The Chairman of Isoko North Local Government Area, Hon. (Elder) Prince Godwin Ogorugba, has commended Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for his steadfast commitment to preserving the state’s rich cultural heritage and strengthening traditional institutions through the recognition of deserving royal fathers.
Ogorugba gave the commendation shortly after the presentation of the Staff of Office to His Royal Majesty, Sir (Engr.) Goodnews Goodman Agbi, PhD, Athuaro I, as the Ovie of Oyede Kingdom. The Staff of Office was presented on behalf of Governor Oborevwori by the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme.
Describing the occasion as a historic milestone, the council chairman said the official recognition of the monarch would further promote peace, unity and development in Oyede Kingdom, Isoko Nation and Delta State at large.
According to him, Governor Oborevwori’s continued support for traditional institutions demonstrates his appreciation of the vital role royal fathers play in fostering peaceful coexistence, preserving cultural values and serving as custodians of the people’s customs and traditions.
Congratulating the newly installed monarch, Ogorugba expressed confidence in the ability of His Royal Majesty, Athuaro I, to provide purposeful, inclusive and visionary leadership that would usher Oyede Kingdom into a new era of progress and prosperity.
He urged the monarch to lead with humility, fairness and the fear of God, stressing that the strength of every traditional institution lies in the trust and confidence of its people.
The council chairman further advised the royal father to remain accessible to his subjects, consult widely with community stakeholders and continue to promote peace, unity and reconciliation, noting that these qualities would strengthen the kingdom’s stability and attract meaningful development.
Ogorugba also expressed optimism that the reign of the new Ovie would accelerate socio-economic growth, deepen communal harmony and position Oyede Kingdom for greater government attention and private sector investment.
“On behalf of the good people of Isoko North Local Government Area, I heartily congratulate Your Royal Majesty, Sir (Engr.) Goodnews Goodman Agbi, Athuaro I, on your official installation as the Ovie of Oyede Kingdom. Your emergence marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the kingdom. I pray that Almighty God grants you wisdom, strength, good health and divine guidance to lead your people with justice, compassion and the fear of God.
“I encourage Your Royal Majesty to remain close to your people, listen to their aspirations, consult widely and continue to champion peace, unity and development. I have no doubt that your reign will bring remarkable progress and lasting prosperity to Oyede Kingdom,” he said.
Hon. Ogorugba joined Governor Oborevwori, represented by Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme, alongside traditional rulers, political leaders and other dignitaries at the colourful installation ceremony held in Oyede, Isoko North Local Government Area.
The event, which attracted a large gathering of traditional rulers, government officials, political office holders, religious leaders, community stakeholders and indigenes of Oyede Kingdom, marked the formal recognition of the new monarch by the Delta State Government and was widely celebrated as the beginning of a new era of unity, traditional leadership and sustainable development for the ancient kingdom.
Also present at the ceremony was the Chairman of Isoko South Local Government Area, Hon. Friday Ovoke Warri, who joined other guests in celebrating the historic installation of the new Ovie of Oyede Kingdom.
