His Royal Majesty, Engr. Sir Goodnews Goodman Agbi, PhD (Athuaro I), has expressed profound appreciation to Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, following his official confirmation as the first Ovie of Oyede Kingdom, describing the approval as a defining moment in the kingdom’s history.
The monarch’s appreciation comes days after the Delta State Executive Council approved his appointment as the pioneer Ovie of Oyede Kingdom, completing the kingdom’s transition from the traditional Odiologbo leadership structure to the Ovie system.
The latest development builds on earlier reports by NewsNet Nigeria on the historic transition, including the State Executive Council’s approval of the new royal institution and the formal recognition of Engr. Sir Goodnews Goodman Agbi as the kingdom’s first Ovie.
In a statement issued after his confirmation, HRM Agbi said the Governor’s approval had ushered the kingdom into a new era of unity, identity and progress.
“On behalf of myself, the Oyede Traditional Council, our revered ruling houses and the good people of Oyede Kingdom, I wish to express my profound and joyful appreciation to Your Excellency, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. Your gracious approval and confirmation of my appointment as the Ovie of Oyede Kingdom is a watershed moment in our history,” the monarch stated.
He described the confirmation as “a glorious milestone” that formally inaugurates the kingdom’s transition into the Ovie institution.
“Thank you, Your Excellency, for your swift consideration and decisive confirmation, bearing in mind that this historic transition was conceived and pursued with the absolute best intentions for the elevation of our people,” he added.
The monarch also acknowledged the contribution of former Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, for approving the 2020 Gazette that laid the legal foundation for the transition from the Odiologbo rulership to the Ovie system.
“I also appreciate the immediate past Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Sen. Dr. Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa, who approved the 2020 Gazette that empowered Oyede Kingdom to transition from the Odiologbo rulership to the Ovie rulership while the current Governor was still serving as Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly,” he said.
Looking ahead, HRM Agbi said the kingdom is eagerly awaiting the presentation of the Staff of Office by the Delta State Government, while reaffirming its commitment to partnering with government at all levels.
“As we eagerly anticipate the official presentation of the Staff of Office in the coming days, I want to unequivocally assure Your Excellency of our unwavering commitment. Oyede Kingdom stands ready to synergise with your administration at both the state and local government levels to champion sustainable development, foster enduring peace and guarantee the security of our beloved people.”
The confirmation of the pioneer Ovie is widely regarded as the culmination of years of constitutional and traditional efforts to redefine the kingdom’s leadership structure. Stakeholders believe the development will strengthen traditional governance, deepen cultural identity and promote peace and socio-economic development across Oyede Kingdom and the wider Isoko region.
