Asari Dokubo, born Melford Dokubo Goodhead Jr. in 1964 in Buguma, Rivers State, Nigeria, is a prominent figure known for his activism, militancy, and business ventures, particularly concerning the Niger Delta region. His journey from a law student to a militant leader and businessman has significantly impacted Nigeria’s socio-political landscape. This article explores Asari Dokubo’s net worth, biography, career, family, and assets.
Early Life and Education
Asari was born into a middle-class Christian family; his father served as a court judge, and his mother was a housewife. He was one of five children in the family. He received his primary and secondary education in Port Harcourt. In 1990, he enrolled in the law program at the University of Calabar but left after three years due to conflicts with university authorities. He later attempted to continue his education at Rivers State University of Science and Technology but faced similar challenges, leading him to abandon formal education altogether. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Quick Asari Dokubo Biography
| Aspect | Details |
| Full Name | Melford Dokubo Goodhead Jr. |
| Date of Birth | 1964 |
| Place of Birth | Buguma, Rivers State, Nigeria |
| Ethnicity | Ijaw |
| Religion | Islam (converted from Christianity) |
| Education | Attended University of Calabar (Law) |
| Occupation | Political Activist, Businessman |
| Known For | Founding the Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force; Leadership in the Ijaw Youth Council |
| Net Worth | Approximately $1.5 million (₦622.5 million) |
| Spouse | Boma Dokubo (among others) |
| Children | Multiple (specific details private) |
| Citizenship | Nigerian, Benin Republic |
Conversion to Islam and Name Change
In the 1990s, Asari converted to Islam, adopting the name Mujahid Dokubo-Asari to reflect his new faith. This conversion marked a significant shift in his personal and ideological outlook, influencing his subsequent activism and political engagements.
Political Activism and the Ijaw Youth Council
In 1998, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) was established to advocate for the rights of the Ijaw people in the Niger Delta. As a founding member, Asari was appointed vice president and later became president in 2001. Under his leadership, the IYC issued the Kaiama Declaration, expressing concerns over the exploitation and marginalization of the Ijaw people and calling for resource control and self-determination. The declaration led to the launch of ‘Operation Climate Change,’ a campaign of peaceful protest and direct action. The Nigerian government’s crackdown on these activities further intensified tensions in the region. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Formation of the Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force (NDPVF)
In response to the ongoing marginalization of the Niger Delta, Asari founded the Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force (NDPVF), which became one of the most prominent militant groups in the region. The NDPVF engaged in armed conflict with rival groups and the Nigerian government, primarily over issues related to oil exploitation and environmental degradation. The group’s activities, including oil bunkering and attacks on oil infrastructure, significantly impacted Nigeria’s oil production and drew international attention to the plight of the Niger Delta communities. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Arrest and Subsequent Release
Asari’s militant activities and outspoken criticism of the Nigerian government led to his arrest in 2005 on charges of treason. His detention sparked protests and calls for his release from various groups advocating for the Niger Delta’s rights. In 2007, as part of President Umaru Yar’Adua’s efforts to bring peace to the region, Asari was released on bail.
Business Ventures and Net Worth
Following his release, Asari shifted focus towards business and education. In 2013, he became a citizen of Benin and relocated his assets to Cotonou, where he established several educational institutions, including schools and a university. Asari Dokubo net worth is estimated to be between $1.5 million and $5 million, accumulated through various ventures, including government contracts and investments in education.
Breakdown of Asari Dokubo’s Wealth:
- Government Contracts: Revenue from political engagements
- Educational Investments: Schools and colleges in Cotonou
- Oil and Gas Business: Alleged involvement in oil deals
- Other Business Ventures: Various undisclosed investments
Asari Dokubo’s Cars and Houses
While details about his assets are scarce, reports suggest he owns multiple luxury vehicles and properties in Nigeria and Benin Republic.
Personal Life
Asari is married to Boma Dokubo, and together they have several children. Despite his public persona, he maintains a relatively private family life, with limited information available about his spouse and children.
