Olumide Akpata On February 16, 1937, as the morning sun cast its golden rays over the iconic red soil of Benin City, a baby boy was born into the family of Chief Johnson Ogunleye Akpata, the Obamwonyi of Benin Kingdom and the first indigenous Postmaster of the Benin Post Office, and his wife, Mrs. Oghomwenughaen Akpata. This baby boy, who was the seventh child and fifth son of Chief Akpata, was given the names, Solomon Sunday Osayande Akpata.
Overtime, however, he became affectionately known simply as “Sunny.” The Akpata family name had long been synonymous with excellence, integrity and public service. Sunny’s roots run deep in Benin’s rich cultural tapestry.
His grandfather, Uwensoyen Areghae Akpata, was the grandchild of the notable Ogbebor N’Usen and the younger brother of Chief Orokhiri, the Eson of Benin Kingdom. Through this noble lineage, he was paternally related to several distinguished Benin families including the Aihies, the Igiebors, the Obahiagbons, the Idahosas, the Uhunmwanghos, and the Omokaros—all descendants of Chief Orokhiri. On his maternal side, Sunny’s heritage was equally distinguished.
His mother, Oghomwenughaen was the daughter of Izekor, the first child of Osayamwen of Obadan fame, whose other children include Uwaifo, Isokpan, and Osawaru. Through his maternal great grandfather Osayamwen, who was the son of Erhunmwuse, the Enogie (Duke) of Ugoneki, Sunny was related to other prominent Benin families including the Osulas, the Ekes, the .
