Mourning as Nigeria’s 'longest serving' monarch dies after 64 years on the throne

The minister of state for power, Gody Jedy-Agba, has lost his father, His Royal Majesty Uti (Dr) Joseph Davies Agba, OON.

The deceased, Uti Item 111 of Utugwang, Uti Ukani 1 of Obudu, was one of the longest-serving traditional rulers in Africa, Daily Trust reported.

His death was announced in a statement by one of his sons, Kjay Jedy-Agba in Calabar, Cross River state capital.

The late traditional ruler, who was on the throne for 64 years, is widely regarded as the longest-serving monarch in Nigeria.

The statement read: “It is with a heavy heart that I communicate to you the passing away of my beloved father, His Royal Majesty, Joseph Davies-Agba, OON, the “Uti Item III of Utugwang, Uti Ukani I of Obudu, Paramount Ruler of Obudu Local Government Area and Chancellor of the University of Cross River State.

“His accession to the traditional royal stool dated back 64 years ago, making him probably the longest-serving traditional ruler in Africa.

“We, the immediate family, may not have the full details of his final funeral protocol given his standing as a king."