History unfolded in a defining moment in Oyede Kingdom on Saturday, as an age-old tradition gave way to a new royal order, ushering in a monarch where none had ever reigned before.
Oyede Kingdom in Isoko North Local Government Area is uniquely bordered on all sides—north, west, south, and east—by Irri, Aviara, Ada-Irri, and Idheze-Irri communities, all located within Isoko South Local Government Area.
In a ceremony steeped in culture and symbolism, former two-time Delta State governorship candidate and Special Adviser to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Project Monitoring, Engr. Goodnews Agbi, PhD, was crowned the first Ovie of Oyede Kingdom, formally bringing an end to the centuries-old Odiologbo system of leadership.
The coronation, held at the Edion traditional hall, marked a decisive break from the past, where the oldest man in the community automatically ascended the throne.
With Agbi’s emergence, Oyede Kingdom has now embraced a structured monarchical system designed to promote stability, inclusiveness, and continuity.
The newly established Ovieship, already approved and gazetted by the Delta State Government, will rotate among the kingdom’s three recognised ruling houses.
Crowned as His Royal Majesty, Engr. Goodnews Goodman Agbi, PhD, Athuaro I, the monarch hails from the Athuaro royal family and emerged through a unanimous endorsement by nine kingmakers representing the three ruling houses.
He was first presented to the Oyede Traditional Council by the Clan Otota, High Chief Apah Itesah, before being crowned by the Iyasere of Oyede Kingdom, High Chief Eta Enahoro, following the completion of traditional rites.
Speaking after the ceremony, the Iyasere of Oyede Kingdom, High Chief Eta Enahoro, described the moment as historic and deeply emotional.
“I feel fulfilled. I feel elated that in my time, what many people thought would not happen has happened. I am overwhelmed,” he said.
He expressed optimism that the new traditional structure would usher in development and renewed hope.
“There is hope for this community. There is going to be progress. Everything good is going to come to this community,” he added.
Enahoro, however, acknowledged the challenges ahead, particularly the need for unity and critical infrastructure such as a royal palace.
“The issue of a palace is something we are going to address very quickly. In a short time, we will have a befitting palace for the king. There is no cause for alarm,” he assured.
He also called for reconciliation among aggrieved stakeholders, stressing that the process was guided by law.
“Those who were against what we have done today should retrace their steps and come back so that we can have a united front. We are going to reconcile everybody,” he said.
“I cannot sit with anyone to set aside a government gazette. I don’t have that power,” he added.
Corroborating this position, the Clan Otota of Oyede Kingdom, High Chief Apah Itesah, outlined the legal and traditional processes that led to the historic transition.
He explained that following the death of the last Odiologbo in 2025, the kingdom formally announced not only his passing but also the end of the Odiologbo system.
“After the demise of the last Odiologbo, the kingdom was informed that he would be the last to occupy that position, as Oyede had already concluded plans to transition to an Ovieship,” he said.
Itesah noted that the process for the transition began as far back as 2016 and was concluded with a government gazette in 2020, which recognised three ruling houses—Athuaro, Okro, and Omogbe.
According to him, despite legal challenges from some quarters, the Delta State High Court in Ozoro affirmed the position of the kingdom.
“The court ruled that a king should be installed, and that is what is being implemented today,” he stated, adding that the Ovieship would rotate among the recognised ruling houses.
Also lending his voice, Chairman of the Oyede Council of Chiefs, Chief Prosper Edafe, described the transition as inevitable and forward-looking, driven by the community’s desire for development.
“Life is full of changes. With modernity, you look towards the future and what will bring development. This transition is necessary, and meaningful indigenes have seen it,” he said.
Edafe expressed strong confidence in the capacity of the new monarch, citing his academic pedigree and political experience as key advantages.
“Look at the kind of man who is king today—his qualifications, his experience. When you have such a person as a traditional ruler, you should expect the best,” he noted.
He further emphasised the monarch’s disposition to peace, describing him as calm and calculated.
“He radiates peace. The prayers of the kingmakers were anchored on peace, and we believe God and our ancestors will ensure peace in this kingdom,” he said.
On mobilising support for the new administration, Edafe dismissed concerns about resistance, insisting that performance would naturally win over skeptics.
“When something is good, you don’t need much campaign. What he does will make people follow him,” he added.
In the same vein, Vice Chairman of the Council of Chiefs, High Chief Abighe Itiveh, described the coronation as a turning point in the history of the kingdom.
“What has happened today is a great blessing, a great change in the life of our kingdom. We believe this change will affect every Oyede citizen, both at home and in the diaspora,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the reign of the new monarch would be defined by peace and progress.
“He is a man of peace and integrity. He will lead the people in peace and progress,” he stated.
Also speaking, High Chief Gabriel Oganekeja Ereme said the calibre of personalities present at the ceremony underscored the confidence reposed in the new monarch.
“The presence of top personalities here today is because of the man taking the mantle of leadership. He is ready to lead in peace, and we are ready to support him,” he said.
In his acceptance speech, HRM Agbi described his emergence as a “new dawn” for Oyede Kingdom, pledging to promote unity, uphold tradition, and lead with the fear of God.
“I am fully committed to fostering unity and lasting peace in Oyede Kingdom. My reign will prioritise harmony within our communities and strengthen our relationship with neighbouring towns, because development can only thrive where peace exists,” he said.
He further assured of his determination to drive development and improve the welfare of his people.
“As Ovie, I will work tirelessly to attract development, empower our people, and ensure that every son and daughter of Oyede lives in peace, security, and dignity, while maintaining cordial ties with our neighbours,” he added.
He urged youths, women, and stakeholders to rally behind his reign to reposition the kingdom for sustainable development.
Oyede Kingdom had operated the Odiologbo system until the death of its last occupant in 2025, paving the way for the full implementation of the Ovieship structure earlier gazetted by the state government in 2020.
The 66-year-old monarch brings to the throne a rich blend of academic and professional experience.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; a Master’s in Structural Engineering from the University of Lagos; an MBA from the University of Calabar; and a Master’s degree in Civil Geotechnics from Delta State University, Abraka.
He also holds a PhD in Monetary Economics from Staton University, Florida, USA, and is currently pursuing another doctoral degree in Structural Engineering at Delta State University, Abraka.
Athuaro I is a fellow of several professional bodies, including the Nigerian Society of Engineers, the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers, and the Nigerian Institute of Structural Engineers—bringing a wealth of expertise to the throne at a pivotal moment in the kingdom’s history.
