Long before the British colonial enterprise reached the Niger Delta, the land now known as Gbaramatu Kingdom was already thriving under a well-established traditional system. Then known as Gbaraun-Amatu, this Ijaw stronghold was governed by a sacred institution headed by kings called Pere-custodians of tradition, justice, and spiritual authority.
The story of Gbaramatu’s monarchy spans over six centuries, beginning in the 14th century and continuing through generations of revered rulers who shaped the destiny of their people. Each Pere not only ruled but lived as a symbol of unity, strength, and cultural pride.
The foundation of the monarchy was laid by His Royal Majesty, Pere Gbarawei Izo, who ascended the throne in 1372 and reigned as Gbaraun I for an extraordinary forty-nine years. Upon his transition, the mantle of leadership was passed to His Royal Majesty, Pere Oporoza Gbarawei (Oporozawei I) in 1421. His leadership, though brief, lasted five years and set the stage for his successor, Pere Fiebai Oporoza (Oporozawei II), who ruled with distinction for forty-two years until 1468.
In the same year, Pere Egelou Ogei (Ogei I) began his reign, guiding the Kingdom for twenty-seven fruitful years. He was followed in 1495 by Pere Sei Ikirentimi (Ikirentimi I), whose reign stretched across six and a half decades, marking one of the longest in the Kingdom’s history.
The throne was then inherited by Pere Iburun Oboro (Oboro I) in 1560, who led for thirty years. In 1590, the crown moved to Pere Ebiabo Ofomini (Ebiabo I), who ruled for thirty-seven years, passing it on in 1627 to Pere Ebiowei Arugu (Arugu I), who held the Kingdom together for twenty-five years.
In 1652, Pere Veke Daugeregha (Daugeregha I) stepped into power and led for eighteen years, followed by Pere Agidiwei Dein-Owei (Dein-Owei I) who ruled for nineteen years beginning in 1670. His leadership was succeeded by Pere Ebime Ugborugbo (Ugborugbo I) in 1689, who steered the Kingdom for twenty-two years.
In 1711, Pere Ekiri Saisai (Saisai I) was crowned and ruled for seventeen years. He was succeeded by Pere Ebilade Tomitibi (Tomitibi I) in 1728, whose reign lasted eleven years. Then came Pere Amakubu Ogbeyama (Ogbeyama I) in 1739, ruling for twenty-one years.
In 1760, Pere Suaru Usaku (Usaku I) took the throne but his time was short, lasting just a year. The Kingdom quickly embraced Pere Bojo Usaku (Usaku II) in 1761, whose rule stretched for thirty-nine stable years until 1800.
At the dawn of a new century, Pere Brabai Fieowei (Fieowei I) began his reign and served the people for twenty-five years. He was succeeded in 1825 by Pere Ikiyan Etibo (Etibo I), who ruled for twenty-three years until 1848.
That same year, Pere Ofini-Egbe Kenebra (Kenebra I) ascended the throne and reigned for thirteen years. In 1861, Pere Ofomini Agbo (Agbo I) assumed leadership for eleven years, after which Pere Egbene Gbazo (Gbazo I) took over in 1872 and reigned for twenty years.
From 1892 to 1913, the Kingdom was led by Pere Furuh Ekpesin (Ekpesin I), who was succeeded by Pere Tanga Ukpolukpo (Ukpolukpo I) in 1913. His eleven-year reign brought the Kingdom into the early 20th century.
After his transition in 1924, Gbaramatu experienced a significant shift. A long interregnum followed for over five decades due to the influence of British colonial rule, during which Warrant Chiefs were appointed in place of traditional rulers. It was not until after Nigeria’s independence in 1960 that the Kingdom could resume its sacred practice of choosing its own Pere.
In 1976, His Royal Majesty, Pere Zai Tiemo was selected as Gbaraun II. His reign restored tradition and dignity to the throne, lasting twenty-four years until the year 2000.
A brief interregnum followed, during which two respected elders served as regents: Chief Alfred Bubor (2000–2004) and Chief Wolo Ukulor (2004–2008), guiding the Kingdom through this transitional phase.
In 2008, the Kingdom once again witnessed a historic moment as His Royal Majesty, Pere Godwin K. Bebenimibo (DSP, Rtd) was crowned Ogeh Gbaraun III, Aketekpe (Agadagba) of Gbaramatu. His leadership spanned five years and was marked by dignity and reform.
After his glorious reign came to an end in 2013, another interregnum was declared to allow proper traditional processes to take place. Chief (Elder) Oyagha Heavens was appointed as regent and served with wisdom and loyalty.
This interregnum came to a close on the 25th of February, 2016, when Prince Williams Naira Ogoba, from the Benikrukru Community, Oboro ruling house, was selected, crowned, and enthroned as the 26th Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom.
His enthronement marked not just the continuation of a royal lineage, but the endurance of a sacred institution that has stood strong through war, colonization, and time.
