Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has charged the pioneer Ovie of Oyede Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Sir Engr. Goodnews Goodman Agbi, PhD, FNSE, Athuaro I, to unite his people, uphold justice and lead with humility as the kingdom formally entered a new era of traditional leadership with the presentation of the Staff of Office.
The landmark ceremony, held on Friday at the Catholic Church Field, Oyede Town, Isoko North Local Government Area, attracted a mammoth crowd of traditional rulers, government officials, political leaders, community stakeholders and sons and daughters of the kingdom from within and outside Nigeria.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday John Onyeme, Oborevwori described the occasion as a defining moment in the history of Oyede Kingdom, saying it marked “a day of joy, celebration and a new beginning” that generations yet unborn would remember.
Presenting the Staff of Office to Athuaro I, the governor congratulated the monarch on ascending the throne of his forefathers, expressing confidence that his professional accomplishments and commitment to community service had equipped him for the sacred responsibilities of kingship.
“Your achievements as an engineer, your service to society and your commitment to the development of your community have earned you the respect and confidence of your people,” Oborevwori said.
He reminded the royal father that true leadership is measured by service to the people rather than authority.
“The Staff of Office is more than just a symbol of authority. It is a reminder that leadership is about service. It is a call to lead with wisdom, fairness, humility and compassion,” the governor stated.
Oborevwori urged the monarch to preserve the kingdom’s cultural heritage while promoting peace, reconciliation and development.
“As custodian of the culture and tradition of Oyede Kingdom, you have an important role in promoting peace, bringing your people together and working for the progress of your kingdom,” he added.
The governor also appealed to the people of Oyede Kingdom to rally behind their monarch, stressing that lasting development could only flourish where unity prevails.
“A kingdom makes greater progress when its people are united. Let us continue to live in peace, respect one another and work together for the good of the community,” he said.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to traditional institutions, Oborevwori said the MORE Agenda would continue to strengthen collaboration with royal fathers to deepen peace, security and grassroots development across Delta State.
The Chairman of Isoko North Local Government Council, Prince Godwin Ogorugba, congratulated the new Royal Father on his new role in the affairs of his people even as he hailed the unwavering commitment of Governor Oborevwori towards strengthening traditional institutions across the state.
Earlier, President-General of the Oyede Clan Union, Chief Peter Akarogbe, described the presentation of the Staff of Office as the climax of a historic journey that has transformed the kingdom’s traditional leadership structure after centuries under the Odio-Ologbo system.
Welcoming guests to the ceremony, Akarogbe said the occasion represented not only the formal recognition of the kingdom’s first Ovie but also a celebration of Oyede’s rich cultural heritage and enduring unity.
“Today is a landmark in the history of our ancient Kingdom. It is a day that reminds us of the enduring strength of our customs, traditions and institutions handed down through generations by our forefathers,” he said.
He recalled that the Delta State Executive Council approved the appointment of His Royal Majesty, Dr. Goodnews Goodman Agbi, Athuaro I, as the Ovie of Oyede Kingdom on July 3, 2026, thereby completing all constitutional and administrative requirements for official recognition.
Akarogbe explained that although Athuaro I was crowned on April 4, 2026, the formal approval by the state government and the presentation of the Staff of Office have now fully legitimised the kingdom’s new traditional institution.
According to him, the emergence of the monarch marks the successful transition from the centuries-old Odio-Ologbo system, where the oldest man automatically became the traditional head, to a rotational monarchy among the Athuaro, Okro and Omogbe ruling houses.
He noted that the transition became possible following the death of the last Odio-Ologbo in 2025 and the implementation of the Ovieship structure already approved and gazetted by the Delta State Government in 2020.
Akarogbe disclosed that Athuaro I, a prince of the Athuaro Royal House, emerged through a unanimous endorsement by the kingdom’s nine kingmakers representing the three ruling houses.
Describing the 66-year-old monarch as a distinguished engineer, scholar and accomplished professional, he expressed confidence that the new king would provide visionary leadership for the kingdom.
