His Imperial Majesty, Obi of Aboh, Dr Greg Oputa III, stands as a defining figure in the contemporary history of Aboh Kingdom, embodying the convergence of royal heritage, personal industry, and visionary leadership. His life and reign represent both continuity and renewal, rooted firmly in ancestral tradition while consciously directed towards modern development and global relevance. As he marks sixty years of life and one year since his coronation as the twentieth traditional ruler of the ancient Aboh Kingdom, his story offers a compelling portrait of destiny shaped by preparation, service, and purpose.
History was unmistakably made on 15 September 2024, when the people of Aboh Kingdom witnessed the ascension of Obi Dr Greg Oputa III to the throne. The occasion was far more than a formal enthronement; it was a moment of deep historical resonance that reaffirmed the enduring institutions of Aboh monarchy. His coronation symbolised the survival of a proud civilisation, the legitimacy of royal succession, and the collective hope of a people whose kingdom has long occupied a respected place in the cultural and political history of the Niger River region.
Born on 27 December 1965, Dr Greg Oputa III hails from an illustrious royal lineage that has shaped the destiny of Aboh Kingdom for generations. He is the son of the late Prince Alexander Charles Rexford Oputa and the grandson of the legendary Obi Oputa II, one of the most influential and respected monarchs in the history of the old Western and Mid-Western regions of Nigeria. Obi Oputa II reigned from 1916 to 1964, a period spanning forty-eight years marked by strength, stability, and diplomatic skill. Under his rule, Aboh Kingdom attained international recognition and emerged as a significant centre of power, commerce, and culture.
Historical accounts consistently portray Obi Oputa II as a courageous warrior and an exceptional ruler whose authority extended beyond his immediate domain. He was widely regarded as a first-class monarch and, within the protocol of the Mid-Western Province, was often considered second only to the Oba of Benin. His reputation for intelligence, strategic thinking, and mystique reached beyond Africa, drawing the attention of the British monarchy. It is recorded that the Queen of England, intrigued by reports of his influence and the so-called “palace of secrets,” undertook a visit to the West African coast, including Aboh, to better understand the power and sophistication of his court.
This formidable legacy forms the historical foundation upon which Obi Dr Greg Oputa III stands. As a direct descendant of Obi Oputa II, his emergence as king was neither accidental nor controversial. Rather, it was widely seen as the natural continuation of a royal bloodline that has long defined leadership in Aboh Kingdom. From an early age, he was immersed in the customs, values, and responsibilities associated with kingship, gaining an intimate understanding of the cultural practices, spiritual traditions, and moral expectations of his people.
Before his ascension to the throne, Obi Dr Greg Oputa III underwent all traditional rites and fulfilled every condition required by the customs of Aboh Kingdom. These processes, carefully preserved by generations of ancestors, are designed to ensure that a monarch is spiritually prepared, culturally grounded, and morally fit to rule. His successful completion of these rites affirmed his legitimacy and reinforced the confidence of the people in his leadership.
The announcement of his coronation was greeted with widespread joy and spontaneous celebration throughout the kingdom. Men and women of all ages poured into the streets, dancing, singing, and moving in procession to the ancestral palace. The atmosphere was peaceful, jubilant, and deeply emotional, reflecting not only acceptance but genuine affection for the new monarch. Such unity and enthusiasm spoke clearly of his personal character, his reputation for fairness, and the trust placed in him by his subjects.
In his first address to the people, Obi Dr Greg Oputa III articulated a clear and purposeful vision for his reign. He declared his intention to rule with the fear of God, guided by principles of fairness, transparency, diligence, and compassion. He emphasised service rather than privilege, responsibility rather than power, and collective progress rather than personal gain. His words reflected a leadership philosophy grounded in moral discipline and social responsibility, coupled with the courage to take firm decisions when required.
Central to his vision is the accelerated socio-economic development of Aboh Kingdom. He has made it clear that progress must be inclusive, sustainable, and anchored in peace. While he remains deeply respectful of tradition, he has also shown a readiness to embrace innovation and modern governance practices in order to address contemporary challenges. His leadership style is marked by confidence and resolve, balanced by empathy and openness to dialogue.
Aboh Kingdom occupies a unique place in Nigerian history as a riverine community that played a significant role in early European exploration of the Niger River. Centuries ago, the lander brothers anchored their vessel at Aboh during their expedition and were received by the king and people of the kingdom. This historical encounter highlights Aboh’s longstanding engagement with the wider world, a legacy that Obi Dr Greg Oputa III continues to uphold in the modern era.
