By Lucky Uto
Engr. Goodnews Agbi, a former two-time governorship candidate in Delta State and Special Adviser on Project Monitoring, has been crowned the first Ovie of Oyede Kingdom in Isoko North Local Government Area.
The historic coronation took place on Saturday at the Edion Traditional Hall, marking the end of the long-standing Odiologbo system, where the oldest man in the community automatically became ruler.
Agbi, now known as His Royal Majesty, Engr. Goodnews Goodman Agbi, PhD, Atuaro I, emerged through a unanimous decision by nine kingmakers representing the three ruling houses. He hails from the Athuaro royal family.
His emergence follows the official approval and gazetting of the Ovieship by the Delta State Government, with the new system set to rotate among the three ruling houses in the kingdom.
During the ceremony, the Clan Otota of Iyede Kingdom, High Chief Apah Itesah, presented him to the Oyede Traditional Council, while the Iyasere of Oyede Kingdom, High Chief Eta Enahoro, performed the traditional crowning rites.
Leaders of the Oyede Traditional Council described the transition as peaceful and in line with tradition and legal guidelines, noting it had the support of key stakeholders, including the late Odiologbo.
They urged the people of Oyede to unite and support the new monarch to bring development to the kingdom.
In his acceptance speech, Agbi described his coronation as a “new dawn,” promising to promote unity, preserve tradition, and lead with integrity.
He called on youths, women, and community leaders to work with him for progress.
Oyede Kingdom officially adopted the Ovieship system after the death of the last Odiologbo in 2025, paving the way for this new traditional leadership structure.
Agbi, 66, is an accomplished engineer and academic with degrees from Ahmadu Bello University, University of Lagos, University of Calabar, and Delta State University, Abraka.
He also holds a PhD in Monetary Economics from the United States and is pursuing another doctorate in Structural Engineering.
He is a fellow of several professional bodies, including the Nigerian Society of Engineers and the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers.
