From Fighter to Father of the People: The Remarkable Journey of HRH Henry Binidodogha, Ovuru I of Ofunama Land

From Fighter to Father of the People: The Rema

By Global Egberi Media International 

In the heart of Nigeria’s oil-rich but long-marginalized Niger Delta lies a story of transformation that captures the spirit of resilience, redemption, and leadership. That story belongs to His Royal Highness, Henry Ekebilegha Binidodogha, the Ovuru I of Ofunama land—a man who walked away from the chaos of conflict to become a pillar of peace and hope for his people.

From Militancy to Monarch

Once known as “General Egbema 1” during the height of the Niger Delta militancy movement, Henry Binidodogha was a force to be reckoned with. Like many young men of his generation, he took up arms in protest against the exploitation and environmental degradation that had plagued his homeland for decades. The cry for justice reverberated from the swamps of Ofunama to the corridors of power in Abuja.

But with the Federal Government’s Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) declared in 2009, Binidodogha made a critical decision. He embraced peace. He laid down arms and committed himself to a new mission—rebuilding the very region torn by decades of neglect and conflict.

That transformation culminated in March 2018, when he was crowned as Ovuru I, the traditional ruler of Ofunama Land in Edo State.  

A Leader Among Ex-Agitators

Beyond the throne, Binidodogha remained deeply involved in shaping the post-conflict trajectory of the Niger Delta. As Chairman of the First Phase Ex-Agitators under the PAP, he became the voice of thousands of former militants who had chosen the path of peace.

He worked tirelessly to ensure that the amnesty programme delivered on its promises—vocational training, education, reintegration, and economic empowerment. Under his watch, many ex-agitators were transformed into business owners, artisans, engineers, and community leaders in their own right.

In March 2025, Binidodogha handed over the leadership mantle to Chief Aroni Oputu in a historic and peaceful transition, urging his successor to remain focused on unity and development. “Peace is the foundation. Without it, we cannot build the future our children deserve,” he declared.

Champion of Unity and Development

Binidodogha’s influence extends beyond his community. He has used his platform to advocate for dialogue over violence, integration over isolation, and justice over marginalization. His voice has become a rallying call for unity among Ijaw people and all Niger Deltans.

In 2023, he publicly urged the new management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and stakeholders in the PAP to work collaboratively with ex-agitators, noting that the development of the region should be a shared responsibility.

He has also stood firm against internal division, condemning those who seek to use the amnesty programme for personal gain or to stir discord. “Let no man play politics with the future of our youths,” he warned during a regional summit.

Rooted in Culture, Guided by Vision

As Ovuru I, Binidodogha has brought dignity and vision to his kingship. Under his reign, the Ofunama Land has witnessed renewed interest in cultural preservation, youth mentorship, and local development.

Those who know him speak of a ruler who is accessible, wise, and unafraid to speak truth to power. He is a bridge between the past and the future—one foot in the ancestral traditions of the Ijaw people, and the other in the modern demands of governance and development.

A Legacy in the Making

In a region where the line between rebellion and relevance is often blurred, HRH Henry Binidodogha stands out as a symbol of what is possible when peace is chosen over war, and when leadership is defined not by power, but by purpose.

His story is not merely one of personal transformation—it is a mirror to the Niger Delta itself: wounded but healing, troubled but hopeful, militant but maturing.

In the years to come, the name Ovuru I of Ofunama may not only be remembered for peace building but also for inspiring a new generation to believe in the power of change, tradition, and unity.

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