“I Will Speak the Truth in Ibusa” — Chief Lawrence Okolie, The Okpala Nwaisi Ezemese and Father of World Boxing Champion

 “I Will Speak the Truth in Ibusa” — Chief Lawrence Okolie, The Okpala Nwaisi Ezemese and Father of World Boxing Champion

Chief Barrister 

Lawrence Okolie is a prominent UK-based Nigerian legal practitioner, seasoned tax expert, and a distinguished traditional titleholder, holding the revered title of Okpala Nwaisi Ezemese of the Ibusa community in Delta State. A highly accomplished professional, his academic and corporate credentials include: Bachelor of Laws (LL.B), Barrister-at-Law (B.L), and Master of Laws (LL.M). Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (FCTI) and former Chairman of the CITN, UK District. In this exclusive interview with media personality, PEN MASTER (EMEKA ESOGBUE), Chief Barrister Lawrence Okolie opens up about his background, the profound events leading to his traditional installation, and his sacred roles and responsibilities to the people of the Ibusa community. Excerpts:

 *Pen Master: Chief Barrister Lawrence Okolie, it is a pleasure to have you with us. Kindly introduce yourself to our readers and tell us a little about your background.* 

Okolie: Pen Master, daalu shinne. My name is Chief Barrister Lawrence Okolie. I am a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. By age and ancestry, I was installed as Okpala Nwaisi Ezemese of Ibusa on April 26, 2025. I am the son of Jacob Okolie in Okponta in Ibusa community, the actual home of Ezemese who is a direct descendant of Umejei who first settled on this land we call Ibusa today. History tells us that Umejei bore two sons who were Onuma and Oshenta. For the purpose of this interview, I will concentrate more on my direct lineage Oshenta. Oshenta bore three sons. Ezebudike, Ezebogoani and Ezemese Odi. Ezemese had different children among them are Ezeagwu as the first son and Ulili the last son. The title Okpala Nwaisi Ezemese was conferred on the Ulili and his lineage. As the oldest living son of Ulili’s lineage, I am now conferred with the traditional title. In our Ibusa, Ezemese comprises the four quarters of Umuezeagwu, Ogbeowele, Umuekea and Umuehea. I can say that my background is two-fold. I was trained in law, so I understand the procedure and evidence. On the other hand, I was raised in our Ibusa ancestral compound, listening to our elders, learning our genealogy, and festivals. One of the values inculcated in me is that land is trust, not property. Today I carry both the law book and the ‘ofo’ staff. My life’s work is to use both for justice and unity in Ibusa.

 *Pen Master: Chief, your knowledge of the Ibusa oral tradition is interesting. Well, I know you have touched an aspect of your Ibusa traditional title.  I can say that your installation of this revered traditional title generated considerable interest among your Ibusa kinsmen and beyond. Could you tell us about the significance of the title and what it represents?* 

Okolie: Thank you, Pen Master. It is a prestigious hereditary title conferred on the direct male lineage of Ulili, the last son of Ezemese. Customarily, it is only the oldest son in the Ulili lineage that is permitted to take this title because by tradition, he is the custodian of the tile. What you should know is that the title represents 3 sacred trusts and because I am a descendant of Umejei, founder of Ibusa, it protects not just Ezemese quarters, but the root of Ibusa itself. This title also confers the custodianship of History and keeps the genealogy of Umejei, so that the unborn will know their roots.

I do not own this stool. I am a trustee so; the title represents the way of life our founding father began which we must do everything to sustain for the future generation.

 *Pen Master: Our people will like to know if you envisaged receiving such an honour from your people? When the title was offered to you, was it an easy decision to accept, or did your kinsmen have to do some convincing before you agreed to assume the responsibility?* 

Okolie: Honestly, I did not pursue it. In our custom, Okpala comes by age, not by campaign. Incidentally, when my kinsmen came to tell me that the staff of Nwaisi Ezemese had found me, my first reaction was fear and prayer. This is not a political position you can resign from. It is service to our ancestors, to the living, and to the unborn, 24/7. What I did was to consult my family, my wife, and children. I consulted my elders and I prayed over it. The burden is heavy and you must be fair even to your own son but my kinsmen reminded me that the blood of Umejei was on me. The expression of “who will protect our roots, if you turn it down” moved me to accept it. With their prayers and blessings, I accepted it. Not for honour, but for duty!

 *Pen Master: Alright, but you are forgetting to tell us that before receiving this title, you paid a courtesy visit to the Uwolo of Ibusa, Chief Amaechi Nwaenie, in the United Kingdom. Could you share his reaction to your appointment and any advice or guidance he offered?* 

Okolie: Yes, I did, as custom demands. You do not take a title in Ibusa without greeting the Uwolo. Chief Amaechi Nwaenie received me warmly in the UK. He was full of joy and said, “The ancestors have spoken. He also said to me, “Umejei’s blood has returned to the stool.” He prayed for me and gave me three pieces of advice that I will never forget. “Lawrence, be a father to all, not just to Ezemese quarters but to the entire Ibusa because Ibusa is one.” He also said to me “use your law to protect our people, but never let the law kill our custom." Both must hold hands.” He also advised me to document the history for our children in the diaspora to read. Our history must not only be read but heard. His blessings gave me courage and I carry his words daily.

