Former NNPP governorship candidate Agbi crowned Ovie of Oyede Kingdom
•Delta community urges unity after years of dispute In a historic fusion of politics, tradition and judicial resolution, Oyede Kingdom in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State has
•Delta community urges unity after years of dispute
- From Simon Utebor, Asaba
In a historic fusion of politics, tradition and judicial resolution, Oyede Kingdom in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State has ushered in a new era with the coronation of His Royal Majesty, Dr. Goodnews Agbi (Atuaro I), as its Ovie (King).
The emergence of the former New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) governorship candidate as monarch not only marks the end of the Odiologbo system, but also signals the beginning of a long-anticipated kingship structure rooted in a gazetted rotational arrangement among three ruling houses.
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The development, which follows years of planning, controversy and legal battles, represents a defining moment for the people of Oyede—one that blends modern political influence with deeply rooted traditional authority.
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As the kingdom turns a new page after the passing on of its last Odiologbo, expectations are high that the new monarch’s leadership will foster unity, accelerate development and reposition Oyede within Delta State’s traditional landscape.
Agbi’s coronation followed the demise of the former ruler, HRM Emesebeta I, whose death was formally announced to the kingdom on February 28, 2025, in line with custom.
At a gathering of chiefs and community leaders over the weekend, the Clan Otota (spokesperson) of Oyede Kingdom, High Chief Apah Itesah, disclosed that the late monarch would be the last to bear the title of Odiologbo, as the kingdom has now fully transitioned to the Ovieship system.
According to him, the process of upgrading the traditional stool began in 2016 and was concluded in 2020 with an official gazette by Delta State Government.
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The gazette recognises three ruling houses—Atuaro, Okro and Omogbe—with the kingship set to rotate among them.
Despite initial disputes and legal challenges, Delta State High Court sitting in Ozoro upheld the decision to install a king, paving the way for the emergence of Agbi from the Atuaro ruling house.
The new monarch was formally presented to the Oyede Council of Chiefs and traditional council by the Iyasere of the kingdom and chairman of kingmakers, High Chief Eta Enahoro, at the residence of High Chief Abighe Itiveh.
Speaking at the event, Enahoro expressed satisfaction with the process, describing the coronation as a long-awaited achievement.
He called on dissenting voices in the community to embrace unity and support the new leadership.
“This is a moment many thought would never come. Today marks the beginning of progress for Oyede Kingdom,” he said.
He added that plans were underway to build a befitting palace for the monarch and strengthen development efforts in the community.
Before his coronation, Agbi served as Special Adviser to Delta State Governor on Project Monitoring.
