Late Chief Anthony Kansol Omirhobo (1940–2024) lived a life defined by discipline, service, and self-made success. Born on February 28, 1940, into the illustrious Omirhobo family of Okpara Inland in Ethiope East LGA, Delta State, his upbringing was steeped in enterprise and public service. His father, Chief Omirhobo Usitaka, was a respected produce merchant whose influence extended across Delta communities and earned him the chieftaincy title from Oharisi I, the Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom. His mother, Emetenena Omirhobo, hailed from the Akpovworefia family of Oteri, Ughelli. The youngest of six children, Kansol grew to be independent and determined.
He attended L.A. Primary School, Ughelli (1950–1957), and later St. Ambrose’s Catholic Secondary Modern School, Ughelli (1958), where he served as Senior Prefect and was praised for diligence, honesty, and leadership. Initially drawn to teaching, a personal family experience steered him toward a career in law enforcement.
In April 1961, Kansol joined the Nigeria Police Force after a competitive recruitment process in Benin City. His neatness, humour, and commitment quickly earned him recognition. In 1964, he was selected for a United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, serving meritoriously and receiving an international commendation. Over 18 years of service, he served in Benin City, Warri, Aba, and Lagos, rising to Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) before voluntarily retiring in July 1979.
Transitioning into business, he co-founded several hospitality ventures, including Hotel Africana (Ilupeju), Blue Moon Hotel (Dopemu), and Rodel Hotel (Ikorodu), before establishing his own—Asara Guest Inn in Kirikiri, Lagos. The hotel became a social hub for musicians and entertainers, leading him to found Asara Recording Company, which produced the hit album “Lagos Bus Conductor” at Polygram Studios. His business acumen extended to construction and logistics through Nenay & Co. Ltd. and Maykansol Enterprises Ltd., serving major corporate and government clients.
In recognition of his contributions to community development, he was conferred with the traditional title “Ophie ’R’ Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom” in 2000. He played leading roles in community associations, including the Ughelli Descendants Union (Lagos Chapter), Okpara Patriotic Union, Oteri-Elite Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative Society, and ARPON (Delta Chapter).
A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Chief Kansol was blessed with 11 children and 18 grandchildren. He was known for his generosity, moral strength, and fearless honesty—qualities that defined his reputation as a “strong man” among peers and admirers.
Chief Anthony Kansol Omirhobo’s life journey—from a small-town boy to a decorated officer, entrepreneur, and community leader—stands as a shining example of resilience, integrity, and purposeful living. His legacy endures in the lives he touched and the principles he lived by.