“The presentation of the Staff of Office is not merely a ceremonial exercise. It is a solemn affirmation of the authority, dignity and sacred responsibilities entrusted to our revered monarch,” he said.
He thanked Governor Oborevwori and the Delta State Government for recognising Oyede Kingdom through the historic presentation, describing it as a demonstration of government’s respect for traditional institutions.
Akarogbe also urged sons and daughters of Oyede Kingdom at home and in the diaspora to put aside differences and unite behind the monarch.
“The true strength of any kingdom lies in the unity of its people. Together, we shall preserve our rich cultural heritage, strengthen our institutions, empower our youths and build a future that generations yet unborn will be proud to inherit,” he said.
He offered prayers for a peaceful, prosperous and impactful reign for Athuaro I, expressing optimism that the kingdom had entered a new era of stability, continuity and sustainable traditional governance.
The Iyasere of Oyede Kingdom, High Chief Eta Enahoro, described the emergence of the kingdom’s first Ovie as the culmination of years of sacrifice, perseverance and uncommon unity, saying many indigenes endured hardship to secure a brighter future for generations to come.
Addressing the gathering, Enahoro reflected on the long struggle that preceded the establishment of the Ovieship institution, noting that despite numerous challenges and moments of humiliation, the people remained steadfast until their aspiration became reality.
“We took all humiliation to be able to get to where we are. We thank Almighty God for bringing us to this day,” he said.
He commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme for supporting the recognition of the Oyede traditional institution, describing the Deputy Governor as a loyal public servant whose commitment to the state would continue to attract divine blessings.
Enahoro also acknowledged the contributions of several individuals who played key roles in the transition, particularly President-General of Oyede Clan Union, Chief Peter Akarogbe, Chief Emmanuel Abigail and Dr. (Chief Mrs.) Evelyn Aluta, praying that God would reward them for their dedication to the kingdom.
Paying tribute to the three ruling houses that embraced the transition, the Iyasere revealed that some families suffered losses, including damage to their homes, during the struggle but chose the path of peace instead of retaliation.
According to him, restraint and unity ultimately paved the way for the successful birth of the new traditional order.
“I told them not to retaliate. Let us first achieve what we set out to accomplish. That decision has brought us to where we are today,” he recalled.
Enahoro also paid an emotional tribute to his wife and family, saying their unwavering support gave him the strength to remain committed throughout the years of advocacy for the kingdom’s new leadership structure.
He said he considered the struggle a sacred duty owed to the forefathers of Oyede Kingdom.
“What our forefathers could not achieve because of disunity, we have resolved in our own time through unity. We must leave Oyede better than we met it,” he declared.
The traditional chief urged the people to look beyond natural resources and focus on developing the kingdom’s greatest asset—its people.
“We may not have oil, but we have human resources. We have the capacity to develop this community. What we need is unity,” he said.
Enahoro expressed optimism that the enthronement of Athuaro I would usher in accelerated development, adding that the kingdom would continue to engage the Delta State Government to attract more infrastructure and other dividends of democracy to the community.
In a passionate appeal for reconciliation, he called on all sons and daughters of Oyede Kingdom, including those who may still have reservations about the transition, to embrace the new traditional institution in the interest of collective progress.
“The train of progress has left the station. If we see you on the road, we will stop and pick you, but you must be willing to come on board. Oyede must continue to move forward,” Enahoro said.
His remarks drew loud applause from the crowd, reinforcing repeated calls throughout the ceremony for unity, reconciliation and collective commitment to the growth of the newly recognised Oyede Kingdom.
The historic ceremony ended in a festive atmosphere as traditional music, cultural dances and jubilant cheers filled the arena while dignitaries, royal fathers, political leaders and thousands of Oye,de sons and daughters celebrated the formal installation of Athuaro I.
Beyond the presentation of the Staff of Office, the event symbolised the dawn of a new chapter for the ancient kingdom, one anchored on unity, continuity and a shared determination to transform Oyede into a model of peaceful traditional governance and sustainable community development.
