WARRI – Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, has paid homage to the newly crowned 21st Olu of Warri, His Royal Majesty, Ogiame Atuwase Ill at his palace in Warri, Delta State.
President Obasanjo who expressed delight during the visit , said, he was very happy to be alive to see the glorious event but however, prayed that it would be the last in his life time.
Speaking after the communion service conducted by Papa Ayo Oritsejafor, at the Coronation Thanksgiving Service which held at Warri Palace Chapel in Warri, President Obasanjo said,
“I’m one of the happiest people for your installation. God has specially favoured me to see one, two, three Olu of Warri and I don’t want to see four,” he prayed.
Obasanjo prayed for a peaceful and long reign of the Olu, saying “I don’t want to see fourth Olu,” having witnessed three crowned in my lifetime.
“Congratulations. May your reign be long, peaceful, bring unity and prosperity to Itsekiri. May your reign contribute to the development, unity and prosperity of Nigeria.
The former president further reassured Atuwatse III of his legitimacy from God and should diligently perform the task God has entrusted to him.
“The position you occupy is given to you by God but with your people surrounding you. You’ll be offending God not to perform the task He has given to you.
“All our kings are as good as the Queen of England. In the British days, they’ll say “Your Highness.” What’s highness? They don’t want anybody to share the title with them, we reject that. So, you’re “Your Majesty.
“But the title carries a lot of responsibilities. Two things must guide you: one, don’t shun the experience and advice of elders. It’s useful. Experience is wisdom. Make use of the experience of people around you.
While acknowledging that the title “His Majesty” carries a lot of responsibilities, the three-time former Nigerian leader charge the the Olu of Warri to not despise the counsel and experience of elders, even as he strives for a closer relationship with God in all his affairs.
Obasanjo who was accompanied to the altar by Okowa and his deputy, Kingsley Otuaro, promised not to be far from the king, saying “and if there’s any reason to summon me, use your majestic power to do so.”
President Obasanjo, in concluding, declared that “Itsekiri land has got a new dawn and it will happen and continue to happen.”
Dignitaries from all walks of life, home and abroad, including, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, former governors James Ibori, Emmanuel Uduaghan, Senator James Manager, presidents of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) and Nigeria Football Association (NBA), Olu Akpata and Amaju Pinnick, Speaker, Delta Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori as well as notable clerics were at the thanksgiving service.
They admonished the Olu to quickly effect the process of healing wounds and uniting the entire Itsekiri Nation.
Earlier, Senator Okowa, who regretted and apologised for his absence at the Coronation ceremony of the Olu of Warri on Saturday, urged the Olu to extend the olive branch to any aggrieved Itsekiri.
“I wish it were possible to be at the two events yesterday. But my spirit was with you. I know you’re a man of peace and God has chosen to ascend the throne this time.
“I’m aware a lot of healing process is ongoing. It’s time for healing; ensure the entirety of the kingdom comes together.
“Whether stubborn or not, extend the olive branch to them. You have a lot of work to do in Nigeria.
“We cannot afford any distraction at home so that the larger nation will have your presence in that nation-building.
“Your reign will truly bring peace and development. God has prepared you for this time. God’s presence be with you,” Okowa prayed.
In his message at the Thanksgiving Service, Guest Speaker, Apostle Tomi Arayomi, said God ordained the Atuwatse III for the throne.
He narrated how God mysteriously instructed him to come to Nigeria in 2018 to restore the “stolen” crown for the new king, said it was a divine arrangement for him to rule at this time, adding that God was willing to partner with people who were willing to partner with the spirit of God to develop nations.
Ogiame Atuwatse III was crowned as the 21st Olu of Warri on Saturday at Ode-Itsekiri, ancestral home of the Itsekiri, in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.
