The Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, Emmanuel E. Sideso Abe I, on Saturday, February 14, 2026, officially presented and launched his autobiography titled “Odyssey of Royalty: The Reign of Abe I” at his palace in Effurun, Delta State.
The event, held at Ovie’s Palace in Uvwie, attracted prominent national and state leaders, traditional rulers, clergy, political officeholders, and members of the public. Among dignitaries acknowledged were President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo, and Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly Emomotimi Guwor, among others.
Speaking before the audience, the 83-year-old monarch said the autobiography was written to present his own account of history. He quoted an African proverb, explaining that until the lion tells its own story, the story of the hunt will always praise the hunter.
According to him, the book documents his personal journey from providing private professional services to ascending the throne as Ovie of the Uvwie Kingdom. He described it as a truthful record of the challenges faced, victories achieved, and milestones recorded during his reign.
The monarch explained that the idea to publish the autobiography was proposed by the Centre for Traditional Rulers Advancement. Although he was initially reluctant, he later agreed, emphasising the importance of preserving authentic history for future generations.
Reflecting on his life, HRM Abe I highlighted what he described as divine favour throughout his journey. Before becoming monarch, he served for 30 uninterrupted years at the Nigerian Mint, building a successful professional career.
He also spoke proudly of his family’s achievements. His wife retired from First Bank of Nigeria as the institution’s first female Deputy General Manager. His youngest son, Ediri, currently serves as the first Black Head of Surgeons at the Oxford University Teaching Hospital in the United Kingdom.
The monarch stated that his 18-year reign has been marked by growth, unity, and development. He admitted that when he assumed the throne, the environment was challenging and the task ahead seemed overwhelming. However, he said he chose a leadership style built on transparency, courage, purposeful planning, and inclusiveness.
One of the major achievements under his reign, he said, was the construction of the multi-million-naira Ovie of Uvwie Palace, completed in record time. He also pointed to rapid economic growth in Uvwie Kingdom, improved public spaces, and sustained peace despite security challenges affecting many parts of Nigeria.
He credited the progress of the kingdom to the unity, resilience, and shared vision of the Uvwie people.
Beyond celebrating his book launch, the monarch used the occasion to address national concerns. He commended the current federal administration for efforts aimed at repositioning Nigeria but noted that the country still faces serious challenges including insecurity, corruption, tribalism, and religious division.
He stressed the urgent need for national unity and called for the development of a workable constitution that guarantees fairness, justice, and a sense of belonging for all Nigerians.
The monarch also expressed concern over rising airfares in the country. He noted that while air travel is increasingly seen as safer due to insecurity on highways, the high cost of flights is discouraging many Nigerians. He appealed to airline operators to review ticket prices in the interest of national development.
HRM Abe I emphasised that the government alone cannot solve Nigeria’s problems. He urged traditional rulers and religious leaders to work closely with government authorities to promote unity, compassion, and economic empowerment. He also called on leaders at all levels to avoid greed and self-interest.
Encouraging Nigerians, he expressed optimism that the country would overcome its current difficulties, assuring citizens that challenging times do not last forever.
The monarch thanked Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for infrastructural improvements in Uvwie Kingdom and for continued support of the Uvwie Education and Scholarship Scheme, which was initiated by former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa. He also acknowledged the contributions of past Delta State governors James Ibori and Emmanuel Uduaghan to the development of the kingdom.
He concluded his address with prayers for the prosperity of Uvwie Kingdom, Delta State, and Nigeria.
The book launch marked not only a personal milestone for the monarch at 83 but also a reflection on nearly two decades of traditional leadership, community development, and national advocacy.
