Over a year ago, the ascension of Olu of Warri Utieyinoritsetsola Emiko; Ogiame Atuwatse III, to the throne was one of the turbulent times in the kingdom. It was a tussle during and after his selection as some section of people in the kingdom allegedly averred that his selection process was flawed. Despite the tussle and the division between the palace chiefs, he was announced Olu designate by the Iyatsere and went on isolation ‘idaniken’ that lasts three lunar cycles where he was intimated with kingship rites by the Ojoye Oguadoren. While he was in seclusion, the whole town was rented with a loud voice in a celebratory mood. It was a carnival across the ancient city as the Itshekiris were excited that a fresh gust of summer wind will take over the riverine kingdom. For the Olu, he was a man loved and blessed by his creator. All those who opposed his enthronement have all come to see him from a different perspective and as well also come to terms with him that he is the chosen one to ferry the kingdom to the next level.
His coronation day, August 21, 2021, was a jamboree as sons and daughters of the kingdom came out in their large numbers to witness the enthronement of the new Olu. In his coronation speech, it was quite evident that the new Olu was not perturbed by the situations surrounding his enthronement as he proved that all he wanted was to bring development to his people and also facilitate investments in his community. He immediately put behind his pre-coronation tussles and hit the ground running. He stood against Oil theft and campaigned aggressively against it.
He also showed the importance of international engagement with an official visit to Canada earlier this year. He was also featured in a segment on CNN’s African Voices in 2022, among other things. In celebration of his one-year coronation anniversary, Olu Atuwatse III and his team are leaving no stone unturned in making the event a memorable one with series of activities lined up. The programme began with Praise Day, followed by thanksgiving, praise and worship sessions inside the main church auditorium within the palace in Warri, Delta State. The programme also features the ‘Warri Food Festival’, a novel idea of the monarch, to showcase different food items, sources and modes of preparation. The various menus, colours and tastes of Itsekiri cuisine are to be on display. This is to be followed closely same day as Iwere Music Concert and launch of Iwere Royal Society.
Today, Friday, August 19, the Olu will flag-off health care day to deliver free healthcare services to the people by the traditional ruler at the Palace of Chief Nana Olomu, the great merchant of Niger Delta and successful Itsekiri businessman, who was Governor of the Benin River Protectorate, under the British colonial administration.
On Saturday, activities would shift to Ode Itsekiri, headquarters of the Warri kingdom, where Itsekiri, in their thousands, will take turns to pay homage to their revered first-class monarch, amid cultural display. The anniversary would be rounded off on Sunday, with a thanksgiving service.