Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Friday formally inaugurated a new chapter in the history of Oyede Kingdom with the presentation of the Staff of Office to its pioneer monarch, His Royal Majesty, Sir Engr. Goodnews Goodman Agbi, PhD, FNSE, Athuaro I, charging the royal father to unite his people, uphold justice and lead with humility.
The historic ceremony, held at the Catholic Church Field, Oyede Town, Isoko North Local Government Area, attracted a mammoth gathering of traditional rulers, government officials, political leaders, community stakeholders and indigenes from across Nigeria and the diaspora, marking the official transition of the ancient kingdom from the centuries-old Odio-Ologbo traditional leadership system to a constitutional rotational monarchy.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday John Onyeme, Governor Oborevwori described the occasion as "a day of joy, celebration and a new beginning" that would remain a defining milestone in the history of Oyede Kingdom.
Presenting the Staff of Office to Athuaro I, the Governor congratulated the monarch on ascending the throne of his forefathers and expressed confidence that his distinguished career as an engineer, scholar and community leader had adequately prepared 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," the Governor said.
Oborevwori reminded the new monarch that traditional authority carries enormous responsibility, stressing that genuine leadership is defined by service rather than power.
"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."
He urged Athuaro I to preserve the kingdom's rich cultural heritage while fostering peace, reconciliation and sustainable 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 stated.
The Governor also appealed to sons and daughters of Oyede Kingdom to rally behind their pioneer monarch, emphasizing that unity remains the foundation for meaningful development.
"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 reaffirmed his administration's commitment to strengthening traditional institutions through the M.O.R.E. Agenda, noting that collaboration with royal fathers remains critical to sustaining peace, enhancing security and accelerating grassroots development across Delta State.
Chairman of Isoko North Local Government Council, Prince Godwin Ogorugba, congratulated the pioneer Ovie and commended Governor Oborevwori for his unwavering commitment to strengthening traditional institutions throughout 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 fundamentally transformed the kingdom's traditional leadership structure after centuries under the Odio-Ologbo system.
Welcoming dignitaries to the epoch-making ceremony, Akarogbe said the event represented both the official recognition of the kingdom's first Ovie and a celebration of Oyede's enduring heritage and 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.
Although Athuaro I had earlier been crowned on April 4, 2026, Akarogbe explained that the government's approval and presentation of the Staff of Office had now fully legitimised the kingdom's new traditional institution.
He disclosed that the enthronement marked the successful transition from the age-old Odio-Ologbo system—where the oldest man automatically became the traditional head—to a rotational monarchy involving the Athuaro, Okro and Omogbe ruling houses.
According to him, the transition became possible following the death of the last Odio-Ologbo in 2025 and the implementation of the Ovieship framework approved and gazetted by the Delta State Government in 2020.
Akarogbe further revealed that Athuaro I, a prince of the Athuaro Royal House, emerged through the unanimous endorsement of the kingdom's nine kingmakers representing the three ruling houses.
Describing the 66-year-old monarch as a distinguished engineer, accomplished scholar and seasoned professional, he expressed confidence that the pioneer Ovie would provide visionary leadership capable of transforming 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 declared.
He thanked Governor Oborevwori and the Delta State Government for recognising the kingdom's aspirations, describing the gesture as evidence of government's respect for traditional institutions.
Calling on all sons and daughters of Oyede Kingdom, both at home and abroad, to unite behind the new monarch, Akarogbe stressed that sustainable development could only be achieved through collective commitment.
"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 prayed for a peaceful, prosperous and impactful reign for Athuaro I, expressing optimism that Oyede Kingdom had entered an era of stability, continuity and progressive traditional governance.
Also speaking, the Iyasere of Oyede Kingdom, High Chief Eta Enahoro, described the emergence of the pioneer Ovie as the culmination of years of sacrifice, perseverance and uncommon unity by the people.
Reflecting on the long struggle that birthed the new traditional institution, Enahoro recalled that many indigenes endured years of hardship, humiliation and personal losses before achieving their collective aspiration.
"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 Oborevwori and Deputy Governor Onyeme for supporting the recognition of the kingdom and acknowledged the pivotal roles played by Chief Peter Akarogbe, Chief Emmanuel Abigail and Dr. (Chief Mrs.) Evelyn Aluta in actualising the transition.
Paying tribute to the three ruling houses for embracing peace throughout the process, Enahoro disclosed that despite attacks on homes and numerous provocations, community leaders deliberately resisted retaliation in order to secure lasting peace.
"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 urged the people to shift attention beyond natural resources and focus on developing the kingdom's greatest asset—its human capital.
"We may not have oil, but we have human resources. We have the capacity to develop this community. What we need is unity."
In a passionate appeal for reconciliation, Enahoro called on all sons and daughters of Oyede Kingdom, including those who still harbour reservations about the transition, to embrace the new traditional institution in the overall interest of peace and development.
"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."
His remarks drew sustained applause from the large audience, reinforcing repeated calls for unity, reconciliation and collective commitment to building a prosperous future for the kingdom.
The colourful ceremony ended in a festive atmosphere, with cultural displays, traditional music and jubilant celebrations as dignitaries, royal fathers, political leaders and thousands of indigenes marked the formal installation of Athuaro I, whose reign is widely expected to usher in a new era of unity, institutional stability and accelerated development for the ancient Oyede Kingdom.
