Historical Researcher & Author
Uncovering the memory, betrayal, and restoration written into Africa's past.
Author of the Ubini series — a research-driven journey into the 1897 fall of the Kingdom of Benin, and the untold histories that shaped a continent.
Preserving history through research & storytelling
— ABOUT THE AUTHOR
"An independent historical researcher dedicated to the study of history, culture, and global affairs."
My work focuses on examining historical sources, analyzing competing narratives, and encouraging evidence-based discussion on issues that have shaped societies across time. Through my research and publications, I seek to contribute to a deeper understanding of historical developments, preserve cultural knowledge, and promote thoughtful dialogue among readers, scholars, and the wider public.
Outside of writing and research, I enjoy long walks that give me time to reflect and develop new ideas, and I'm fascinated by wildlife, outdoor survival, and bushcraft. Above all, I carry a strong passion for adventure — discovering new places, cultures, and experiences that continually shape my research and storytelling.
Independent
Researcher
Adventure &
Bushcraft
Oral Tradition
Storyteller
— THE UBINI SERIES
Volume I
This book examines the historical events surrounding the 1897 British invasion of the Kingdom of Benin and the deposition of Oba Ovonramwen Nogbaisi. Drawing on historical sources, oral traditions, and independent research, it explores the political, cultural, and social dynamics of the period, as well as the long-term impact of colonial intervention on the region.
The narrative discusses questions of leadership, identity, power, and historical memory — presenting perspectives that have received limited attention in mainstream historical accounts, and inviting readers to engage critically with the available evidence.
The fall of the Kingdom of Benin, told through evidence and oral memory.
A critical lens on power, identity, and colonial consequence.
— THE PURPOSE
"I wrote this book to encourage a deeper examination of a pivotal period in West African history and to contribute to ongoing historical scholarship and public discourse."
My objective is to bring together historical records, oral traditions, and independent research to examine the events surrounding the 1897 British invasion and their lasting consequences. The book invites readers to critically evaluate evidence, consider multiple perspectives, and engage with questions of governance, cultural heritage, and historical memory — fostering informed discussion and encouraging continued investigation into a subject that remains significant today.
— A VISUAL LEGACY
Bronze relics, royal portraiture, and oral histories that inform the research behind Ubini.
Bronze Heritage
Royal Memory
Oba Ovonramwen
— THE ROAD AHEAD
A broader, more comprehensive account of the historical narrative explored in Volume I.
Additional books inspired by adventure, history, and the traditional storytelling of elders passed down through generations.
Bringing these histories to readers and listeners around the world, in every format.
— IN THE SPOTLIGHT
For interviews, features, and press inquiries regarding John Cliff and the Ubini series.
"Agbonkpaiwegbe presents himself not as the creator of a new history, but as someone who has listened deeply to the voices of the past. As a fourth-generation descendant of Oba Ovonramwen Nogbaisi, he views his lineage not as a privilege but as a responsibility to revisit unanswered questions surrounding the Benin Expedition of 1897 and its lasting impact."
— The New York Times Book Review
Available for podcast, print, and broadcast interviews on Benin history and colonial studies.
Press releases and media kits available upon request for editorial coverage.
Available for lectures, panels, and cultural heritage events worldwide.