Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his Lagos counterpart, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, traditional rulers, ministers, lawmakers, captains of industry, and other prominent Nigerians converged on Friday at Ajamimogha, Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, to celebrate the fifth coronation anniversary of the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III.
The anniversary, held at the palace, drew sons and daughters of the Iwere nation from across Nigeria and the diaspora. It featured homage-paying and colourful cultural performances by several Itsekiri groups.
Speaking at the event, themed ‘Global Homecoming: Celebrating Our Cultural Renaissance, Unity and Transformational Progress,’ the Olu of Warri said the vision of his reign transcended the Itsekiri nation, stressing that the traditional institution could play a significant role in projecting Nigeria’s culture and values to the world.
‘What God is doing through this throne is beyond Itsekiri; it is for Delta State; it is for Nigeria. And it just goes to say that we are trying to imbibe a spirit of excellence in our beautiful regal culture. Because I know that when we are excellent in displaying our culture, Nigeria will be the envy of the world.
‘It is not just this throne; it is the entire traditional institution, and it will radiate to the way we do things even in business, the way we do things in educating our children, and I could go on and on.’
The monarch attributed the achievements of his five years on the throne to God, saying: ‘We broke out in song, exactly five years ago. If I had time, I would sing again. I am forever singing in my heart, giving God all the glory, all the praise. I will say it again: everything you see here is not me; it is God that is shining through me; it is God that is expressing himself through me. Itsekiri, we are just privileged to be first partakers through this vessel of what God is doing.’
He added, ‘I want to say thank you all for coming. I am overwhelmed by your support. I am overwhelmed by your prayers, and may God continue to bless every single one of us.’
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, in his remarks, described the king as a monarch with uncommon leadership abilities and commended his contribution to the development of Warri and the state.
‘From the splendour of the coronation, it was clear to discerning minds that a new realm of glory is under Ogiame Atuwatse III. He is a unique leader with uncommon leadership abilities; he is a cerebral monarch, a bridge builder, an exemplary leader, a man of grace.
‘He leads from the front and has an undying passion for the progress of not just Warri but the entire state. I want to place it on record that the Olu has taken more than a passive interest in my administration,’ he said.
The governor also commended the monarch for his decision to endorse President Bola Tinubu and himself for a second term, saying the decision was significant because traditional rulers were expected to remain fathers to all.
‘There was one thing he did when the Itsekiri nation hosted me: a political endorsement of Mr President and me. It was not an easy decision to take, because you are father to all. I thank you for that.
‘I want traditional rulers, who are custodians of tradition, to be able to speak when necessary, and he spoke that day,’ he said.
Oborevwori recalled the Olu’s appearance on a scooter during an inspection of the almost-completed Ode-Itsekiri Road.
‘He was a model. People were saying all sorts of things; they did not know he was trying to showcase a place they thought roads could never reach. Today I tell you, it is memorable and gratifying. It is a show of support for my government.’
The governor urged the people of Warri, Uvwie and environs to preserve the peace and unity that had existed among the various ethnic groups in the area.
‘We have coexisted peacefully for centuries, and there is no reason why that cannot continue. I urge all and sundry to shun inflammatory remarks, sheathe their swords and avoid other divisive tendencies that threaten the peace and stability of our dear state,’ he appealed.
He also commended the Olu’s visit to the Amakosu of Ogbe-Ijoh.
Among the dignitaries at the celebration were Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State; Senator Joel Onowakpo-Thomas, representing Delta South; Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Arts, Hannatu Musawa; Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, represented; Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor; commissioners and other political leaders.
Traditional rulers from across the country also attended, including His Majesties the Alaafin of Oyo, Akeem Abimbola Owoade I; the Dein of Agbor, Keagborekuzi I; the Ovie of Agbarha-Warri, Igbi II; Amakosu of Ogbe-Ijoh Warri, Monbene III; the Asagba of Asaba, Epiphany Azinge (SAN); the Obinof Aboh, Oputa III; the Elegushi of Ikate-Elegushi, Oba Elegushi Kusenla III; the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ogunoye III; the Emir of Zazzau, who also represented the Sultan of Sokoto; Oni of Ife, Ojaja II, represented by his wife, Olori Temitope Ogunwusi, among others.
Captains of industry and other dignitaries were also present.