Warri – The new Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwase Ill, has been crowned as the 21st Olu of Warri amidst pomp at Ode Itsekiri, the ancestral home of the Itsekiri people of Delta State.
The historic event which took place in Ode Itsekiri (Big Warri), in Warri South Local government area of Delta State witnessed an unprecedented glamour as visibly excited sons and daughters of Iwere were all excitedly adorned in their splendid Itstekiri traditional attires.
The newly crown Itsekiri monarch is the first son of the 19th Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atunwase II and a direct descendant of Erejuwa III , the 18th Olu of Warri.
Ogiame Atunwase III had made his first public appearance(since the seclusion)on Friday in Warri, with a procession along beautifully decorated major streets in Warri amidst cheers and jubilations from thousands of Itsekiri sons and daughters.
The joy in the atmosphere was palpable as Itsekiri sons and daughters both at home and in the diaspora found their way to their ancestral home of Ode Itsekiri, in Warri South Local government area of the state.
The streets of Warri and Ode Itsekiri were magnificently adorned in Itstekiri traditional colours of white and red.
The boat regatta that heralded the coming of the Olu to Odei Itsekiri belted at about midday .
The monarch then proceeded to fulfill all traditional rites which included choosing an ‘uda'(sword ) with his blindfolded eyes to choose a name among an array of other ceremonial swords bearing the
names of all the past Olus Warri Kingdom .
The sword that the Olu picks becomes his name and title of his reign throughout his life time.
His final rite was the symbolic paddling of a canoe , after which, he raised the paddle above his head and rotated it ; the paddle was collected from him ,and broken into pieces , which according to Itsekiri custom symbolises , the last task the monarch will perform in his life time.
The event was graced by dignitaries from all far and near.
In his goodwill message, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Mohammadu Buhari, who was represented by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege while congratulating the monarch, said “The Atuwatse’s III reign was ordained by God, being the youngest ever Olu in Iwere land, his reign will witness improved peace, and progress of the young people.”
He said his sound educational background and exposure have prepared him well to bring further peace and prosperity to his people. He expressed joy at the occasion.
“I’m delighted to join millions of Nigerians on your ascension of the exalted throne as the 21st Olu of Warri.
“Your ascension to the throne is ordained by God. As the youngest Olu of Warri, you’re the monarch of this time.
“You’re well-educated and a successful entrepreneur with national and international work experience.
“Your royal majesty is blessed with vision and mission and fully equipped to look back and forge ahead with the people for the future.
“I’m settled that you’ll continue the 500 years noble tradition, and your reign will witness improved peace, progress and development of your people and the nation,” he prayed.
On his part, the Deputy Senate President, urged the new Olu to count on him for support at any point in time, adding he’s a representative for all Deltans.
The Oni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye, in his congratulatory message, urged the Olu to be a father to all Itsekiri.
“We’re happy from the throne of Oodua. A fantastic 21st Olu of Warri. We can feel the energy in the air.
“You’re loved by your people. I appeal to you as a father to be good to the good and the bad and the ugly. Embrace the entire kingdom. “Extend a hand of fellowship to all. Extend a fatherly hand to all. We have a very charismatic, handsome and adorable king. God’ll guide you,” the Oni said.
Addressing his people after he was crowned with a brand new golden crown at exactly 3:24p.m by the Uwuangwe of Warri Kingdom, Ogiame Atuwatse III, held the audience spell bound with his rendition of several Christian worship songs to glorify the Almighty God.
This was greeted by loud ovations from the mammoth crowd that flooded Ode- Itsekiri (Big Warri), ancestral home of all Itsekiri and venue of the Coronation.
Several eminent personalities that graced the occasion from far and near included, immediate past governor of the state, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, Edo State Governor represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Phillip Shuaibu, Ovie Agas Chief of Staff to Delta State governor, representatives of Oba of Benin, led by Chief Aiwrrioghene, Minister of State for Labour and productivity, Barr. Festus Keyamo, King Jaja of Opobo, Ohinoye of Ebira, Ado Ibrahim; The Olowo of Owo kingdom; Rep. Emir of Zauzau Rep of Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), Cosmos Nweke, Sam Daibo, Tunji Idowu, Papa Ayo Oritsejafor, several Obas from Yourbaland, several religious leaders, Alhaji Baguda of Kebbi state among others.
