By By Patrick Gbuchanye
The Dein of Agbor, His Royal Majesty Benjamin Ikenchuku Keagborekuzi I, has charged the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor of the University of Delta, Agbor, Professor Eric Chinedu Eboh, to rise above ethnic sentiments and lead with integrity, unity, and vision.
The Dein, while admonishing Professor Eboh during his visit, emphasized the urgent need to eliminate divisive tendencies, particularly ethnic bias, in leadership and institutional management.
“I want to experience you as the brilliant person you are. I don’t want to experience you as an Owa man,” the Dein stated firmly, warning against parochialism in the administration of the university.
He noted that Nigeria’s progress depends largely on unity, stressing that continued division along ethnic lines would only weaken the nation.
“The only way that we can make Nigeria successful is if we show unity. Unity is our strength. The more the country divides along ethnic lines, the more the country will destroy itself.”
The monarch urged the Vice-Chancellor to build on the solid foundation laid by his predecessor, Stella Chiemeke, whom he described as a “wonderful person” with whom he shared a productive working relationship.
On institutional identity and fairness, the Dein recalled how he had raised concerns about the omission of “Agbor” from some official representations of the university’s name, insisting that the institution’s identity must reflect its legal and geographical roots.
He maintained that fairness and merit must remain the guiding principles in leadership, revealing that even close associates are not spared when they err.
“You don’t get special treatment because you’re close to me. You get it because you’re honest, truthful, and brilliant,” he said, recounting how he recently suspended a close palace associate over misconduct.
In a strong warning, the royal father drew attention to the vast parcel of land donated by the Agbor Kingdom through the Oki community to the university. He insisted that such land must be put to proper use and not left idle or diverted for unauthorized purposes.
“If land has been designated for something, it should be put towards that cause. If you’re not going to use it, return it to the people who gave it to you.”
He warned against a pattern where allocated lands are neglected and later sold off without community consent, stressing that such practices would not be tolerated during his reign.
The Dein concluded by calling for a strong partnership between the university leadership and the Agbor Kingdom to drive development and mutual benefit.
“We want our university to grow… Do something useful with the land so that both the community and the university will benefit.”
He wished Professor Eboh a successful tenure and urged him to provide innovative leadership that would advance the institution and set a national example.