The Chairman of Isoko South Local Government Area, Hon. (Comr.) Friday Ovoke Warri, joined the Delta State Government, traditional rulers, political leaders and other dignitaries in celebrating a landmark moment in the history of Oyede Kingdom as His Royal Majesty, Engr. Goodness Goodman Agbi, PhD, formally received the Staff of Office as the kingdom’s first Ovie.
The colourful ceremony, held at the Catholic Church Field in Oyede, Isoko North Local Government Area, marked the official recognition and installation of the monarch, ushering in a new era of traditional leadership for the kingdom.
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, presented the Staff of Office to the monarch on behalf of the state government.
Speaking at the event, Governor Oborevwori described the occasion as a watershed in the history of Oyede Kingdom, saying the installation signified a new chapter of hope, unity and sustainable development for the people.
He noted that the ceremony was not only a celebration of the kingdom’s rich cultural heritage but also the beginning of a renewed journey under the leadership of its first Ovie.
“It gives me great pleasure to be part of this historic occasion in the life of Oyede Kingdom. This is a day of joy, celebration and new beginnings that will remain memorable for generations to come. Today, I have the honour of presenting the Staff of Office to His Royal Majesty, Sir Engr. Goodness Goodman Agbi, PhD, as the Ovie of Oyede Kingdom,” the governor said.
In his goodwill message, Hon. Warri congratulated the monarch on his ascension to the throne, describing the occasion as a defining milestone not only for Oyede Kingdom but for the entire Isoko nation.
He commended Governor Oborevwori and the Delta State Government for formally recognising the traditional institution, describing the development as a landmark achievement that would strengthen cultural identity, promote peace and accelerate grassroots development.
According to the council chairman, the emergence of Oyede Kingdom’s first Ovie fulfils a long-held aspiration of the people and marks the beginning of a new era of visionary and purposeful traditional leadership.
“It is with profound gratitude to God Almighty that, on behalf of the Government and people of Isoko South Local Government Area, I heartily congratulate Your Royal Majesty on your well-deserved ascension to the throne of your forebears and the presentation of the Staff of Office by His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff F. O. Oborevwori, Executive Governor of Delta State.
“Your emergence is not by chance but the fulfilment of destiny and divine purpose, in keeping with the cherished customs and traditions of the people of Oyede Kingdom. Today’s ceremony marks a turning point in the history of the kingdom, signifying the transition from the long-standing Odio-Ologbo system to the establishment of the revered Ovieship institution.
“As custodians of our rich cultural heritage, traditional rulers play an indispensable role in promoting peace, unity, security and harmonious coexistence. We are confident that Your Royal Majesty will provide the wisdom, vision and fatherly leadership required to deepen development, strengthen communal harmony and advance the progress of Oyede Kingdom.”
The historic event attracted an impressive gathering of traditional rulers, senior government officials, political office holders, religious leaders, community stakeholders, and sons and daughters of Oyede Kingdom, all of whom witnessed the official installation of the kingdom’s first Ovie in what many described as the dawn of a new chapter in the kingdom’s history.
