When erudite Professor of Law, Prof. Sebastine Hon (SAN), relocated to Port Harcourt 19 years ago to continue his legal practice, he had no inkling that the decision—taken on the advice of two acquaintances he met on the Mambila Plateau in Taraba State—would dramatically alter the trajectory of his life and career.
What appeared at the time to be a simple relocation would eventually prove transformative.
Today, Prof. Hon stands not only as a fulfilled lawyer and scholar but as a legal practitioner whose work has positively impacted communities far beyond his place of origin. His relocation to Rivers State paved the way for his elevation to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and his appointment as a Professor of Law. As a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, he has also championed reconciliatory processes that have fostered peace, unity and understanding in several communities.
His contributions to Rivers State earned him the Distinguished Service Star of Rivers State—an honour rarely conferred on non-indigenes. Meanwhile, in his home state of Benue, calls have continued for him to present himself for the governorship race.
Last Saturday, Aleto community in Eleme Local Government Area—where his professional services have had significant impact—decided to honour him. The chiefs and people of Aleto, the largest host community of Indorama Eleme Fertilizer and Chemicals Company Limited, conferred on him the prestigious chieftaincy title of Nsa Nsebo I of Aleto.
The colourful ceremony was held at the Elera Obari Palace grounds of the Oneh-Eh Eleme XI, His Royal Majesty Philip Osaro Obele. It attracted members of the Eleme Traditional Council, a high-powered delegation from Benue State, dignitaries from across Rivers State, and a large gathering of Eleme and Benue indigenes resident in the state.
Explaining the significance of the title, King Philip Obele said Nsa Nsebo symbolises “a shining light that gives direction to the people.”
“This shows that Prof. Hon, in his relationship with Aleto, has guided and shown us the right way. No wonder the people of Aleto and Prof. Hon are glued together like Siamese twins,” the monarch declared.
Dignitaries at the event included King Appolus Chu, the Oneh-Eh Nchia and Egbere Emere Okori Eleme; HRH Godwin Chinwi, Oneh-Eh Odido and Paramount Ruler of Ebubu; the Paramount Ruler of Choba, Nyeweli Raymond Okocha; family members of Prof. Hon; and friends and associates from across the country.
Tracing the roots of their relationship, King Obele recalled that Aleto engaged Prof. Hon as its legal adviser in 2008.
“Since that time, you have stood firmly with us, offering guidance, wise counsel and encouragement whenever the need arose. You have become a strong pillar in our community. Your loyalty and unwavering commitment have made a lasting impact on our people,” the king said.
He added that what began as a professional engagement had evolved into deep friendship and mutual respect.
“We are proud to call you not only a friend of Aleto Clan, but a member of this community—one of us.”
The monarch further noted that Hon had built bridges across ethnic divides, effectively linking his Benue roots with his Eleme host community through humanitarian and philanthropic gestures that distinguished him for the honour.
In his response, Prof. Hon described his migration to Rivers State as one of the greatest blessings of his life.
“Today marks a very special day for me. We are not from here; we are not from Eleme; we are not from Rivers State. But today, we have been given the privilege of becoming a chief in Aleto. God bless Aleto; God bless Eleme Kingdom,” he said emotionally.
“The respect here is deep; the respect here is permanently etched on my humble heart. I don’t know what to say.”
He recounted how Victor Abo from Ahoada and Jasper Kakache from Delta State—then management staff of Sgen Limited, a construction company building a dam in Mambila—persuaded him to relocate.
“They told me, ‘O’boy, you are too brilliant to stay in this bush. We are taking you to Port Harcourt,’” he recalled.
He followed them and squatted with one of them for a year in Port Harcourt while rebuilding his practice.
“Today, my eyes are almost teary. I became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in Port Harcourt,” he said.
In a symbolic gesture, he donated volumes of books he authored in Port Harcourt to Aleto community to serve as the foundation of a community library.
“I became SAN on account of writing these books in Port Harcourt. Rivers State is my second home. Rivers people, hear me loud and clear—this is my second home.”
Prof. Hon noted that his relationship with Aleto had long transcended legal briefs and professional contracts. He recalled how the community celebrated his elevations and milestones, including his conferment as SAN, often travelling to Abuja to identify with him.
“God bless Rivers State a hundred million times. God bless Aleto people, double that,” he said.
He promised to convey the goodwill of Aleto people to his kinsmen and leaders in Benue State.
“I am going home—my first home—as a happy man. Extremely happy. The heavens have recorded this.”
Also speaking, King Appolus Chu said the honour was well deserved.
“Just know that eyes have been watching you over a period of time and have deemed it necessary to honour you,” he said, noting Hon’s role in promoting peace and unity in Aleto.
“This celebration is not just from the people of Aleto but from the entire Eleme Kingdom.”
In a citation read at the ceremony, Prof. Hon was described as a defender of the oppressed who frequently renders pro bono legal services to the voiceless, sponsors medical outreaches for the indigent, and supports educational initiatives for the underprivileged.
“His heart beats for humanity. He is truly the Afa Atingi—the one who knows the law and uses it as a shield for his people.”
Born in Kano, Prof. Hon hails from Mbayion in Benue State. He studied Law at the University of Jos and the Nigerian Law School. He was elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria as an academic practitioner and was appointed Professor of Law at the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti in 2014.
A respected scholar in evidence, civil procedure and constitutional law, his academic work reportedly contributed to the legal foundation for the Federal High Court decision that declared Goodluck Jonathan Acting President in 2010.
He is married to Chief (Mrs.) Felicia Ngufan Hon of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement. They have two sons, both lawyers, and a daughter who is a medical doctor.
The ceremony featured cultural displays by Dededede Ebiri Alesa dancers of Eleme and Tiv Swange performers based in Akpajo, followed by a grand reception at Prof. Hon’s Port Harcourt residence.
