The Oniko Dynasty: A Legacy of Faith, Resilience, and Progress in Kenan-Irri

The story of Kenan-Irri (or Canaan Irri) is deeply intertwined with the pioneering spirit of the Oniko family from the Okpara Quarter of Irri Kingdom. In a pivotal moment of history, the Oniko family, alongside early missionaries, introduced Christianity to the Irri people. For bringing what was then considered a foreign religion, they faced persecution and were driven from their home in Irri.

Seeking refuge, the family turned to a brother village, Ikpide-Irri, which granted them land. In a strategic move born of skepticism, the Ikpide-Irri community offered the Oniko family a burial ground for settlement, believing the spirits that resided there would drive them away along with their “strange” faith. Yet, against all odds, the Oniko family not only endured but flourished. From this hallowed ground, they founded the vibrant and enduring community of Kenan-Irri, which stands today as a testament to their resilience.

The architect of this movement was the visionary Evangelist Daniel Oniko, whose unwavering faith laid the cornerstone for what would become the illustrious ONIKO DYNASTY.

From this covenant family have come many prominent sons and daughters of Isoko, both past and present, who have achieved extraordinary distinction across diverse fields, upholding the dynasty’s tradition of exemplary leadership and service.

Among the living descendants, a few notable figures include:

· Chief Samuel O. ONIKO, “the Osogba of Irri Kingdom”: The only living Gazetted Chief from the former Bendel State, pioneer Managing Director of the defunct Oceanic Bank. He stands today as the Head of the Table and the revered Leader of the Oniko Dynasty.
· Bishop Simeon Okah (née Oniko): Founder and Presiding Bishop of Flock of Christ Mission International Worldwide, Warri.
· His Royal Highness, Amatorvo I, the immediate past regent of Irri Kingdom, Dr. Joseph Aghagba (née Oniko).
· Daniel Oke Oniko: Owner and Founder of Sulphurstream Oil and Gas Ltd.
· Chief Ewomazino Obohor (née Oniko): Director and Chartered Accountant at the Bayelsa State House of Assembly.
· Mr. Luck Owaigbo (née Oniko): Director at the Accountant General’s Office of the Federation.
· Mr. Ewarezi Useh (née Oniko): Chief Operating Officer of Aiteo Eastern E&P Co. Ltd.

The innovative spirit of the Oniko Dynasty resonates powerfully on the global music scene through Legendury Beatz, the acclaimed Nigerian record-producing and songwriting duo composed of siblings Uzezi Oniko and Okiemute Oniko. They cemented their place in music history by producing the international smash hit “Ojuelegba” for Afrobeats superstar Wizkid, bringing global acclaim to the genre and exemplifying the dynasty’s modern, boundary-pushing influence.

Standing out in this new generation of achievers is the man of the moment, Sir Daniel Odoviano Oniko, the Golden Boy of the Oniko Dynasty. As the Group MD/CEO and Founder of Parofund Multipurpose Co-operative Society Limited and Apices Finance Company Limited in Abuja, he embodies the family’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to progress. In recognition of his impactful contributions and leadership to Irri and the Isoko nation at large, Sir Daniel Oniko is today, December 5, 2025, honored with the anticipated title of “Ogba of Irri Kingdom,” meaning “The Strong Warrior of Irri Kingdom.”

The Oniko Dynasty is a living testament to a family’s enduring contributions to community development, highlighting a profound journey from religious persecution to the establishment of a flourishing and influential lineage. The chieftaincy title of “Ogba of Irri Kingdom” conferred upon Sir Daniel Odoviano Oniko is a celebratory milestone in this ongoing legacy, a name that honors the warrior spirit that has defined his lineage from the very beginning. This honor further cements the family’s esteemed status for generations to come.

Thank you for being part of this celebration!