By AHEAD of his second coronation anniversary, scheduled for 5th to 7th December, His Royal Majesty Ovie Ataneru Igbi II, the Agbarha-Warri Kingdom’s monarch, stands as a distinctly modern Nigerian ruler.
Also widely known as Kingsley Orereh Igbi II, or the “City King,” his ascension in December 2023, as the second monarch under the current system, was more than a ceremonial event; it was a clarifying moment for the identity of his kingdom.
His widely publicised coronation served to enlighten many, both locally and internationally, finally distinguishing the Agbarha-Warri Kingdom from its neighbours within the multi-ethnic tapestry of Warri South Local Government Area in Delta State.
The kingdom he presides over is one of significant stature and historical achievement. As one of the 24 Urhobo Kingdoms, Agbarha-Warri boasts a legacy of pioneering figures. It was the first Urhobo kingdom to produce a professor, Frank Ukoli, a pioneering academic who became the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of Delta State University.
Igbi II
Furthermore, it was home to St. Gideon Urhobo, who, singlehandedly, established the God’s Kingdom Society in the 1930s, the first church in the region founded outside of the early mission denominations.
Economically, the kingdom is a powerhouse, hosting the state’s biggest market, Igbudu, and a banking sector that rivals that of the state capital, Asaba.
Into this context of historic achievement and modern economic vitality steps a king who, by all accounts, came prepared for the role. HRM Igbi II is a man of considerable personal accomplishment. A Warri-born devout Christian, he was a successful oil and gas contracting business owner prior to his ascension, building business empires that stand as testament to his managerial wisdom. Described as refined, cultured, versatile, and courageous, he brings the exposure and capacity of a seasoned businessman to the throne.
His focus, as highlighted since his coronation, has been squarely on promoting peace, unity, and development within his kingdom and the wider Warri area. Through his peaceful disposition, the monarch recently averted a needless bloodbath following the murder of one of his prominent subjects, allegedly by some Itsekiri youths, during the recent ward delineation crisis in the Warri Federal Constituency.
He is seen as a vocal advocate for his people, committed to community development projects and securing a better deal for them.
Kingsley Orereh Igbi II
As of today, his ascendancy has already spurred urban renewal within his kingdom. Notable developments include the reconstruction and clearing of roads and drainages, as well as the illumination of streets through solar installations across his domain.
His accessibility and commitment, combined with his educated and outspoken nature, have made him a cherished figure, leading many to believe he is a divinely chosen leader for a people in need of a strong voice. A strong advocate against social vices, HRM Igbi II has banned the abuse of harmful substances in his domain, encouraging his subjects to imbibe a culture of healthy living, peaceful coexistence, and communal harmony.
As the “City King” approaches this early milestone in his reign, the conviction grows that he possesses the invaluable qualities required to transform Agbarha-Warri into a city admired by all.
Ebenezer Adurokiya writes from Warri, Delta State.
