+ Pledges More Commitment To The Advancement of The Itshekiri Nation
His Imperial Majesty, Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, celebrated the third anniversary of his ascension to the throne of his fathers and the grace of God in his life.
Ogiame Atuwatse is, without doubt, an embodiment of numerous virtues, which include diligence, excellence, integrity and many more. The young, highly cerebral and cosmopolitan monarch of Warri Kingdom in Delta State, celebrated his third coronation anniversary on August 21, 2024.
The monarch profoundly admired by his subjects across Warri kingdom has continued to take the kingdom to greater heights. He has sustainably demonstrated his passion to use his links in the multi-billion dollar oil and gas sector to attract development to Warri and the Niger Delta region.
Ogiame Atuwatse stands as a testament to purposeful leadership, grace, and an unwavering commitment to the advancement of his people. Three years have passed since his ascension to the throne, and these years have been marked by transformation, resilience, and a deep connection to both history and modernity. His is a reign of vision, deft leadership, and a reflection of his dedication to the betterment of the kingdom and Nigeria as a whole.
The third anniversary, as expected, was as grandiose as possible. Indeed, the third anniversary, as gathered, surpassed other anniversaries in the past. The memories of the week-long programme anniversary still linger for those who were present at the event.
Since his ascension to the throne of his forebears, the twin words: peace and development, in Warri kingdom has been his watchwords and precept. He has taken steps to promote values of peace across Itsekiri communities .
Ogiame Atuwatse introduced a quarterly programme called Ghegho Aghofen, which when translated, simply means Palace Watch. Every community in the kingdom gets a three-month period to keep ceremonial watch at his palace. One interesting thing about the ceremony is that, at the end of the watch over the palace, the monarch visits the community to offer prayers on the land.
Among the communities he has visited to offer prayers include Okere community in Warri. When in the communities, the monarch prays for peace, bumper harvest, greater yields, abundant blessings among others upon the lands.
A prominent chief in his kingdom, Chief Robinson Ariyo recalled during the visit of the monarch to Okere community that it was the first time an Olu of Warri would formally visit the community. This shows how the monarch is building a very robust relationship with communities across his kingdom.
Though it is not yet the turn of Obitugbo in Warri north local government to watch over the palace, the monarch has been there to also offer his royal blessings. In one of his trips to another community en route Obitugbo, a most peaceful serene community and investment haven in Warri kingdom, the monarch prayed for more blessings upon the area and residents. Obitugbo is host of the emerging University of Warri.
The Ghegho Aghofen has rekindled interest among young Itsekiris in the rich culture and dances of the ethnic nationality. The
webpage of American Sociological Association defines culture as ”the languages, customs, beliefs, rules, arts, knowledge, and collective identities and memories developed by members of all social groups that make their social environments meaningful.” In a simple sense, culture is the totality of a people.
At a time several ethnic nationalities in the country are grumbling that the younger generations (Gen Z) are losing or have completely disconnected from the culture of their areas, it is not largely so in Itsekiri. The birth of Ghegho Aghofen has further stimulated passion for the culture among the young.
The day set aside for a community to pass the flag to another community to take over the ceremonial watch of the palace is always another moment to showcase the rich cultural dances and attire of Itsekiri nation, thus raising interest in the cultural heritage.The young and old turn up in rich colourful Itsekiri attires. It is always a beautiful sight to behold.
In line with his drive for peace and harmonious integration among ethnic groups in Warri and environs, the Oguane extends invitations to all. Neighboring ethnic groups and non-natives with strong ethnic associations in the area also identify with the event.
A young tourist, Mr Somina John who witnessed one of the handover ceremonies said he foresaw the event gaining attention of other areas beyond the shores of Nigeria in the nearest future like the annual Iggue festival of Benin kingdom. He said the Ghegho Aghofen will also create a robust economy for the hospitality industry on days when the flag would be handed over to another community. Gradually, this prediction is coming to fruition as even non Itsekiri natives now look forward to attending the event at the palace.
The monarch is not alone in his vision to increase the wealth of his kingdom. His wife, the Olori Ivie Atuwatse III, of Warri kingdom has also been very active in the move to grow the economy of the kingdom and beyond with some of her impactful entrepreneurial initiatives and free medical outreach programmes in Warri and beyond.
One of the major highlights of the third coronation anniversary of Ogiame Atuwatse was the conferment of the Royal Order of Iwere awards to eminent Itshekiri sons and daughters who have contributed in no small measure to the development of the kingdom.
Notable among some of the recipients were the Publisher of Vanguard Newspapers, Uncle Sam Amuka-Pemu, and Nigeria’s representative on the FIFA Council, Amaju Pinnick. Other recipients include Mr. Felix Omatsola, Ade Mabo, Julius Rone, Mr. Alfred Temile, Dr Ajorutsedere Awosika, Mr. Eworitsewarami Wilbert, Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, and Misan Harriman.