OKPAI-OLUCHI/Nigeria: The people of Okpai Kingdom in Ndokwa East Local Government Area have announced the passing of their revered traditional ruler, His Royal Highness Goldring Ugbome II, the Igwe of Okpai, bringing to an end one of the longest and most impactful reigns in the history of the kingdom.
The announcement was formally made on Monday, December 22, 2025, by the palace spokesperson and members of the Okpai Royal Council at Okpai-Oluchi. According to the palace, the monarch died peacefully at his residence, surrounded by family members and palace aides, after a brief illness. No immediate cause of death was disclosed.
Igwe Goldring Ugbome II was widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s longest-serving traditional rulers, having marked his 60th anniversary on the throne earlier in 2025 during a grand thanksgiving ceremony attended by dignitaries, government officials and community leaders from across Delta State and beyond. His reign, spanning over six decades, was defined by peace, stability and steady community development.
A custodian of Okpai culture and tradition, the late monarch played a significant role in the socio-economic transformation of the kingdom. His leadership supported the growth of education, health services and critical community infrastructure, while his engagement with government and private stakeholders strengthened Okpai Kingdom’s strategic relevance, particularly in energy and agricultural development.
Following the announcement of his death, the kingdom formally installed his son, Prince Chukwumeke Ugbome, as the new Uwaoma of Okpai Kingdom, in line with established customs. The installation, held the same day at Okpai-Oluchi, marked a defining moment of continuity in the traditional leadership of the oil-rich kingdom.
Addressing elders, chiefs and community members during the ceremony, Prince Chukwumeke Ugbome described his ascension as a call to service, pledging to uphold the values of peace, unity and inclusive leadership bequeathed by his late father.
“My emergence as Uwaoma is not a privilege to dominate, but a responsibility to serve my people with humility, fairness and commitment,” he said, assuring that his leadership would be guided by consultation, tolerance and the collective interest of Okpai Kingdom.
Paying tribute to the late Igwe, the new monarch described his father as a symbol of unity and stability whose legacy would continue to shape his reign. “The passing of my father is painful, but his legacy of peace, service and love for the people will guide my actions,” he said.
Also speaking, Princess Joyce Akpaluku, first daughter of the late Igwe and holder of the traditional title Ochiaga, said the succession followed the long-established customs of the kingdom, which vest the throne in the first son of a deceased monarch. She described the transition as seamless and divinely ordered, reflecting the strength of Okpai traditions.
The announcement and installation ceremony were witnessed by several dignitaries, including former Chairman of Ndokwa East Local Government Area, Hon. Sam Chukwuji, who represented the Delta State Government; the serving Chairman of the council, Chief Vincent Oshilomya; and the President-General of the Ndokwa Neku Union, Comrade Amechi Asugwuni, among other community and political leaders.
Reacting, Personal Assistant to the Igwe, Comrade Victor Igweokwu, described the late Igwe as “the source of unity and peace in the community,” noting that his death had created a deep void but expressing confidence that the new Uwaoma would sustain the legacy.
Traditional institutions across the Niger Delta have begun preparations to formally mourn the late monarch, while tributes continue to pour in from leaders, community members and well-wishers who remember Igwe Goldring Ugbome II as a unifier, a custodian of tradition and a tireless advocate for the progress of his people.
The palace and the Okpai Royal Council said details of official mourning rites and burial arrangements would be announced in due course, in accordance with customary traditions of the kingdom.