 *Pen Master: That’s so good to know. Chief Okpala Nwaisi Ezemese, you are the father of renowned professional boxer, Lawrence Okolie. What has the experience been like watching your son rise to prominence on the global boxing stage, and how proud does that make you as a father?* 

Okolie: As a father, it has been pride mixed with prayer. To watch ‘The Sauce’ win world titles and carry the Ibusa name to Wembley, to America, to the world – my chest swells. He is currently the number one contender for the WBC World heavyweight title.  But more than the belts, I am proud of his discipline. Boxing taught him respect, hard work, and humility. He never forgets his roots. When he says “I am from Ibusa, Delta State,” he opens doors for our people. As Okpala Nwaisi Ezemese now, I see his success as proof that Ibusa children can compete with the world. He is proof that our blood of Umejei carries strength and focus.

 *Pen Master: Are there plans to promote this aspect of sports in the Anioma Region as a whole?* 

Okolie: Yes, and it must start now. My son’s success showed us the talent is here. We need boxing gyms and training camps in Ibusa and across Anioma. Talent is wasted without a ring and a coach. I will work with schools so children don’t have to choose between books and gloves. Lawrence did both. Ibusa sons abroad can fund equipment and coaching. We will establish the Umejei Sports Foundation to support young boxers, footballers, and athletes. If Ibusa can produce one world champion, we can produce ten. My son opened the door. My duty now is to hold it open for others. 

 *Pen Master: Are you also on the ground in Ibusa or perhaps, Nigeria? Are you by any means, occupationally connected to the country?* 

Okolie: Let me be direct about my occupational connection to Nigeria.  As a traditional title holder, a legal practitioner, and a chartered tax practitioner, I have a lot on my plate. All of these entail leadership that require me to be closer home. My title as Okpala Nwaisi Ezemese is not honorary. It is a traditional title with full functions. The Ogbes I am in charge of the leadership responsibilities in Ibusa, are massive. The community expects presence, guidance, and accountability. As chairman of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria UK District, my tax responsibilities are equally massive - educating Nigerians abroad, engaged with HMRC and partnering with FIRS on diaspora compliance. So, to answer your question directly: I am on the ground in both the UK and Nigeria, especially, Ibusa. One does not cancel the other because both demand leadership and both demand tax awareness.

 *Pen Master: Turning to your title as Okpala Nwaisi Ezemese, the last person to hold this position was your grandfather, nearly 68 years ago. Given the long gap and the changing times, should the people of Ibusa expect a different approach or vision from your tenure?* 

Okolie: Yes, the times have changed, but the stool has not. My grandfather kept the custom by moonlight. I must keep custom in the world of WhatsApp and courtrooms. So, expect the same values, but new methods. Land records and family meetings will be documented. The unborn must not fight over what we failed to write. Our sons in Lagos, UK, US must be part of ‘Izu’ on Zoom. I will use legal knowledge to protect our land from fraud and land grabbers. Custom gives us values; law gives us enforcement. The core will not change: truth, fairness, unity. But the tools must change so the stool remains relevant for the next 68 years.

 *Pen Master: Could you tell us about your childhood and early years? What experiences helped shape the person and leader you have become today?* 

Okolie: I grew up in Isi Quarter, running barefoot, fetching water, and sitting with elders after dinner. My grandfather, the last Okpala Nwaisi Ezemese, would call me and say, “Lawrence, listen to the story of Umejei.” Those moonlight stories planted the seed. School taught me discipline. Law school taught me to ask ‘why’ and ‘where is the evidence’ but compound life taught me that justice without mercy is tyranny, and custom without records is lost. What shaped me most was watching disputes settled with kola and truth, not shouting. That is the leader I want to be – firm, but fair.

 *Pen Master: As someone in politics, do you believe the Ibusa community is receiving adequate representation and benefits from its elected political leaders? What areas, in your view, require greater attention?* 

Okolie: As Okpala, I must be careful not to be partisan. But as a son of Ibusa, I will speak the truth. Our people are resilient and self-reliant, which is good but we still need more from the government. Ibusa floods every rainy season. Roads are our lifeline to Asaba and Onitsha. We need skill centres and real jobs, not just promises. Our graduates are idle.  Our people travel to Asaba for basic amenities. Ibusa gave you votes. Now give us results. Work with traditional institutions, not against us. When Okpala and politicians hold hands, Ibusa develops faster. My door is open for partnership.

 *Pen Master: So, any regrets in life?* 

Okolie: Only one! That I did not start documenting our oral history earlier. As a lawyer, I knew the value of records. As a son, I assumed the elders would always be there to tell the stories but regrets are teachers. That is why, as Okpala Nwaisi Ezemese, one of my first duties is to record the genealogy of Umejei and the history of our land. So, my children and their children will not have the same regret. I have no regret serving my people. Every challenge has made me stronger.

 *Pen Master: Chief, I must thank you for your time.* 

Okolie: Daalu sor, Pen Master; thank you for giving me this platform to speak to my people. My prayer is that Ibusa remains united, our culture stays strong, and our children everywhere will be proud of the name ‘Umejei’ and ‘Ibusa’.