Warri – The newly crowned Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, who was crowned the 21st Olu of Itsekiri, on Saturday,21 August, 2021, has performed his first spiritual duty by reversing a longtime curse on Iwere land.
Speaking shortly after being crowned by the Uwangue of Warri kingdom, Chief Gabriel Awala at exactly 3:30pm, the monarch who appeared in all splendour , acknowledging cheers from the mammoth crowd after his rendition of several gospel worship songs which held the unprecedented crowd spell bound, there after travelled down history lane.
The Olu recalled that , after the curse was placed on the land, there was no record anywhere, when the said curse was reversed. He said,
“While not seeking to reopen new wounds, it is pertinent to recall that the fact that following the great injustice meted out to Olu Erejuwa II, the Olu visited His Majesty Oba Akenzua II of Benin and recounted his ordeal.
“In reaction , a curse was placed on the land by both of them.It is not recorded that Olu Erejuwa II reverse the curse over the land neither is it recorded that Oba Akenzua II did the same. The issue was never revisited.
“As a firm believer in the intricate interconnectedness between spiritual and the manifestation in the physical , it is our firm belief that, the matter needs to be addressed.
“Today, in our capacity as Olu, we hereby avow as the spiritual, cultural, political and traditional ruler of this land,
“I Ogiame Atuwatse III, the 21st Olu for Warri, the first son of Olu Atuwatse II, the grandson and direct descendant of Olu Erejuwa II, who was offended on this throne, I hereby reversed the curse placed on this land!
“In its place, I release forgiveness and healing to the Federal Government of Nigeria, whose might was used to propagate that offence.
“And I decree unprecedented and uncommon peace, prosperity, progress, development upon this land!
“I bring down the government of Heaven unto this land; and I direct it to flow as a force that can neither be sabotaged, slowed or stopped!
“It goes out as a strong ripple effect, emanating from this Kingdom, to the rest of the Niger Delta, to the rest of the Nigerian nation and even to the African continent.
There was loud ovation as the Olu released the prophetic declaration.
Olu Atuwase Ill is the eldest son of the 19th Olu of Warri Atuwatse II ,who reigned for 28 years (1987-2015).
The 37 year old monarch, was born as prince Utieyinoritsetsola Emiko in Warri, Delta state on the 2nd April 1984 into the family of Prince Godwin Toritseju Emiko, and Gladys Durorike Emiko in Warri.
He attended the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Primary School Warri, Delta State, from where he proceeded to Adesoye College, Offa in Kwara State from 1995 to 2001.
He then proceeded to Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and Political Science with minors in History and Economics between 2002 to 2006.
He obtained a degree in a Masters in Science in Management from Case Western Reserve University in 2007 and returned to Nigeria in 2008 for his NYSC.
His career started at the National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), for his mandatory one year National Youth Service ; Sahara Energy, Shell Nigeria Closed Pension Fund Administrator (SNCFPA).
He then ventured into private business and established Noble Energy Ltd and Corral Curators Ltd.
A serial entrepreneur, the Olu also sits on the board of companies such as Ocean Marine Security Ltd, Gulf of Guinea Ltd, and Vessellink Nig Ltd, among others.
He married Ivie Okunbo, the daughter of late Edo State born, billionaire Capt. Idahosa Okunbo in 2014, they are blessed with three lovely children.
He was chosen as the new Olu of Warri after the death of his uncle Ogiame Ikenwoli who joined his ancestors on December 20th, 2020
Olu Ikenwoli was crowned on the 12th of December, 2015.
