Prof. Ewa
By Kammonke Abam
“Intelligent chap. I don’t know why such a brilliant man is running away from the academia to politics”, was the tone of regret by Prof. Erim O. Erim, Ibiang Oden Ewa’s senior colleague in the Department of History, University of Calabar, in 1996, when he heard of Ewa’s temporary leave of absence from the University of Calabar to run as chairmanship candidate of NCPN in the 1996 elections.
In that election he was said to have overwhelmingly won at the polls but was not given victory due to intrigues and manipulation of some key politicians in his local government area opposed to his candidacy. They allegedly manipulated the system to his disadvantage and announced his opponent the winner, instead.
Deflated by the broad day political robbery? Yes, he was. Temporarily though, as he eventually bounced back into the mainstream politics, seeking other elective offices, and supporting candidates who share the same political views and ideals with him in different election cycles till death snatched him a few days ago
Earlier on, he had been appointed in 1993, as a Board Member of the College of Education Governing Council by the then Governor, Mr. Clement Ebri.
Prof. Ibiang Oden Ewa was a first class brain who specialised in military history, war, defence, and security studies. Until his demise, he was a lecturer in the Department of History and International Studies, University of Uyo. He was winner of the British Council Fellowship 1988, Nigerian National Merit Award 1982, and Professor Eyo Ita Prize 1983. He was a resource person for the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, and the Institute for Security Studies, Abuja, Nigeria. From 2003 to 2007 Dr Ewa served as commissioner in the State Planning Commission in Cross River State. He was recently appointed member of visitation panel for the University of Abuja by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He was one of the young, vibrant and radical lecturers who made Unical a hotbed of intellectual activism. Together with Oshita Oshita, Clay Offoboche, Sandy Onor, Dr. Osuagwu among others, they, as young revolutionaries, made Unical a true ivory tower.
In Ugep, he stoically played politics of principles and ideology. For a long time, people saw him as a man you don’t compromise when he’s made up his mind. Little wonder, he was labelled, “opposition politician”, in some quarters.
Following the passing of Prof. Ewa, Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, expressed sadness at the news, describing him as “an authority” on military politics, acknowledging his significant contributions to both academia and public service.
The governor’s heartfelt condolences were conveyed in a statement released on Tuesday, following the news of Professor Ewa’s demise in the early hours of Sunday after a brief illness.
Ewa was the father of the State Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Oden Ewa.
Otu was among the earliest visitors to the home of the Ewas to personally offer his support and sympathies to the bereaved family.
He emphasised the deep personal connection he had with the late professor and his family, stating that the loss was not only felt by them but by the entire state.
“I have always been a big fan of Prof. I read all his books on military politics; he was an authority,” Otu stated.
“This is a very difficult vacuum to fill. He lived an exemplary life, for the people of Yakurr, for the state, and for our dear country.”
He assured the family of the state government’s commitment to upholding the legacy of the late Professor Ewa.
The wife of the deceased, Mrs. Patricia Ewa, along with other family members including the Commissioner for Special Duties, Oden Ewa, received the Governor.
Mr. Oden Ewa expressed the family’s deep gratitude for the governor’s visit and support, acknowledging his father’s impactful life and their commitment to honoring his memory.
