Anthony Ibe Onyearugbulem was born on 9 July 1955 in Owalla Avuvu in Ikeduru, Imo State. He was educated at St. Columbia's Secondary School, Amaimo (1970–1972) and Enyiogugu High School, Mbaise (1972–1974). He joined the navy and was commissioned on July 1, 1978.
Before his posting to Edo State on August 7, 1998 as the Military Administrator, Navy Captain Anthony Ibe Onyearugbulem served as Military Administrator of Ondo State from August 1996 to August 1998.
He was made to retire in 1999 shortly after the advent of civilian rule, along with others who had held political appointments in the military government. In 2002.
Onyearugbulem left the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and declared his intention to run in 2003 for governor of Imo State on the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) platform.Later that year, Onyearugbulem died suddenly in a hotel room in Kaduna in somewhat mysterious circumstances. During his time as the Military Administrator of Edo State He enmeshed in a
controversy with the highly respected Oba of Benin.
Navy Captain Onyearugbulem suspended Oba of Benin for alleged partisanship in endorsing an APP governorship candidate. At a stage, some traditional priest in the Benin Kingdom threatened to launch spiritual warfare against his administration if he failed to apologise to the Oba of Benin. Onyearugbulem later apologised before he was eventually removed as administrator of the state.
Compiled by Osamede Osunde (info@edoworld.net)
