Godwin Onobrakpeya (1945-2018)

Presiding Elder Godwin Ohwodiasa Onobrakpeya was born on June 14, 1945 in Agbarha-Otor, Ughelli North Local of Delta State. His father, the late Pa Onobrakpeya Omonedo, alias Obi of Agbarha-Otor Kingdom, a carver as well as rubber and palm oil merchant, had eight children. Godwin was the last child.

Onobrakpeya’s elder sister, Mrs. Comfort Akpovwovwo, raised up the young Godwin. Her family moved to Benin City, the Edo State capital, where he attended Urhuezeh Primary School. He later relocated to Lagos with his elder brother and renowned artist, Professor Bruce Onobrakpeya.

The younger Onobrakpeya continued his education at St Timothy Secondary School, Yaba, Lagos Polytechnic and Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State where he obtained his Ordinary National Diploma (OND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) in Business Administration.He married Miss Victoria Omohwovo Eshanokpe, daughter of the late Pa Eshanokpe Umukoro and his wife, Alice of Ughwrughelli-Agbarho, on January 10, 1987 at The Apostolic Church (TAC) Nigeria, Benin City Area Headquarters, Aruoso.

Onobrakpeya started his career as artworks framer at the Ovuomaroro Gallery, owned by Prof. Onobrakpeya, and rose to the enviable position of manager. Later, he switched tent when took after his elder brother, Bruce, specialising in stone sculpting.

His works were much sought after by Nigerians and foreigners. For years, he participated in various harmattan workshops held by the studio and exhibited at important art galleries.

A devout Christian, Onobrakpeya rose through the ranks in the church, becoming a Presiding Elder in 2000. He was dispatched to head the TAC Assembly at Dele in Isheri Osun District, Ikotun Area. He remained in his duty post until he took ill about seven years ago.

Last September, he died at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and was buried on January 25, 2019 in hometown.He is survived by wife, Victoria, and four children namely Mrs. Blessing Ebruba Ogene, Mr. Rukevwe Onobrakpeya, Uririoghene and Apesiri.