Warri Royal Glory: Olu Atuwatse III Marks 5 Years on the Throne with a Star-Studded Homecoming
Warri stood still on Friday as the who-is-who of Nigerian leadership, royalty, and industry stormed the ancient city to celebrate His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, on the fifth anniversary of his ascension to the Olu of Warri throne. It was a homecoming of epic proportions, a cultural renaissance wrapped in royal splendour.
Themed Global Homecoming: Celebrating Our Cultural Renaissance, Unity and Transformational Progress, the event at the royal court of the Olu of Warri Palace was a bold statement of African pride. Leading the roll call of dignitaries were Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and his Lagos State counterpart, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade I, led a powerful delegation of traditional rulers from across the federation.
Who graced the Olu of Warri's fifth coronation anniversary?
The guest list read like a national honours roll. The Ooni of Ife, Ojaja II, was represented by his wife, Olori Temitope Ogunwusi. Also present were the Emir of Zazzau (representing the Sultan of Sokoto), the Elegushi of Ikate-Elegushi, Oba Elegushi Kusenla III, the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ogunoye III, the Dein of Agbor, Keagborekuzi I, and the Asagba of Asaba, Epiphany Azinge (SAN).
From the federal cabinet, Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Arts, Hannatu Musa Musawa, was in attendance, while Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), sent a representative. Delta South Senator Joel Onowakpo-Thomas, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly Emomotimi Guwor, lawmakers, captains of industry, and other prominent Nigerians all showed up to honour the monarch.
Oborevwori's powerful message of unity and peace
Speaking on behalf of the dignitaries, Governor Oborevwori used the moment to deliver a passionate charge to the people of Warri, Uvwie, and surrounding areas: preserve the peace and unity that has held the multi-ethnic communities together for centuries.
We have peacefully coexisted 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.
The governor didn't hold back in his praise of the monarch, describing him as a cerebral monarch, bridge builder, exemplary leader, and a man of grace. He also publicly thanked the Olu for his bold political endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and himself for a second term, noting that such a decision was not easy for a father to all.
Olu of Warri: 'Everything you see here is God'
In his own address, the Olu of Warri kept it humble and spiritual, attributing every achievement of his five-year reign to divine grace. He told the gathering that his vision transcends the Itsekiri nation, with a clear mission to project Nigeria's culture and values to the world.
What God is doing through this throne, it is beyond Itsekiri, it is for Delta State, it is for Nigeria. When we are excellent in displaying our culture, Nigeria will be the envy of the world.
The monarch's words resonated deeply with the crowd, as he painted a future where excellence in traditional institutions radiates into business, education, and every facet of national life.
Why this coronation anniversary matters for Nigeria
This wasn't just a royal ceremony. It was a display of cultural confidence and national unity at a time when both are sorely needed. The convergence of traditional rulers from the North, South, East, and West under one roof sends a powerful signal: the traditional institution remains a vital force for stability and progress in Nigeria.
With the Olu's vision of a cultural renaissance and his bold stance on national leadership, the next five years on the throne promise to be even more transformative. The Iwere nation, Delta State, and indeed all of Nigeria are watching, and the future looks bright.