was announced, tributes flew in from different parts of the country, none more significant than one from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who himself was a ‘Commanding Officer’ in the ‘June 12 Army’.

The president said, “Kokori was a thoroughbred democrat and activist. He fought for democracy at a great personal cost. He surrendered his liberty to fight for truth and justice. He was the finest among reformers and champions of civil rights in Nigeria”. No doubt, Chief Kokori’s indefatigable fighting spirit and sacrifice for the enthronement of constitutional governance are contributions that are indelible in the history of the advent of the Fourth Republic in Nigeria.

In life and in death, Chief Kokori rightly deserved the various encomiums showered on him. He was a man of courage and conviction and justifiably one of the very last of the old fire brand unionists. On his part, Kokori had nothing to apologise for in a truly impressive struggle to bring constitutional governance to Nigeria. Especially so, as he bestowed on himself the spirit of June 12’ struggle. Indeed, he was a man who always gave everything for a cause he believed in. No one is better remembered by people and history like Frank Kokori on the path he played on the June 12 struggle. In Nigeria, Kokori will be sorely missed by the Labour union groups as his death has depleted the ranks of revolutionary leaders of the Nigerian working class movement. His legacy and example should endure.
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