Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has presented the Staff of Office to His Royal Majesty, Sir, Engr. Goodnews Goodman Agbi, Ph.D, Athauro 1, the Ovie of Oyede Kingdom in Isoko North Local Government Area.
Speaking at the ceremony held at the Catholic Church Field, Oyede, on Friday, Governor Oborevwori described the event as a day of joy, celebration, and new beginnings for the kingdom.
Congratulating the newly crowned monarch, the Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, Ph.D., commended His Royal Majesty’s distinguished professional background as an engineer and his long-standing dedication to community development, noting that his achievements have earned him the profound respect and confidence of his people.
The Governor said, “I am delighted to be here today for this important occasion in the history of Oyede Kingdom; this is a day of joy, celebration, and new beginnings; it is a day the people of Oyede will remember for many years to come.
“Today, I have the honour of presenting the Staff of Office to His Royal Majesty, Sir Engr. Goodnews Goodman Agbi, PhD, FNSE, FNICE, FNInstructE, as the Ovie of Oyede Kingdom.
“Your Majesty, I warmly congratulate you on your ascension to the throne of your forefathers; this honour comes with great responsibility, and I believe you are well prepared for it.
“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 Staff of Office is more than 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.
“As the custodian of the culture and traditions of Oyede Kingdom, you have an important role in promoting peace, bringing your people together, and working for the progress of the kingdom.
“I also want to encourage the people of Oyede to give your royal father the support he needs to succeed; 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.
“As a government, we value the role of our traditional rulers; they remain close to the people and contribute greatly to peace, stability, and development in our communities; that is why, under our MORE Agenda, we will continue to work closely with our royal fathers to build safer, stronger, and more prosperous communities across Delta State.
“Your Majesty, as you begin this new chapter, I pray that God will grant you wisdom, good health, strength, and a long and successful reign. May your throne be a source of peace, unity, and progress for the people of Oyede Kingdom.
“On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I congratulate you once again.
“I wish you a peaceful and fruitful reign, and I assure you of our continued support.”
Chairman of Isoko North Local Government Council, Prince Godwin Ogorugba, at the well attended occasion, while congratulating the Ovie of Oyede, said, “I wish to express the profound appreciation of the government and people of Isoko North Local Government Area to His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor of Delta
State, for his unwavering commitment to strengthening traditional institutions across the
State.
“We are equally grateful to His Excellency, Sir Monday Onyeme, FCA, for honouring
this occasion as the Governor’s representative; Your Excellency, your presence today further
demonstrates the importance the Delta State Government attaches to the traditional
institution as a vital partner in promoting peace, unity, and grassroots development.”
President-General of Oyede Clan Union, Chief Peter Akarogbe at the occasion, disclosed that Dr Goodnews Agbi emerged as the Athauro I, following community’s decision to abandon its centuries-old Odio-Ologbo system of leadership in favour of a structured rotational monarchy.
He thanked the Governor of Delta State for the support and recognition accorded to the Oyede Kingdom through the presentation of the Staff of Office.
Top government functionaries including the Senior Policy Adviser to the Governor, Rt. Hon. Funkekeme Solomon, the Chief of Staff and the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Johnson Erijo and Sir Christopher Osakwe respectively, Elder Mike Edegware, Chief Ovuozorie Macaulay, Chairmen of Local Government Councils, Traditional Rulers, among others attended the ceremony.
