The Olu of Warri, His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, has urged Itsekiri sons and daughters to shun pride that hinders, blinds, divides, cannibalizes, betrays, and destroys. The monarch said that the collective dreams and aspirations of Itsekiri can only be fulfilled through unity and humility.
Ogiame made the assertion at the grand reception held at Aghofen (Palace) on Wednesday when his subjects from across the various Iwere communities paid him homage as part of the activities to mark his 3rd Coronation Anniversary celebration.
The Olu of Warri while thanking God for the journey so far, renewed his call for peace, social justice and equity with his neighbours towards the development of the area. The monarch, who spoke in English and Itsekiri languages, stated: “Three years ago, the Itsekiri nation extended the hand of peace and collaboration to her neighbours on the land and the sea.
“Since then, we’ve made significant strides in promoting peace and co-existence based on love and mutual respect for all.”
Speaking further, the revered king said, “We stand on the universal foundation of justice and peace and equity within the rule of law and we are committed to maintaining these peaceful and respectful relationships ensuring the safety and peace of all. Our progress is a testimony to our commitment to this end.
“Last year, we varnished the term slaves from our palace because we believe that all are created equal by God. And this will affirm their beliefs in the equality of all.
“We’re created by God and we have equal dignity, but we are also committed to change. If we don’t change, we are dying.
“Aghofen is the symbol of refuge and a place to seek refuge. We welcome all Itsekiris to the crown.
“Our collective dreams and aspirations can only be fulfilled through unity. If I may also add, humility.
“As Itsekiri people, looking back, we may have good reason to have a sense of pride and that’s fine. But in going forward, there’s a type of pride that we must do away with.
“The pride that hinders, the pride that blinds, the pride that divides, the pride that cannibalises, the pride that betrays, the pride that destroys.
“We don’t have to remain proud and certainly don’t have to remain wicked. Not only has God given us authority over this Kingdom, He has given us creative powers and He has given us powerful examples by calling for light out of darkness.
“In this same way, Itsekiri, I call you out of useless pride. I call you out of wickedness and in its place, I bless you with wisdom, with vision, with industry, with creativity, with productivity and with fruitfulness.
“May your eyes be opened to embrace and appraise these new values as we embark on a new phase of togetherness in Iwere land.
“The new phase promises growth, prosperity and a stronger sense of commitment.”
Dignitaries from within and outside Nigeria that graced the occasion include, the Delta State governor, RT. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, who was represented by the Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari and traditional rulers from across Nigeria.