She was perhaps the first daughter of Nembe to hold office as queen and be recognised as such for the simple reason that she grew into the role and fitted comfortably into it. She was blessed with a virtuous state of mind that attracted love and devotion from far and near. She took everybody’s matter as her own, so long as it was brought to her attention, and did her best to resolve it, always acting in the interest of peace.
Gladys Inieka-timirebi was born on 29 September 1968, at Dorgu-Ewoama, within sight of the NAOC flow station at Obama in Okoroma, Bayelsa State. She was the first child of her father, Asuquo, a policeman from Akwa-Ibom State, and the first child of a young Nembe lady called Christie, who was making a living out of petty trading. Asuquo passed away not long after the Nigeria-Biafra civil war, leaving Christie to cater for her daughter’s upbringing in the challenging economic conditions of the times.
As fate would have it, the Nigerian economy enjoyed a boost in the aftermath of the war, with a surge in oil production. Young Inieka enrolled into junior school in good time, and began to appreciate the value of education early in life. She was still in her teens when her mother accepted to marry Pa McEteli, a senior dispenser in the Rivers State Ministry of Health.
Eteli already had many children of his own, necessitating Inieka’s stay with an aunt, Gelegu, for a while. In the course of time, however, he proved to be a loving and caring father, and soon brought Inieka to join her step-brothers and step-sisters in one great family fold, under his strict and watchful upbringing. More than what she could learn in secondary school, this polygamous but congenial setting, taught Ineka the skills of managing a large home, and building harmony in whatever discordant household she may find herself.
In the course of time, she enrolled first at Harristown Grammar School, before going on transfer to Holy Rosary Girls Secondary School, Port Harcourt, where she benefitted from the uncompromising discipline of a no-nonsense head mistress called Mrs Toby. Upon passing out of Holy Rosary, she enrolled as a part-time Public Administration student in the 1980s, while working as a clerk in the Department of Political Science, University of Port Harcourt. Those who knew her at close quarters at the time in question, especially those in her circle of friends, and seniors from whom she sought advice from time to time, still remember her sense of duty, loyalty, generosity and self-reliant personality.
From a gregarious childhood to being mother of a sizeable home was a short jump for Gladys. How did it happen? In 1994, one year after the end of his tenure as Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr Edmund M. Daukoru, as he was known then, was still based in Lagos, but shuttling frequently between Lagos and Port Harcourt on private trips. On one such visit, a close cousin of his introduced him to a young, frail, unassuming girl with cheerful manners. Four years later, she became his lawfully wedded wife.
With her new status came enormous responsibilities. Gladys was now matriarch of a large inclusive family of step-children from different mothers, aged between two and twenty-one years. A young adult in her own right, she was in charge of step cousins, nephews, nieces, aunties and uncles, and a range of visiting or resident relations. Even Dr Daukoru, who shortly after became Chief Dr Daukoru, did not expect Inieka to summon the stamina, wisdom and tact to manage a household with such potential for domestic chaos.
But Inieka soon became the pillar of stability, if not the rallying point for members of both families, his and hers, in one single home. Inieka’s outstanding capacity for motherhood grew to maturity. Her good nature took the better part of her, even as she proved to be a mother figure in a heterogeneous family, before she became the biological mother of her own children.
She loved her children and wards equally, nurturing them with a formative temperament that did not overlook correction and discipline. If there was anything like perfect parenting, Inieka came close to it in her handling of the household, sparing the busy oil magnate as much time as he needed to spend on affairs of state.
In 2007, Chief Edmund Daukoru was chalked as king and effectively became Mingi XII, Amanyanabo of Nembe. Mrs Gladys Daukoru automatically transmuted from a family matriarch to Queen of Nembe clan. This meant an enormous leap in responsibilities, but Mother Inieka’s shoulders were capable enough to bear the weight of the assignment.
In times of tension, she showed poise and calm. When good counsel was required, her everyday show of wisdom prevailed. She offered clear guidance when fairness was expected of her, and proffered conciliation when there was discord. Her generosity towards anyone in need was unstinting.
More than anything else, she was blessed with an accommodating spirit that was made possible by her disarming humility. She packed into her short life a load of experience that would be sufficient for several life-times in many average people.
The queen loved to attend events, and to play hostess. Her happiest moments were when she served others. She equally loved to travel, within and outside Nigeria, exploring the world for everything it had to offer. But always, even when she was far away, she put the family first. Even from a distance, she kept in touch.
To that extent, she was a paragon of motherhood and all the virtues that go with it. Her demise on November 14, 2023, was untimely, and many who knew her for what she was, mourned her loss with resounding grief. Amidst great pomp and pageantry, the remains of Queen Gladys Inieka Daukoru were laid to rest on Saturday, 4 May 2024, in Nembe. Two years after the event, her memory still abides.
