In 1979, Benjamin Ikenchukwu Keagborekuzi I was crowned the King of Agbor Kingdom in Delta State, Nigeria, at just two years old. This historic event earned him a place in the 1980 Guinness Book of World Records as the youngest monarch in the world.
Born in 1977 into the royal Keagborekuzi family, Benjamin ascended the throne following the untimely passing of his father, King James Obika Ikenchukwu. As per the kingdom’s hereditary succession tradition, the throne automatically passed to him despite his young age. The people of Agbor honored their customs and crowned him as the Dein of Agbor, entrusting his family and kinsmen to oversee the kingdom’s affairs until he came of age.
Due to security concerns and political instability at the time, young King Benjamin was taken abroad, where he spent the next 25 years of his life. During his time overseas, he received a Western education, expanding his knowledge of leadership and diplomacy. Though physically absent, his title remained intact. Upon his return to Agbor as an adult, he faced the challenge of reintegrating into a kingdom where an entire generation had grown up without a direct connection to their ruler.
Reflecting on this transition, he remarked, “We are still dealing with the effects of my long stay abroad because many people no longer understand what it means to serve a king.”
Despite these challenges, King Keagborekuzi I has established himself as one of Nigeria’s most respected traditional rulers. His influence extends beyond his kingdom, gaining international recognition. In 2006, at just 28 years old, he was appointed Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, making him the youngest chancellor of any university in Africa. He later took on the role of Chancellor at West African Union University in Benin Republic in 2015.
His diplomatic contributions have also been acknowledged on a global scale. At the age of 26, he was honored as an Officer of the Order of the Belgium Crown. As the 18th ruler of Agbor, he envisions a future where the kingdom reaches the level of development seen in places like Dubai, provided the right support systems are in place.
King Benjamin Ikenchukwu Keagborekuzi I leads a private life away from controversy. In a past interview with PUNCH, he revealed that he is married to a strong and beautiful Agbor woman he met at an event in the United States, expressing gratitude for the serendipitous encounter.
When asked about the most fulfilling aspect of being a monarch, he responded: “The most interesting part for me is the opportunity to be able to make a change. As a normal Nigerian, nobody would listen to you if you talk, but because of my position, I have the opportunity to talk to people and they listen.”
Widely regarded as a first-class king, HRM Benjamin Ikenchukwu Keagborekuzi I continues to lead with dignity, vision, and a commitment to the progress of his people. His remarkable journey from being the youngest crowned monarch to a respected leader exemplifies resilience and dedication to tradition and development.
