As he ascends the exalted throne of his fathers, the newly crowned Okaan-Ama of Ngo Land in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, His Majesty, King Dr. Matthew Jonah Ogwuokwa Ibotile Nnabiget XV, JP, has assured indigenes and residents of Ngo Town of a peaceful reign.

King Nnabiget XV gave this assurance on Sunday, March 2, 2025 during his coronation ceremony as the Okaan-Ama (Traditional Ruler) of Ngo Land at Agba Ngo Square, Ngo Town.

The Ngo Monarch had before his coronation overseen the ceremonies marking the transmigration of his predecessor, the late King Job William Okuruket Nnabiget XIV, who passed on Sunday, January 26, 2025 at the age of 71 on Saturday, March 1, 2025.

He stated that during his reign, which he promised to be peaceful, the people of Ngo Town, indigent and resident, are assured of a peaceful atmosphere where they can live and pursue their lawful ambitions,

“As King of Ngo Land, my desire is to ensure that I carry everyone along, especially, our opponents; nobody will be a slave, I will lead with mutual respect for all and sundry.”

He indicated that his core focus will be pursuing opportunities that will serve the upliftment and growth of the community and making every effort to advance the course of development in his domain.

He called for advice and suggestions from people who genuinely love Ngo and are interested in its development, asserting his commitment to promoting good governance by implementing lawful directives, policies and programmes of government at all levels for the good of Ngo Land.

The Ngo Monarch averred that his leadership style will be characterized by inclusivity and equal opportunity for all stakeholders devoid of segregation and discrimination based on class, political persuasion, or religious creed.

He expressed his readiness to partner with the Rivers State Government to ensure peace in his domain and implement policies and programmes of government aimed at improving the welfare of the people of Ngo and Andoni LGA.

In attendance at the event were the Okaan-Ama of Ataba Kingdom, His Royal Highness, King Sir Dr. Benson Mgbo-Owaji Egwenre, Uruk XVII, among other traditional rulers and community heads.

King Dr. Matthew Jonah Ogwuokwa Ibotile Nnabiget XV, JP succeeds late King Job William Okuruket Nnabiget XIV, who reigned for 46 years.

The transmigrated revered traditional ruler was duly recognised by the Rivers State Government as a first class monarch and member of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers and Chairman of Andoni Area Council of Traditional Rulers.

The new Okaan-Ama, His Majesty, King Nnabiget XV was crowned after a careful selection, presentation, and installation by the Uwuile Royal House Kingmakers Assembly comprising representatives of the 16 war canoe houses of the Uwuile Royal House as enshrined in the Uwuile Royal House Kingship coronation guideline.

King Dr. Matthew Jonah Ogwuokwa Ibotile Nnabiget XV, JP, who prior to his coronation, worked with the Rivers State Government, holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree (PhD) in English Literature and Master of Arts (M.A.) degree, both from the University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Rivers State.

He had earlier obtained Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in English and Literary Studies from the University of Calabar, Cross River State.

A member of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, the Ngo King attended Government Secondary School, Ngo where he obtained his West African Senior School Certificate (WASSC) and is married with children.

Several Ngo indigenes and residents expressed their joy over his ascension to the throne of Okaan-Ama, expressing optimism that his reign will be a harbinger of a new dawn in Ngo and Obolo (Andoni) Land as a whole.  

Ngo Town is the headquarters of Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, as well as the headquarters of one the four traditional quarters of Andoni, others being Ataba, Asarama and Ikuru Town. Its residents are mainly peasant farmers, fisherfolks, traders and civil servants.