History unfolded in the Ondo Kingdom when His Royal Majesty Agabaidu, Dr Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji John, CON, Ochidoma and Paramount Ruler of the Idoma Kingdom, paid a royal courtesy call on His Imperial Majesty Oba Dr Victor Adesimbo Kiladejo, Jilo the Third, CFR, Osemawe and Paramount Ruler of Ondo Kingdom. The royal engagement blossomed into a profound moment of fraternity, honour, and the sealing of a renewed bond between the two ancient kingdoms.
Speaking before the Osemawe and his council, His Royal Majesty expressed deep appreciation for the courtesies shown to him, describing the engagement as a rare privilege and a testimony to the enduring nobility of African thrones. He conveyed warm greetings “from the land of the great red earth, Idoma Kingdom, renowned for dignity, courage, hospitality, and deep reverence for cultural heritage.” He thanked His Imperial Majesty for the hospitality extended during his visit, especially at Wesley University where he had been conferred with an honorary Doctorate Degree in Theology.
He recounted his tour of the University immediately after the conferment, noting the impressive progress in the faculties, the disciplined student body, and the focused strategic direction shaping the institution’s growth. He expressed pride that two illustrious sons of Idoma land, Dr Pastor Paul Enenche and Professor Samuel Obeka Sunday, lead the institution as Chancellor and Vice Chancellor, observing that the excellence he witnessed bore the unmistakable imprint of their integrity and influence.
Turning to His Imperial Majesty, the Ochidoma expressed heartfelt appreciation for the chieftaincy honour being prepared for Professor Obeka. He stated, “With a heart full of joy, I acknowledge the distinguished honour you are preparing to bestow upon my son. By honouring him, you honour not only him but the entire Idoma Kingdom.” He then recalled the admonition he delivered to the Vice Chancellor after receiving his doctorate, emphasising that a traditional title is “a sacred trust that comes with blessings and responsibilities.” He stressed that a prospective or existing title holder must conduct himself with dignity, wisdom, discipline, and restraint, fully aware that a royal honour “must never be brought into disrepute.” He added that this sacred caution applies to everyone privileged to receive honour from a traditional institution, for every title is not merely status but “a call to exemplary conduct.” He warned that a title holder who speaks or acts recklessly risks desecrating the throne that honoured him, insisting that only true character, humility, and disciplined behaviour sustain the dignity of a title.
His Royal Majesty went on to highlight the deep historical ties between the Idoma and Yoruba peoples. He recounted how his father traded extensively in Yoruba towns and how his mother narrated their long periods of residence in Yoruba communities. These shared memories, he said, reflect the longstanding fraternity, unity, and mutual respect between the two peoples.
He described the meeting as a reaffirmation of unity between two kingdoms with proud histories, strong values, and visionary leadership. He emphasised their shared commitment to peace, cultural preservation, moral leadership, education, youth empowerment, community development, and national unity. He expressed optimism for collaboration in cultural diplomacy, educational partnerships, youth development, traditional governance, peacebuilding, and socio economic synergy. He encouraged Idoma youths to seek admission into Wesley University and benefit from its rising status as a centre of knowledge and character formation.
In his response, His Imperial Majesty spoke with warmth and gratitude. He declared that the day would be remembered in the royal records of Ondo Kingdom, saying, “Today is a day that will go into the record as a good one, a very good one.” He then made a significant pronouncement that formally sealed the new royal bond. He announced that His Royal Majesty is invited “to be the Royal Father of the Day at our Ekimogun Festival 27th December 2025. It is the beginning of great things to come between our kingdoms.” He concludes.
The Ochidoma, expressing joy and brotherhood, assured His Imperial Majesty that he would gladly honour the festival invitation, describing the event as “a very fantastic celebration” he looks forward to attending. In a reciprocal gesture, he invited the Osemawe to the forthcoming Idoma cultural festival, stating that his presence would strengthen interkingdom friendship and affirm cultural unity.
Both monarchs agreed that the encounter marks the beginning of a deeper, enduring royal partnership capable of enriching their peoples and reinforcing the moral authority of traditional institutions across Nigeria. With mutual prayers for peace, prosperity, and stability, the Ochidoma and the Osemawe sealed a renewed fraternity anchored on honour, trust, and the timeless strength of African royalty.
