Warri: The Olú of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, has marked his fifth coronation anniversary with a colourful celebration focused on cultural renewal, unity, excellence and the global projection of Itsekiri heritage.
The anniversary celebration, held at the Olu’s Palace in Ajamimogha, Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, attracted prominent political leaders, traditional rulers, business executives and members of the Itsekiri community from across Nigeria and the diaspora.
The event, held under the theme, “Global Homecoming: Celebrating Our Cultural Renaissance, Unity and Transformational Progress,” featured traditional ceremonies, cultural displays and homage-paying activities as sons and daughters of the Iwere nation returned to Warri to celebrate the monarch’s fifth year on the throne.
Among the prominent guests were Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, alongside several traditional rulers, government officials and other distinguished Nigerians.
Speaking during the celebration, Ogiame Atuwatse III said the significance of his reign went beyond the Itsekiri people, noting that the traditional institution could contribute to the preservation and promotion of Nigeria’s cultural identity on the global stage.
The monarch said his administration had remained committed to demonstrating excellence through the preservation, promotion and presentation of the cultural heritage of the Warri Kingdom.
According to him, the values of excellence associated with the traditional institution should extend beyond cultural activities to other sectors of society, including education and business. He said the throne was serving a purpose larger than the Itsekiri Kingdom.
What God is doing through this throne, it is beyond Itsekiri, it is for Delta State, it is for Nigeria, the monarch said, adding that the goal was to imbibe a spirit of excellence in the kingdom’s cultural heritage.
Ogiame Atuwatse III also expressed gratitude to God for the progress recorded during his first five years on the throne, stressing that he regarded the achievements as divine rather than personal accomplishments.
Reflecting on his reign, the Olu said he remained thankful for the opportunity to serve as an instrument for the advancement of the Itsekiri people and the wider society.
He equally thanked guests, supporters and members of the kingdom for their prayers, encouragement and continued support.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, in his remarks, described Ogiame Atuwatse III as a monarch whose leadership had contributed significantly to the development and visibility of Warri and Delta State.
Oborevwori praised the Olu’s intellectual capacity, bridge-building efforts and commitment to the progress of his people.
The governor described him as a cerebral monarch, bridge builder” and an exemplary leader whose influence had extended beyond traditional responsibilities.
Oborevwori recalled several occasions when the monarch demonstrated his commitment to the development of Delta State.
One of the instances cited was the Olu’s participation in an inspection of the Ode-Itsekiri Road, where he reportedly used a scooter to access the area and draw attention to the difficulties previously associated with reaching the community by road.
The governor said the action reflected the monarch’s personal interest in infrastructure and the welfare of communities within the state.
Oborevwori also recalled the Olu’s endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his own second-term bid when the Itsekiri community hosted him.
The governor acknowledged that such a political endorsement was significant because traditional rulers were expected to remain fathers to all political interests.
“There was one thing he did when the Itsekiri nation hosted me: a political endorsement of Mr President and myself,” Oborevwori said.
The governor further urged traditional rulers to speak out when necessary on issues affecting society, while calling on residents of Warri, Uvwie and neighbouring communities to preserve the longstanding peaceful relationships among the various ethnic groups in the area.
He warned against inflammatory statements, divisive actions and other activities capable of threatening peace and stability.
Oborevwori stressed the importance of protecting the peaceful coexistence that communities in the area had enjoyed for generations.
He also commended the Olu for his visit to the Amakosu of Ogbe-Ijoh, describing such engagements as important to strengthening unity and peaceful relations among communities.
Traditional rulers, dignitaries attend celebration
The fifth coronation anniversary attracted several prominent traditional rulers from across Nigeria.
Those in attendance included the Alaafin of Oyo, Akeem Abimbola Owoade I; Dein of Agbor, Keagborekuzi I; Ovie of Agbarha-Warri, Igbi II; Amakosu of Ogbe-Ijoh Warri, Monbene III; Asagba of Asaba, Epiphany Azinge, SAN; Obinof Aboh, Oputa III; Elegushi of Ikate-Elegushi, Oba Elegushi Kusenla III; and Olowo of Owo, Oba Ogunoye III.
The Emir of Zazzau also attended as a representative of the Sultan of Sokoto, while the Oni of Ife, Ojaja II, was represented by his wife, Olori Temitope Ogunwusi.
Other dignitaries included the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Arts, Hannatu Musawa; Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, who was represented; Senator Joel Onowakpo-Thomas, representing Delta South; Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor; commissioners, political leaders and captains of industry.
The celebration ultimately served as both a commemoration of Ogiame Atuwatse III’s five years on the throne and a platform for showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Itsekiri people.
The Olú of Warri’s fifth coronation anniversary also highlighted the monarch’s broader vision of using the traditional institution to promote cultural excellence, unity, education, business development and Nigeria’s cultural identity.
The gathering brought together traditional institutions, government, business and the diaspora, reinforcing the importance of cultural heritage in fostering unity and development.
For the Itsekiri people, the Global Homecoming celebration provided an opportunity for sons and daughters of the Iwere nation to reconnect with their ancestral roots while celebrating the progress of the Warri Kingdom under Ogiame Atuwatse III.
