Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III
Dignitaries, notably Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State and his Lagos State counterpart, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as well as frontline traditional rulers drawn from different parts of the country, led by the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade I, stormed Warri on Friday to join the Olu of Warri, His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, in celebrating the fifth anniversary of his ascension to the throne.
The roll call of distinguished guests at the event included Senator Joel Onowakpo-Thomas, representing Delta South; the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Arts, Hannatu Musa Musawa; Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, represented; the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor; the Ooni of Ife, Ojaja II, represented by his wife, Olori Temitope Ogunwusi; the Elegushi of Ikate-Elegushi, Oba Elegushi Kusenla III; the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ogunoye III; the Emir of Zazzau, who also represented the Sultan of Sokoto; the Dein of Agbor, Keagborekuzi I; the Ovie of Agbarha-Warri, Igbi II; the Amakosu of Ogbe-Ijoh Warri, Monbene III; the Asagba of Asaba, Epiphany Azinge (SAN); and the Obi of Aboh, Oputa III, as well as lawmakers, captains of industry and other prominent Nigerians.
Speaking on behalf of the dignitaries at the event, which was held at the royal court of the Olu of Warri Palace, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori lauded the anniversary, themed “Global Homecoming: Celebrating Our Cultural Renaissance, Unity and Transformational Progress,” just as he made a passionate call on the people of Warri, Uvwie and environs to “preserve the peace and unity that had existed among the various ethnic groups in the area”.
He also commended the sons and daughters of the Iwere nation from across Nigeria and the diaspora as they paid homage to the Olu of Warri amid colourful cultural performances.
The governor declared, “We have peacefully coexisted for centuries and there is no reason why that cannot continue. I urge all and sundry to shun inflammatory remarks, sheathe their swords and avoid other divisive tendencies that threaten the peace and stability of our dear state”.
Oborevwori described the Olu of Warri as “a monarch with uncommon leadership abilities” and commended his contribution to the development of Warri and the state.
The governor spoke further, “From the splendour of the coronation it was clear to discerning minds that a new realm of glory under Ogiame Atuwatse III. He is a unique leader with uncommon leadership abilities. He is a cerebral monarch, bridge builder, exemplary leader, and a man of grace.
“He leads from the front and he has undying passion for the progress of not just Warri but the entire state. I want to place it on record that the Olu has taken more than passive interest in my administration”.
Oborevwori commended the Olu of Warri for his decision to endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and himself for a second term, saying “the decision was significant because traditional rulers were expected to remain fathers to all”.
“There was one thing he did when the Itsekiri nation hosted me, a political endorsement of Mr President and myself. It was not an easy thing to take that bold decision because you are father to all. I thank you for that.
“I also want traditional rulers who are custodians of the tradition to be able to speak when necessary, and he spoke that day,” the governor stated.
The Olu of Warri, in an address at the event, attributed the achievements of his five years on the throne to God.
He said, “We broke out in song, exactly five years ago. If I had time, I would sing again. I am forever singing in my heart, giving God all the glory, all the praise. I will say it again, everything you see here is not me, it is God that is shining through me, it is God that is expressing Himself through me. Itsekiri, we are just privileged to be first partakers through this vessel of what God is doing.
“I want to say thank you all for coming. I am overwhelmed by your support. I am overwhelmed by your prayers and may God continue to bless every single one of us”.
The Olu of Warri further told the gathering that the vision of his reign transcended the Itsekiri nation, saying that “the traditional institution could play a significant role in projecting Nigeria’s culture and values to the world”.
“What God is doing through this throne, it is beyond Itsekiri, it is for Delta State, it is for Nigeria. And it just goes to say that, we are trying to imbibe a spirit of excellence in this our beautiful regal culture. Because I know that when we are excellent in displaying our culture, Nigeria will be the envy of the world.
“It is not just this throne, it is the entire traditional institution and it will radiate to the way we do things even in business, the way we do things in educating our children and I could go on and on”, the monarch said.
