Onigu Otite

Otite was visiting research professor at the University of Bergen, Norway (1986–1987), visiting professor of sociology University of Pennsylvania, (1987), senior social development research fellow at the African Centre for Applied Research and Training in Social Development, Tripoli, Libya (1990 – 1991).

He was listed in Africa's Who's Who published by Africa Journal Ltd For Africa Books Ltd. 1981 on page 937. He was also listed in Who's Who in Nigeria, A Daily Times Publication 1983 on page 468 as well as Who's who in the Commonwealth, Second Edition, 1984. He is also included in Who's Who in Nigeria published by Newswatch Nigeria 1990 on pages 673 and 674 and Africa Who's Who.

At the University of Ibadan, he was head of Department of Sociology (1980 to 1986), and Senate Representative on the Staff School Board of Governors (1977 to 1978).

He published over 25 articles as book chapters and over 15 articles published in learned journals. He also produced and directed a documentary and film titled An Anthropological Colour Film on Symbolism, Rituals and Ceremonies relating to the Coronation of the Orodje, King and the political life in Okpe Kingdom in Delta State, Nigeria in 1973. He has also been referenced in more than 50 books and journals worldwide as well as several online websites notably.

Otite alongside Professor Onoge were key members on the University of Ibadan who pioneered the Social Science Department as early as 1967. Otite introduced courses in Sociology at Ibadan University on African Social Thought.

In 1965, he was admitted into the University of London (School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS)). By 1969, he had earned his Ph.D. in Social Anthropology, with a thesis titled “The Political Organization of the Urhobo of the Midwestern State of Nigeria.” He then returned to Nigeria where he lectured at the University of Ibadan and became professor in 1978.

In 1960, he decided to pursue an academic career and attended the University of Nigeria where he was one of the University's pioneer students as well as the first Student Union Public Relations Officer. After graduation, he was employed as the administrative officer, at the Ministry of Lands and Housing, Western Region, and later at the Ministry of Works and the Public Service Commission.

Onigu Otite (January 21, 1939 – March 14, 2019) was a Nigerian sociologist. He was among the first set of students to attend the first indigenous Nigerian university - University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He wrote several books including The Urhobo People, On the Path of Progress, Ethnic Pluralism and Ethnic Conflicts in Nigeria, and Introduction to Sociology which he co-authored with William Ogionwo. The Urhobo Studies Association USA Chapter regard him as one of the earliest Urhobo scholars to focus attention on the culture and history of the Urhobo People of the Niger Delta.

Onigu Otite was born as Kingsley John Onigu Otite on January 21, 1939 in Okpara Inland, a village in Delta State, Nigeria. Born into a very large family, he attended the village's Catholic school. He later furthered his studies at the St Thomas Teacher Training College in Ibusa, Delta State from 1950 to 1954. He went on to teach in this school and later became the Headmaster of the St Francis Catholic School, Sapele in Delta State. He was later appointed Assistant Executive Officer, at the Ministry of Health and a year later he was made the Private Secretary (Defense) to the Prime Minister’s Office in Lagos.