BY ANDREW IKEHI
As the clock thicks, signaling the dawn of another new day(s), arrangements are being perfected for the much anticipated “The Pointer @30. Slated for Monday, October 28, this year, the Nnebisi hall of the-state -of-the art Grand Hotel and Resort, Asaba would no doubt, play host to creme-de-la creme of the society, particularly in Delta State and beyond.
Among dignitaries expected at the event which promises to be quite enriching is the Dein of Agbor Kingdom, HRM, Dr. Benjamin Ikenchuku (Ke-agborekuzi 1). The monarch, it is understood, would not only attend the event like every other person, but would be honoured with an award in recognition of his humanitarian service to first, his subjects, the kingdom and, Indeed the World at large.
Dein’s Early Life.
Literally born into Kingship, the Dein of Agbor Kingdom, His Royal Majesty (Dr) Benjamin Ikenchuku (Keagborekuzi I) is a monarch with a very unique history. His birth, crown and reign as one of the highly reverend Monarch, has undoubtedly placed Agbor- an ancient town in the oil-rich Delta State on global map.
Born in July 1977, and, following the unexpected death of his father, the late Obi in 1979, he was crowned the monarch of the ancient Agbor Kingdom at the age of two years, four months, thus, setting the record as the youngest King anywhere in the world. This feat was noted in the Guinness Book of World Records in 1980 when he was acknowledged as the youngest crowned monarch.
Education:
Shortly after he was crowned in 1979 at the age of two years, four months, he was flown abroad, precisely England where he was baptized with the rites of the Roman Catholic Church. The Dein of Agbor attended the Catholic School of Kent and later, the College Bearwood in Surrey, College of San Benedict, Ealing and the Birbeck College in London.
In his absence, a regent ruled until he came back in 2000 to fully resume duty as one of Nigeria’s youngest traditional rulers.
Appointments/Awards:
In recognition of his sterling and leadership qualities, the reverend Monarch, in March 2006, became the youngest monarch to be appointed the Chancellor of a Federal University when former President Olusegun Obasanjo appointed him the Chancellor of the University of Ilorin. He is currently the 4th Chancellor of University of Ilorin and is the Officer (Order of the Crown of Belgium) and Secretary, Southern Traditional Rulers’ Council as well as Commander, Order of the Niger (C.O.N) which was conferred on him by the immediate past President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Muhammadu Buhari. He is also of the Supreme Order of the Dein of Agbor, otherwise known as the Royal & Dynastic Order of the Dein of Agbor (Supremo Ordine Del Dein Di Agbor Ordine Reale E Dinastico). This Order was established in 2005 during the silver jubilee celebrations of his coronation. He is the Grand Master Protector of the Order and by virtue, he can bestow honours and awards on deserving individuals who have contributed greatly to the development of Agbor Kingdom. Its motto goes thus: ‘By Spirit and Knowledge.’
He is currently the Chancellor, West Africa Union University.
His Humanitarian Dispositions.
Like German-born theoretical Physicist, Albert Einstein who, many years ago said “Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile” the Reverend Monarch, the Dein of Agbor Kingdom is indeed a rare creature who has, over the years, endeared himself to the people. This is so because, the monarch, without resort to hyperbole daily demonstrates a mixture of selflessness, sympathy and empathy for his subjects as he devotes his services to Agbor kingdom.
Only recently, the monarch, apparently savouring the pain of unavailability of portable water supply in one of the communities in the Kingdom, Ekuku-Agbor community, singlehandedly ensured the construction of borehole in the area. This is so as he also, ensures and champions regular medical outreaches in all the communities in and around the kingdom.
Similarly, the monarch has over the years shown his penchant for education. This he does by ensuring regular and adequate provision of teaching and learning aids, particularly furniture to schools in Agbor kingdom. This he does with the zest it deserves.
Marriage/Family Life:
Contrary to erroneous insinuations in some quarters that the Monarch has no wife and Children, given the fact that he chose to live a private life devoid of controversy, the Monarch, The Pointer can authoritatively say, is married with children. In fact, he holds his wife, an indigene of the Kingdom and Children in high esteem. Speaking with a section of the media in an interview recently, about his marital status, the Dein said, “I’m married already to a strong beautiful woman. I met her at an event I attended. Only God knows how the United States, as big as it is, was able to find an Agbor woman for me. Honestly, it was very strange. I thank God because I wasn’t expecting to have met an Agbor woman there. “On what attracted him to his wife, the Dein added, “ First, she is very beautiful. And I like strong women. My wife is a warrior; that attracted me to her because I also want my children to be warriors. What your wife is, is what she will pass to your children. A good wife will make you, while a bad wife will break you.”
