Dennis Osadebay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dennis Chukude Osadebay
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| President of the Senate of Nigeria | |
| In office 1 October 1960 – 1964 |
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| Preceded by | Nnamdi Azikiwe |
| Succeeded by | Nwafor Orizu |
| Premier of Mid-Western Region | |
| In office 1964–1966 |
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| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | David Ejoor |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 29 June 1911 Asaba |
| Died | December 26, 1994 (aged 83) Asaba |
| Political party | National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons |
| Profession | Lawyer |
Dennis Chukude Osadebay (born June 29, 1911 – died December 26, 1994) was an important Nigerian leader. He was a politician, a poet, and a journalist. He also served as the first leader, or premier, of the Mid-Western Region of Nigeria. This region is now known as Edo and Delta State.
Osadebay was one of the first Nigerian poets to write in the English language. As a politician, he tried to be fair and make decisions that were good for everyone. He was also a key person in creating the Mid-Western Region during Nigeria's early years as an independent country.
Biography
Early Life and Poems
Dennis Osadebay was born in Asaba, Delta State. His parents came from different cultural backgrounds. He went to school in Asaba, Calabar, and the Hope Waddell Training Institute.
In 1930, he started working as a customs officer. He worked in cities like Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Calabar. Later, in the 1940s, he went to England to study law.
While studying, he began writing and publishing poems. Many of his poems appeared in newspapers like the West African Pilot. This made him known as a "newspaper poet."
Osadebay found ideas for his poems in his own life and in public events. In his book Africa Sings, he wrote about personal feelings. For example, he wrote a thoughtful poem about turning 25.
He also wrote powerful poems about bigger issues. In "black man troubles," he used pidgin English. This poem talked about the challenges faced by black Africans during colonial times. It also spoke about unfairness in society. His poems were known for their modern and lively rhythm.
Political Career
Dennis Osadebay was one of the people who helped start the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) in 1944. This was a major political party. A few years later, he left Nigeria to finish his law studies.
After becoming a lawyer, he came back to Nigeria. He started his own law office in Aba. He also became the legal advisor for the NCNC party.
In 1951, he ran for a seat in the Western Region House of Assembly. He won the election. This assembly was mostly controlled by a rival party called the Action Group (AG).
From 1954 to 1956, Osadebay became the leader of the opposition in the region. This meant he led the group that disagreed with the ruling party. He later passed this role to Adegoke Adelabu. After Adelabu's death in 1958, Osadebay took on the opposition leader role again.
In 1960, Nigeria became independent. Osadebay was chosen to be the president of the Nigerian Senate. This is a very important leadership position in the government.
In 1963, the Mid-Western Region was created. Dennis Osadebay became its first premier. This made him the chief executive, or leader, of this new region.
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Dennis Chukude Osadebay
