History was made in Oyede Kingdom, Isoko North Local Government Area, on Saturday, as Engr. Goodnews Agbi was crowned the first Ovie, bringing an end to the centuries-old Odiologbo system of leadership and ushering in a new era of structured monarchy.
The coronation of Agbi, now His Royal Majesty, Engr. Goodnews Agbi, PhD, Athuaro I, followed a long-anticipated transition already approved and gazetted by the Delta State Government. His emergence marks a decisive shift from the traditional system where the oldest man automatically became ruler, to a rotational monarchy among three recognised ruling houses: Athuaro, Okro, and Omogbe.
The historic ceremony, held at the Edion traditional hall, was steeped in culture and symbolism. Agbi, a former two-time Delta State governorship candidate and Special Adviser to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Project Monitoring, was unanimously endorsed by nine kingmakers representing the ruling houses. He was presented to the Oyede Traditional Council by the Clan Otota, High Chief Apah Itesah, and crowned by the Iyasere of Oyede Kingdom, High Chief Eta Enahoro, after the completion of traditional rites.
Speaking after the ceremony, Enahoro described the moment as both 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 about the future of the kingdom, adding, “There is hope for this community. There is going to be progress. Everything good is going to come to this community.”
While acknowledging immediate challenges, particularly the absence of a royal palace, Enahoro assured that plans were underway to address them.
“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 stated.
He also called for unity among dissenting voices:“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.
“I cannot sit with anyone to set aside a government gazette. I don’t have that power.”
Corroborating this, Itesah outlined the legal and historical processes that led to the transition, noting that the move had long been planned and lawfully executed.
“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.
He added that the process began in 2016 and was formalised with a government gazette in 2020, despite legal challenges later resolved by the Delta State High Court in Ozoro.
“The court ruled that a king should be installed, and that is what is being implemented today,” he stated.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Oyede Council of Chiefs, Chief Prosper Edafe, described the transition as both inevitable and progressive.
“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.
He expressed confidence in the new monarch’s capacity to lead effectively; “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.”
Highlighting Agbi’s disposition, he said, “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.”
On resistance to the new order, Edafe remained optimistic: “When something is good, you don’t need much campaign. What he does will make people follow him.”
Similarly, Vice Chairman of the Council of Chiefs, High Chief Abighe Itiveh, described the coronation as transformative.
“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 added, “He is a man of peace and integrity. He will lead the people in peace and progress.”
High Chief Gabriel Oganekeja Ereme also noted that the calibre of dignitaries present reflected widespread confidence 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, Agbi described his coronation as a “new dawn” for Oyede Kingdom and pledged to lead with unity, peace, and development as guiding principles.
“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 added: “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 also called on all stakeholders to support his reign: “I urge our youths, women, and all stakeholders to rally behind this new vision as we reposition Oyede Kingdom for sustainable growth.”
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 in 2020.
The 66-year-old monarch ascends the throne with an impressive academic and professional background, holding degrees from Ahmadu Bello University, the University of Lagos, the University of Calabar, and Delta State University, Abraka, as well as a PhD from Staton University, Florida. He is also a fellow of several professional bodies, bringing a wealth of expertise to the throne at a pivotal moment in the kingdom’s history.
