OBENIBE the Tenth of Epie Kingdom (1932 – 2002)
His Royal Majesty King Charles Benson Agulata was born on 24 February 1932 in Amarata, Yenagoa District, Eastern Nigeria, to the family of the late Elder Benson Akpaan and the late Mrs. Obugene. From childhood, he showed a strong appetite for learning and a natural gift for leadership.
He began his studies at St. Matthias Roman Catholic Mission School, Amarata (1944–1947), continued at St. Leo’s Roman Catholic Mission School, Ashaka (1948–1949), and later advanced to the renowned Holy Ghost College, Umuahia (1951–1955), where he trained as a teacher.
Teaching and Early Service
After graduation, he embarked on a distinguished teaching career spanning 27 years, serving in several primary schools across Rivers and Bayelsa. He rose to the rank of Headmaster, with his final posting at the renowned Proctor Memorial School, Kaiama. Alongside teaching, he served as Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (1970–1977) and as a member of the Rivers State Schools Management Board (1976–1978). His dedication to education extended to chairing the Board of Governors of St. Jude’s Girls Secondary School, Amarata-Epie.
Political Career
King Agulata’s public service began early. At just 22 years old, he became Secretary of the NCNC for Brass North Constituency (1954–1962). He later served as Councilor for Central Ijaw County Council (1955–1958) and as Member of the Yenagoa Provincial Assembly (1962–1966). He also sat on the Yenagoa Provincial Scholarship Board (1963–1966).
During the Second Republic, he was Secretary of the National Party of Nigeria (1981–1982). His political career was twice interrupted by military coups, but his reputation as a man of integrity and service endured.
Ascension to the Throne
In 1980, following the death of his elder brother, King Festus JoJo Benson Agulata, the stool of the OBENIBE became vacant. Though not hereditary, his leadership qualities and devotion to his people led to his unanimous election as OBENIBE the Tenth of Epie Kingdom in 1982, with his coronation held on 8th January 1983.
As monarch, he championed unity, peace, and progress, creating new traditional offices to strengthen the kingdom, introducing scholarship programs, and conferring chieftaincy titles on deserving sons and daughters. He was fearless in defending his people, notably mobilizing protests against injustice in 1994.
Community Development and State Creation
King Agulata was instrumental in attracting development projects, including the Epie Central Water Project, the NDDC Zonal Office in Amarata, and new school facilities. He was a founding father of Bayelsa State (1996), lobbying at the Presidential Villa and signing memoranda for its creation.
Following Bayelsa’s creation, the Epie stool was elevated to First Class status (1999), and he was unanimously elected Deputy Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council. He later served as Acting Chairman (2000–2001) after the passing of King Anthony Inatimi of Akassa.
Religious and Social Life
Though born to pagan parents, King Agulata embraced Christianity early, first through the Roman Catholic faith, and later through the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, where he rose to Senior Apostle in 2000. Fondly called “Bishop,” he combined spirituality with social engagement, serving as patron to numerous cultural and youth organizations, including the Epie Kingdom Youth Council, Ijaw Youth Council, and the National Union of Bayelsa State Students.
He also had a passion for wrestling, dancing, and music, serving as Secretary of the Yenagoa Provincial Wrestling Association (1961–1967).
Final Years and Passing
His health began to decline in 2001, yet he remained active in service. On 23rd November 2002, after a protracted illness, His Royal Majesty King Charles Benson Agulata passed away. His vision for a Community Hall at Okutukutu and the OBENIBE’s Palace remains a dream cherished by his people.
Legacy
King Agulata’s life was marked by education, politics, community development, faith, and fearless leadership. He was a teacher, politician, businessman, monarch, and spiritual leader whose contributions shaped the destiny of the Epie Kingdom and Bayelsa State. His reign embodied justice, equity, and progress, and his memory continues to inspire generations.
Sources
- A Spotlight on the Twelfth Memorial of His Royal Majesty King Charles Benson Agulata, OBENIBE the Tenth of Epie Kingdom on His Seventh Years Sojourn on Earth by Geoffrey Charles Agulata (fcai).
- Bayelsa Profiles in History (2002), pages 193–195.