His educational and professional journey reflects a commitment to self-development and practical competence. He attended Western Boys High School in Benin City, followed by Utagba-Ogbe Technical College in Kwale, where he studied Electrical and Electronics Engineering. He obtained Trade Test I and II certificates, equipping him with technical skills that fostered discipline, problem-solving ability, and attention to detail. He later undertook private professional courses in business and related fields, expanding his understanding of management and enterprise.
In pursuit of broader opportunities, he relocated to the United States of America, where his resilience and entrepreneurial spirit yielded tangible success. His achievements in commerce and business earned him honorary doctorate degrees in both Nigeria and the United States, recognising not only his professional accomplishments but also his contributions to community development and leadership.
These experiences have provided Obi Dr Greg Oputa III with a strong platform from which to address the developmental needs of Aboh Kingdom. His exposure to diverse cultures, economic systems, and leadership models has sharpened his ability to manage people, resources, and institutions effectively. He brings to the throne a rare combination of traditional authority and global perspective.
Beyond his royal duties, His Imperial Majesty is widely known for his philanthropic and institutional leadership. He serves as President of the Gregory Oputa International Foundation, President of Do-It-All Group Incorporated, and President of Throne of Grace Ministries Worldwide. Through these organisations, he has consistently supported initiatives aimed at improving education, healthcare, and social welfare, particularly for the most vulnerable members of society.
The Gregory Oputa International Foundation has been instrumental in addressing the challenges faced by widows, widowers, the physically challenged, and economically disadvantaged families. The Foundation has implemented health outreach programmes that provide free medical services across Aboh Kingdom and neighbouring communities, ensuring access to basic healthcare for rural populations.
Education remains a central pillar of his philanthropic work. Through the Foundation, numerous indigent students have received scholarships that enable them to pursue their studies without financial burden. One of his most enduring contributions to education is the establishment of the ACRO Memorial Nursery and Primary School in Aboh, named in honour of his late father, Prince Alexander Charles Rexford Oputa. The school operates a tuition-free model for children from less privileged backgrounds, providing free school fees, learning materials, footwear, and meals. Pupils who excel academically and proceed to secondary education continue to benefit from scholarship support, reinforcing a culture of excellence and opportunity.
In the area of infrastructure, Obi Dr Greg Oputa III has demonstrated personal commitment and leadership. He initiated the Aboh shoreline protection project, aimed at safeguarding the community from erosion and environmental threats. Since his ascension to the throne, Aboh Kingdom has experienced increased government attention and investment.
Economic empowerment has also featured prominently in his reign. Various empowerment initiatives have targeted petty traders, artisans, and small-scale business owners, enabling them to strengthen their livelihoods and contribute more effectively to the local economy. These interventions reflect his belief that sustainable development must be people-centred and inclusive.
At the national and international levels, His Imperial Majesty has actively projected the cultural identity and heritage of Aboh Kingdom. His participation in the Diaspora Day celebration organised by the Nigerian Diaspora Commission at the Presidential Villa in Abuja stands as a notable example. In his address, he challenged Nigerians living abroad to maintain strong ties with their homeland and to pool resources, skills, and ideas for national development.
In recognition of his contributions to global peace and commerce, Obi Dr Greg Oputa III received a prestigious lifetime award presented by the President of the united States of America, President Joe Biden. This honour underscores his standing as a respected global figure whose influence extends beyond traditional boundaries.
Perhaps the most remarkable outcome of his first year on the throne is the atmosphere of unity, peace, and mutual respect now prevailing across Aboh Kingdom. Longstanding divisions have given way to cooperation, creating a stable environment for growth and progress. This harmony has reinforced the social fabric of the kingdom and laid a strong foundation for future development.
In addition to his royal responsibilities, His Imperial Majesty maintains diverse business interests spanning human resources management, estate development, hospitality, automobile dealership, and oil and gas services. He is the owner of Central Auto Dealers in Houston, Texas, USA.
All these experiences converge in his approach to governance. Obi Dr Greg Oputa III has consistently affirmed that he will leverage his global contacts, professional expertise, and institutional networks for the benefit of Aboh Kingdom. His primary appeal to his people is for unity, cooperation, and shared commitment, recognising that collective effort is essential to rewriting the kingdom’s development narrative and restoring its historic prominence.
As he celebrates sixty years of life and reflects on one year of purposeful reign, Obi Dr Greg Oputa III stands as a symbol of continuity, progress, and hope. His leadership has already set Aboh Kingdom on a path of renewed confidence and steady advancement, with the promise of greater achievements in the years ahead.
*Frankwhite Osabohien is a Nigerian media executive, dedicated to insightful journalism and commentary
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