Alhaji Adamu Atta, born in Okeneba, Okene, on October 18th, 1927, shared many traits with his elder brothers. His mother hailed from the Nupe-speaking area of Ajaokuta. At a remarkably young age of 8, he completed his Quranic schooling, later pursuing his primary education at Okene N.A. He then continued his studies at Okene Middle School.
In 1935, Atta left Nigeria for Ghana, where he was admitted to Achimota College in 1947. Following his advanced studies there, he journeyed to London, where he pursued law and was admitted to the English bar as a member of Lincoln’s Inn in 1960.
Upon returning to Nigeria, Atta was appointed as Legal Adviser and Secretary for the Electricity Corporation of Nigeria (ECN), a position he held for 13 years until 1975. Unfortunately, he was swept up in the nationwide purge of the public service under General Murtala Ramat Mohammed.
Transitioning to active politics when the ban on party politics was lifted in 1978, Atta was appointed as a member of the Constituent Assembly from 1978 to 1979. He joined the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) and won the 1979 Gubernatorial election in Kwara State, becoming its first Executive Governor.
Atta married his first wife during his time in Ghana, and they wed in 1961, having successful children. He later married several other women and had accomplished children from those unions as well.
Known for his affable nature and close ties to the Ebira community’s prominent leaders, Atta was both soft-spoken and firm. He possessed a keen sense of decency and impeccable living standards. Despite his easygoing demeanor, he was a strict disciplinarian, yet kind-hearted and generous, often discreetly providing assistance to the less fortunate.
Atta actively supported numerous Ebira youths in their pursuit of education, serving as a unifying force between the Atta family and the wider Ebira community. Like his father, Alhaji Ibrahim Onoru-Oiza Atta, he enjoyed hunting and horse riding as hobbies.
Alhaji Adamu Atta passed away on May 1st, 2014, leaving behind a lasting legacy. His memory remains cherished among the Ebira people and beyond, a testament to his enduring kindness and gentle nature.
May his soul rest in peace in Jannatul Firdaus. Amen.
Note: This article was sourced from a magazine published by the Atta family on the 40th day prayer after his passing.
