Edward James Roye’s life was a journey across continents, shaped by ambition, resilience, and an unshakable belief in the power of Black leadership. From his roots in Ohio, USA, to the highest office in Liberia, his story is one of breaking barriers and navigating the complexities of identity, politics, and destiny.
Born on February 3, 1815, in Newark, Ohio, Roye was the son of John Roye, an Igbo man who had once been enslaved but later gained his freedom. Unlike many freed slaves who struggled to make a living, John Roye became a wealthy merchant, acquiring land and influence across multiple cities. This gave young Edward the rare opportunity to receive a formal education at Ohio University—something few African Americans had access to at the time.
But life, as always, had its twists. When his father passed away in 1836, Edward, now a young man, moved to Terre Haute, Indiana, where he built the largest barbershop in town, complete with a towering 79-foot barber pole—a bold statement of his success and visibility. He was not just cutting hair; he was making a mark.
However, the 19th century was not kind to ambitious Black men in America. The American Colonization Society had been pushing freed African Americans to move to Liberia, a West African colony they believed could offer a future free of racial prejudice. With his mother passing away in 1840, Roye felt little attachment to the U.S. anymore. So, at 31 years old, he made a life-changing decision—he packed up his family and left for Liberia.
On May 2, 1846, he boarded a ship in New York. By June 7, he was in Monrovia, the capital of Liberia. What many saw as a land of uncertainty, he saw as a land of opportunity. Within two years, Roye had built himself up as one of Liberia’s top shipping merchants. But business wasn’t enough—he had bigger ambitions.
By 1849, he had become Speaker of the Liberian House of Representatives. By 1865, he was Chief Justice of Liberia’s Supreme Court. And then, in 1870, he took the biggest leap—he became President of Liberia.
A Leader with a Bold Vision
Roye’s presidency was historic. He was the first “pure Black” African to lead Liberia, a country he passionately believed should be governed by Africans, for Africans.
But leadership is never easy. To strengthen Liberia’s economy, he sought foreign loans, a move that stirred political unrest. By 1871, he was overthrown in a coup. What happened next remains a mystery—some say he was imprisoned and later assassinated, others claim he drowned while trying to escape. His death remains one of the great unsolved mysteries of Liberian history.
A Legacy That Lives On
Though his time as president was short, Edward James Roye’s impact cannot be erased. In the U.S., the Ohio Historical Society calls him the “ninth and forgotten president from Ohio.” In Liberia, he is sometimes referred to as the “Lincoln of Liberia.” His portrait is featured on Liberia’s 5-dollar bill, a lasting tribute to his contributions.
From being the son of an Igbo slave to becoming Liberia’s leader, Edward James Roye’s story is a testament to the resilience of Igbo Man spirit. His life was marked by courage, ambition, and an unwavering belief in Black self-governance—a belief that, despite his tragic end, continues to inspire generations.
