By Foster Akpore
In a ceremony steeped in history and cultural pride, the Abobo family paid a landmark visit to His Royal Majesty Kingsley Emakpo Orereh, Igbi II, the Ovie of Agbarha-Warri Kingdom, on December 27, 2024. The visit marked the king’s coronation and celebrated his first anniversary on the throne.
Leading the delegation was Captain Newman Akpore, representing the family patriarch, Professor C. Voke Abobo. The group delivered a heartfelt goodwill message congratulating the monarch on his ascension and the presentation of his staff of office by the Delta State Government.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Professor Abobo expressed profound admiration for the king’s leadership, describing it as an anchor for the kingdom’s peace and prosperity.
“May your reign be long, prosperous, and marked by wisdom, justice, and peace,” Professor Abobo affirmed. “The Omoine, Ejenavwo, and especially the Monefe Abobo families stand united in unwavering support of Your Majesty. May your leadership bring joy to Agbarha-Warri and establish a legacy of growth and harmony.”
The visit bore immense historical significance, as the Abobo family traces its lineage to Chief Pa Monefe “Isiboh” Abobo, a pioneering merchant from Agbarha-Otor in Ughelli North Local Government Area. Chief Pa Monefe was the son of Abobo Ejenavwo, a renowned trader who maintained flourishing business alliances with Portuguese merchants along the Niger Delta waterways during the height of the region’s precolonial trade. These ancestors played a pivotal role in establishing Agbassa, now modern-day Warri, through strategic migrations via the Ajighori waterways.
Acknowledging the visit, HRM Kingsley Emakpo Orereh expressed deep gratitude and warmly welcomed the Abobo family as valued subjects of the kingdom. He also commiserated with the family on the loss of their matriarch, Her Excellency Chief Mrs. Grace Temisan Akpore, the revered nonagenarian whose funeral service is scheduled for Friday, January 31, 2025, in Agbassa.
The Abobo family’s visit symbolized a powerful display of solidarity, underscoring the vital role of traditional institutions in preserving unity and cultural heritage. By reaffirming their confidence in HRM Igbi II’s vision for a prosperous kingdom, the visit highlighted the collective strength required to achieve shared aspirations as Agbarha-Warri reflects on the milestones of the monarch’s first year on the throne.
Notable attendees included Captain Newman Akpore, Ms. Evelyn Koko, Mr. Dafe Agbogidi, Chief Mrs. Kes Okumagba, Mr. Tega Abobo, Chief Mudi Okumagba, Mrs. Edith Emuakpeje, and Mr. Fred Atadi.