Azibaola Robert in a white shirt, arms folded, against warm evening lights

Azibaola Robert: From Ogbia to the Bar

Born on 13 February 1969, Azibaola Robert was raised by a single mother. He attended Otabi and Otakeme primary schools in Ogbia before finishing at Baptist Day Primary School, Port Harcourt, in 1982. At Owema Community Comprehensive Secondary School, Otakeme, he finished in 1987 as the brightest in his class, with mathematics his best subject. He studied law at Rivers State University of Science & Technology, graduating in 1993, and after Law School in Lagos was called to the Nigerian Bar as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court in 1994.

Traditional title. He holds the high chieftaincy title of Dikeogu 1 (Mighty Man of War) of Etche Kingdom, Rivers State, conferred by HRH Eze Ken Nwala, the Onye Ishi Agwuru III of Ulakwo/Umuselem Clan, in recognition of his philanthropy and achievements.

Politics. He is not a member of any political party and has never sought political office. Through his relationship with former President Goodluck Jonathan he supported Jonathan's candidacy, but he otherwise remains apolitical and speaks for the public interest.

Trial and acquittal. From March 2016 to May 2019, he and his wife Stella faced charges that proved unfounded. They were discharged and acquitted by the High Court in Abuja and by the Court of Appeal. Read the High Court judgment, the Court of Appeal judgment and ThisDay's full account.

Azibaola Robert’s Family Life

Azibaola and Stella Robert have been married since 1999 and run their businesses together as equal partners. Stella studied economics at the University of Port Harcourt and holds a master's degree from the University of the West of England. They have four daughters: Yepaye, Zoni-Zoni, Emmanuella Tiapho and Azibasuam.

Azibaola and Stella Robert with their four daughters, all dressed in white, in a lit garden

Azibaola and Stella Robert together in white in the garden

Azibaola Robert in his FNSE gown with his wife Stella

The four Robert sisters together in white

Talents & Hobbies

Azibaola Robert in Zeetin overalls at the UMC machine in the Zeetin factory

Engineering

Not a trained engineer, yet so hands-on in design and fabrication that he was made a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers. He is also at home with computers, using design, graphics and programming software.

Carpentry

Works with wood in his own carpentry workshop.

Azibaola Robert speaking to an audience at an engineering mentoring event

Public Speaking

Speaks to students, young engineers and professional bodies about leadership, enterprise and innovation. He mentors young people and teaches by example, working alongside his own staff.

Piano

Plays the grand piano at home, for family and friends. He loves music with a message about life and humanity, especially Christian hymns, Bob Marley and Yanni.