Sylvanus Olympio
- Category : Politics-Heads-of-state
- Type : GP
- Profile : 3/5 - Martyr / Heretic
- Definition : Triple Split
- Incarnation Cross : RAX Consciousness 3
Biography
Togolese political figure who served as Prime Minister, and then President, of Togo from 1958 until his assassination in 1963.
He came from the important Olympio family, which included his uncle Octaviano Olympio, one of the richest people in Togo in the early 1900s. After graduating from the London School of Economics, he worked for Unilever and became the general manager of the African operations of that company. After World War II, Olympio became prominent in efforts for independence of Togo and his party won the 1958 election making him the Prime Minister of the country. His power was further cemented when Togo achieved independence and he won the 1961 election making him the first President of Togo.
He was assassinated during the 1963 Togolese coup d'état. Shortly after midnight on 13 January 1963, Olympio and his wife were awakened by many members of the military breaking into their house. Before dawn, Olympio's body was discovered by the U.S. Ambassador three feet from the door to the U.S. Embassy.