E.J. Roye
President of Liberia 1870 to 1871
Published: 14 September, 2005
Edward James Roye (1815-1872) was born in Ohio, U.S.A. After the death of his father he was left a considerable inheritance.
Roye was a pure descendant of the Ibo tribe, an American College graduate, and migrated to Liberia in 1846, one year before the colony’s independence.
When he was elected President of Liberia, May 1869, he was one of the wealthiest men in the country. E.J. Roye and J.J. Roberts, the first President of Liberia, were political adversaries. They disagreed on the issue of closing off the country for foreign traders' activities ('Closed Door Policy') or opening up the colony and the hinterland for foreign traders and investors Open Door Policy. Also, at the personal level, they were not on speaking terms. It's likely that the 'colour issue' played an important role (see under Joseph Jenkins Roberts). President Roye was deposed in October 26, 1871, following a controversial international loan (from Great Britain). He died a mysterious death in February 1872. After new elections had been held, the presidential power was handed over to former President Roberts in January 1872.
Facts about E.J. Roye
Born in Ohio, USA
Fifth President of Liberia
Was elected once
First Liberian president to be deposed in a coup d’état
Possibly the first Liberian president to be assassinated
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