He was 2 years old when the crown fell on him, but was spirited out of the country, and his kingdom was ruled through a regency
His dynasty started around 3070 AD, and since then, his family has ruled the ancient kingdom of Agbor
Agbor, according to His Majesty, started from the Benin Bridge and stretched far into northern Delta State, but the colonialists balkanised it and cut off large swaths, and this is why towns like Umunede are no longer part of his kingdom
His story captivated us as young history students, and I still remember very vaguely his pictures as a toddler in the Daily Times of those years, where he cut a picture of the ‘rich little poor child’
46 years later, I am sat infront of him in a plush apartment in Ikoyi listening to him speak about his fears for our Nation, his outlook towards his monarchy and his reluctance in having his story told thru this stage play
Getting him was easy and not easy.
In deciding which plays to deliver for the December period and in continuation of our Powerfully Unapologetic series – a series which involves six incredibly brilliant female theatre academicians, the Dein of Agbor was chosen
Superbly brilliant Prof Julia Okoh would be directing this play, and she has told me that she will take the story from ancient times and push it to modern times, ending it with the ascension of his father’s throne by the young monarch and the role he played in youth mobilisation.
In doing this, we had to reach HRM, and I started work
Magnus Onyibe, the talented essayist, was my first contact. He pushed from his end and at least got the Monarch aware of our plans. This was some six months ago
Then, I got distracted with the UK plays and my Masterclass and left Dein for a bit
Last week Prof Okoh mentioned that we needed to reach HRM urgently
Now let me say something here. For historical figures like this, we don’t really need their permission since all materials are already in the public space
But we still must engage with them to fact-check, to ensure accuracy and, much more importantly, to get them to attend – we have succeeded in this, as so far we have had Chief Obasanjo, Emir Sanusi, MKO Abiola family, Awo family and many more see the plays
So, in trying to reach Dein, I woke up my vast network
I threw a broadcast out – I need access to the Dein of Agbor, and I was spoilt for choice
People started sending in contacts, but one contact stood out
It was Andy. Never met him, but I have him saved on my phone as Andy Thisday
Edgar, I have reached his details; they are in Lagos, and you will see HRM this weekend
Brilliant. He gave me the man’s numbers, and I called, and he said Don’t worry, you will meet him on Sunday
I had also reached an influential former Governor of Delta State who also had him on speed dial
Edgar, I will call him for you; he promised, and on the day of the appointment, he mentioned that I may be seeing him today and will also tell him
This former Governor was the one who received the young King when he came back from England
His palace guards received me very warmly, gave me instructions on how to greet HRM, and I did a quick practice
He walked in very regularly and stretched out his hands, and I insisted on greeting him traditionally and went on my knees
How are you, Your Majesty? – he looked at me through his glasses, with his black cap hiding his fine features and said, ” Hello “
He had a British accent and spoke very deliberately
He was really concerned about the country and did not believe the time was right to tell his story
He wanted to be left alone to continue his efforts at bringing sanity back to the country, working with like minds
As he spoke, I looked at him very closely.
He was a handsome man, dark-skinned and of average height
His kingly robes sat very well on him, and his beads, esp. the ones around both his ankles, gave off a regal and majestic look
Maybe because of his youth and the fact that we were not in his Palace, I didn’t have the swelling of my head and goose pimples that I usually had when in front of monarchy
He was affable, easy to communicate with, engaging and brilliant
He brooded a lot and frowned as he talked about his encounter with former President Buhari and the challenges he faced with that one’s gatekeepers
He was more keen on talking about the Nation while I was more keen on getting his full support for my play
He asked which other plays I had done and asked if I had done one on his brother King, the Eze Aro of Arochukwu
I screamed Yesssssaa..
Finally, the meeting was over, and we took pictures. I autographed the Maddtimes power list Coffee table book I had gifted him and asked –
Your Majesty, hope you will come to see the Play in December, and he said, ” Why won’t I come and see a play about me and I heaved a sigh of relief
But as I stepped out, I said Thank you so much, Your Royal Majesty; the play will be our best –
He looked at me and said something like – Not sure yet
I panicked and ran to the former Governor’s house and said – Your Excellency, come and put mouth o and that one gave me rice, chicken and a smoothie and told me to calm down
Dein of Agbor, one of Nigeria’s most colourful historical stories, barring any unforeseen circumstances, including HRM’s……. Will be playing at the Agip Recital Hall of the Muson Centre, Lagos, this December
Make una put this thing for prayer o; if not, LEBARA people go beat me o
Kai
Duke of Shomolu
Last modified: September 21, 2026
