Politics

Rise And Fall: The Tale Of Professor Ambrose Ali – Bendel State Governor’s Journey From Political Heights To Prison

Published November 25, 2023 at 5:21 PM

By Omo-Ikirodah

Rise And Fall: The Tale Of Professor Ambrose Ali – Edo State Governor’s Journey From Political Heights To Prison

Written By Oshiobugie Omo-Ikirodah

Professor Ambrose Alli, a prominent Nigerian doctor and politician, gained national recognition during the second republic (1979-1983). Born on September 22, 1929, in Ekpoma, Bendel State (now Edo State), Alli’s educational journey took him through Immaculate Conception College in Benin City, St. Patrick’s College in Asaba, and the School of Agriculture in Ibadan. CONTINUE READING

He pursued medical studies, becoming a medical laboratory technologist at the University College Medical Laboratory, Ibadan, from 1950 to 1953. Subsequently, he studied medicine at the University College of Ibadan from 1953 to 1960. Alli furthered his medical studies in Britain, working in hospitals there and in Zimbabwe (1960-1962). Returning to Nigeria in 1966, he embarked on a distinguished academic career.

Alli served as a professor of Morbid Anatomy at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, from 1969 to 1971 and at the University of Ibadan from 1971 to 1974. From 1974 to 1979, he headed the Department of Pathology at the University of Benin.

However, it was in politics that Ambrose Alli gained prominence. With the ban on formal political activity lifted in 1978, he became more involved in politics, anticipating the return to civilian rule in 1979. A member of the 1977-78 Constituent Assembly, he played a key role in deliberations leading to the 1979 constitution and the establishment of the Second Republic.

Alli was a foundation member of the Unity Party of Nigeria, led by Obafemi Awolowo, under whose platform he was elected Governor of Bendel State in July 1979. He served in that capacity until September 1983 when he lost the gubernatorial elections.

During his tenure as Governor, Alli vigorously implemented his party’s program of free education for all in the state. The establishment of the Bendel State University in Ekpoma is considered one of his remarkable achievements. CONTINUE READING

In the aftermath of the civilian regime’s dissolution by President Shehu Shagari on December 31, 1983, Professor Ambrose Alli, along with other civilian politicians, was detained. He faced corruption charges and was sentenced to 100 years imprisonment, later reduced to seven years. Alli’s health deteriorated during his imprisonment, and he was released on February 13, 1988, after friends raised ₦983,000 for his release.

Alli passed away on September 22, 1989, his 60th birthday, at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital. Calls were subsequently made to rename the Bendel State University as a tribute to him.

Source: Bushradiogist