Asari Dokubo, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region, has been married multiple times. His first wife, Zainab Asari Dokubo, tragically passed away in a motor accident in 2016 while traveling to Ibadan for a religious program. Vanguard News
As of 2023, Asari Dokubo has publicly stated that he has four wives and 22 children. Facebook
However, the names of his current wives and children are not widely publicized, reflecting his preference to keep certain aspects of his personal life private.
Recent Activities and Controversies
In recent years, Asari has remained an active and sometimes controversial figure in Nigerian politics. In October 2024, he criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration for decisions he perceived as betraying the Niger Delta people, particularly concerning the restructuring of the Ministry of the Niger Delta. He expressed concerns that such actions were shortchanging the region and undermining its development. Daily Post Nigeria
Legacy and Impact
Asari Dokubo’s life and actions have left a lasting impact on Nigeria’s socio-political landscape. Some see him as a freedom fighter advocating for the rights and development of the Niger Delta, while others view his militant activities as contributing to instability in the region. Regardless of perspective, his efforts have undeniably brought international attention to the challenges faced by the Niger Delta communities.
Conclusion
Asari Dokubo’s journey from a law student to a militant leader and businessman underscores the complexities of Nigeria’s socio-political environment. His activism, both peaceful and militant, highlights the struggles of the Niger Delta people and the ongoing challenges in balancing resource control, environmental stewardship, and regional development. Asari’s life serves as a testament to the enduring quest for justice and equity in Nigeria’s oil-rich yet impoverished regions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Asari Dokubo
1. Who is Asari Dokubo?
Asari Dokubo, born Melford Dokubo Goodhead Jr. in 1964, is a prominent political figure from the Ijaw ethnic group in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region. He is best known for his activism concerning the rights of the Ijaw people and his leadership of the Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force (NDPVF).
2. What is Asari Dokubo’s background?
Born into a middle-class Christian family in Buguma, Rivers State, Asari was the son of a high court judge. He attended primary and secondary schools in Port Harcourt and later studied law at the University of Calabar. However, he left the university in his third year in 1990 due to conflicts with the administration.
3. How did Asari Dokubo become involved in activism?
After leaving university, Asari converted to Islam and changed his name to Mujahid Dokubo-Asari. In 1998, he became a founding member of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), an organization advocating for the rights of the Ijaw people. He later served as the IYC president starting in 2001.
4. What is the Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force (NDPVF)?
The NDPVF is a militant group founded by Asari Dokubo, which became one of the most prominent armed groups in the Niger Delta. The group was involved in advocating for resource control and self-determination for the Ijaw people, often through armed struggle.
5. Has Asari Dokubo faced legal challenges?
Yes, in 2005, Asari was arrested and charged with treason by the Nigerian federal government due to his outspoken views and activities. He was released on bail in 2007 as part of an initiative to bring peace to the Niger Delta region.
6. What is known about Asari Dokubo’s personal life?
Asari Dokubo has been married multiple times. His first wife, Zainab Asari Dokubo, tragically passed away in a motor accident in 2016. As of 2023, he has publicly stated that he has four wives and 22 children. However, the names of his current wives and children are not widely publicized.
7. What is Asari Dokubo’s net worth?
Estimates of Asari Dokubo’s net worth vary. Some sources estimate it to be around $1.5 million, while others suggest it could be as high as $4.8 million as of 2025. These figures are derived from his diverse business ventures and government contracts.
8. Has Asari Dokubo changed his citizenship?
In 2013, Asari became a citizen of Benin and relocated his assets to Cotonou, where he established several educational institutions, including schools and a university.
9. What is Asari Dokubo’s current involvement in politics?
Asari remains an influential figure in discussions about the Niger Delta and has been involved in various political and social movements. He has also been associated with pro-Biafra activities, although he does not align himself with any particular Biafra independence organization.
10. How has Asari Dokubo impacted the Niger Delta region?
Asari Dokubo’s activism and leadership have significantly influenced the discourse on resource control and self-determination in the Niger Delta. His actions have brought international attention to the challenges faced by the Ijaw people and the broader issues in the region.
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