Robert Okechukwu Emmanuel Odinkemelu, fondly known as Bob, was born on March 31st, 1961 to HRH Sir Robert Odinkemelu and Lady Pauline Odinkemelu (both of blessed memory) in Ikom, Cross River State, Nigeria.
The third of eight children, he completed his primary education at Santa Maria Primary School, Enugu. He went on to the prestigious CIC (College of Immaculate Conception) secondary school in Enugu and graduated in 1977. He remained a proud member of the CIC alumni community all his life, contributed immensely to its development and continued growth, and served in various capacities as executive up to President of the CIC Old Boys Association, Port Harcourt Chapter. Upon completion of his secondary education, Bob joined two of his older siblings, Chinwe and Ngozi, in University of Delhi, where he studied Physics and subsequently transferred to Southern University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana USA to study Civil Engineering. In 1985, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering, topping his class in Fluid Mechanics. This would later earn him a role at Baton Rouge Municipal Council as an engineer. Bob returned to Nigeria in 1986 to help advance the family business.
The one-year mandatory youth service would bring him back to Cross River, where he was born. There he completed his youth service with Cross River State Ministry of Works and Housing. After his youth service, Bob started his engineering career with Maxolan Consultants, Owerri, where he worked as a supervising engineer. It was there that he cut, honed and sharpened the managerial skills set that shaped his authentic leadership style! Until his untimely death, he was the MD/CEO of Meko Nigeria Ltd, a construction company founded by his late father, HRH Igwe Robert Ekezie Odinkemelu but grown, diversified and nurtured into a go to establishment that handled various projects for oil and gas companies, banks, hospitals and federal and state government agencies.
Bob met, fell in love with and subsequently married Aku Ukabam on the 12th of April 1993. Theirs was a very solid and stable relationship that attracted the admiration and respect of many. Kuku and Bubbles as they fondly called each other from the onset put God at the core of their union and took the “for better, for worse” injunctions of married life very seriously. They gave unalloyed support to each other in good times and bad, in sickness and in health and were thus able to build and maintain a very happy home filled with fun, love and laughter in the company of their God given children Ndidiamaka Odinkemelu, Sylvester Odinkemelu and Robert Odinkemelu III, as well as Ezinwanne Ukabam, a niece they raised from age 3 to postgraduate status. Bob and Aku were deeply devoted to one another, family and their Catholic faith.
Bob was God fearing, humble, and extremely compassionate. Like his father, he was a great conversationalist and a peoples’ person, which allowed him to connect easily and build rapport effortlessly with people from different walks of life. His sense of humor was legendary, and he always had a story to regale one with; most of his stories would make you burst into a paroxysm of laughter; and he would laugh more, thus dissipating tension. It didn’t matter which stage you were in life; Bob knew how to get your attention. Once he had it, he would tease you with such brilliance. He made friends with great ease, even those who had met him once had something sweet to say about him with a smile, of course. When you needed a friend, he was there. When you needed a brother, he was there too. He was someone important to everyone who crossed paths with him. It is thus not surprising that his sudden death has left many broken and grief stricken! The steady flow of sympathizers to his residence, each with one story or the other about how Bob touched their life has been a source of consolation to his nearest and dearest.
Bob lived out his Catholic faith with great zeal and gusto and was quite passionate about propagating and defending the faith. A Noble Knight of the Order of St John International, he served in various roles, including as District Commander and Worthy President of St Mary’s Commandery #460 PH. He really loved KSJI and all it stood for and continually sacrificed time, talent and treasure towards the growth and progress of the order. He was also the pioneer National President of Catholic Action Nigeria which saw him traveling to various parts of the country to inaugurate, set the pace and encourage members to buy into the ideals of the group (set up to encourage Catholics to participate in politics in a way that would be in sync with catholic doctrines) up to the penultimate week before he passed. We have been inundated with calls and messages from CA-N executives nationwide who have such inspiring stories and experiences to share despite the brevity of their time with him. He was active in several other pious societies and groups in the Church.
Ugogbuzuo was also a proud and illustrious son of Awo Idemili, he piloted the affairs of the Umucheke Progressive Union for the past 7 years, served as chairman in 2017,and more recently as vice chairman of Awo Idemili stakeholders forum. Prior to his demise, he organized a peace and reconciliation party for the 3 kindreds of Umucheke. He was ever willing to come home to Awo from his Port Harcourt base to attend to any community issues that required his attention. He was part of the team of eleven, selected by Royal HRH Eze Dr. Okoligwe, that spearheaded the passage of the constitution of the Confederation of Awo-Idemili Clan Communities (CACC). Gbuzuo was a member of the exalted Ndi Nze title holders in Awo Idemili and a member of the Igwe’s cabinet till his transition to greater glory. He was also a political animal and keenly enjoyed political exploits and forays. He contested elective positions at various times and would never miss an opportunity to talk politics or engage in political permutations.
Words will never suffice to describe Bob, a man of many parts, a friend to the lowly, a man of peace, beloved and loving husband of Aku, doting dad of Didi, Bobby, Sibby, and Ezii who was larger than life itself. We are deeply saddened by his sudden passing, yet we take solace knowing that he led an exemplary life and is now safe in Jesus’ arms where there is no sorrow or pain! Laa n’udo ezigbo nna anyi, nwoke obi oma! Chukwu biko nata mkpulu obi daddy anyi! Amen.
