Historical Analysis (Steve Bankole Rhodes

When Steven Bankole Rhodes (1890-1951) was appointed a member of the Executive Council of the then Colonial Nigeria on September 23, 1942. He was the only African to have had the opportunity to participate directly in policy formulation at the central executive level, before that time colonial administrators exempted Africans from participating in policy formulation.

Earlier In January of the same year, he was nominated as an Unofficial Member of the Legislative council of Nigeria. In this capacity he pushed for the nationalisation of all Nigerian industries, he also advocated for the autonomy of native courts.

In 1943, King George VI of England conferred on him the honour of the commander of the said Most Excellent Order – CBE for his dedication to public services in Nigeria.  Justice S.B Rhodes became a Puisne Judge of the Supreme Court, King George VI also gave the directives for his appointment on October 9, 1945, thereby becoming the first Nigerian lawyer to be elevated to the Supreme court bench straight from the Bar.

He subsequently became the second indigenous judge appointed to the Nigerian Judiciary, After and before Justice Jibowu and Justice Ademola Adetokunbo respectively.

He also held the position of Chancellor of the Diocese on the Niger, Anglican Communion. At that time the diocese covered Eastern Nigeria, the Mid-West, Kwara and the Middle Belt. He was succeeded by Louis Mbanefo.

His son, Steve Rhodes, a successful musician and broadcaster was Fela Kuti’s manager in the 1960s.

He was Uncle to Justice R.W.A Rhodes-Vivour, Grand Uncle to Supreme Court Justice Bode Rhodes-Viviour and Great Grand Uncle to Labour Party Gubernatorial Candidate for Lagos State. Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour.