Ambrose Alli

Ambrose Alli was the governor of the defunct Nigerian state of Bendel (now the Nigerian states of Edo and Delta), from 1979 to 1983. He was the first civilian governor.

He brought massive development to Bendel in different sectors, from the establishment of numerous post-primary schools and tertiary institutions, and massive construction of roads and housing.

Prior to his election as Governor, he was Professor of Morbid Anatomy in University of Benin. The Bendel State University, Ekpoma, with campuses in Ekpoma, Abraka and Asaba was established during his tenure. However, with the creation of Delta State by the administration of Gen. Babangida, the University became two Universities, namely Delta State University, and Abraka and Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, posthumously named after him.

Apart from the establishment of the University, he also established various colleges of Education in Ekiadolor near Benin City, Agbor, Warri, Ozoro and Agbor, and three Polytechnics, with a college of agriculture and fishery proposed for Agenebode.

In the housing sector he built low cost housing estates in Ugbowo, Ikpoba Hill in Benin City, and Bendel Estates in Warri.

Later , he was imprisoned on charges of corruption; he died shortly after being released.