• Annuls grandfather’s curse on Nigeria
The newly-crowned 21st Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, in his first official pronouncement as king, yesterday annulled a curse placed on Nigeria by his grandfather, Olu Erejuwa II, over alleged injustice meted to him.
“As the spiritual, cultural, political, and traditional ruler of this land, I, Ogiame Atuwatse III, the 21st Olu of Warri, the first son of Olu Atuwatse II, the grandson of and direct descendant of Olu Erejuwa II who was offended on this throne, hereby reverse the curse placed over this land,” he said a moment after his crowning at the ancient Ode-Itsekiri.
“In its place, I release forgiveness and healing to the Federal Government of Nigeria whose might was used to propagate that offence; and I decree unprecedented and an uncommon peace, prosperity, progress, and development upon this land.
“I bring down the government of heaven unto this land and I direct it to flow as a course that can neither be sabotaged, slowed, nor stopped.
“It goes out as a strong ripple effect emanating from this kingdom to the rest of the Niger Delta, to the rest of the Nigerian nation, and even to the African continent.”
Ogiame Atuwatse III spoke before a large gathering of people who had turned up from different parts of Nigeria and abroad to witness the coronation.
President Muhammadu Buhari in a goodwill message on the occasion described the new Olu of Warri as fully equipped with the strategies to lead his people to greater heights.
Represented by a delegation led by Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege, Buhari said the traditional ruler is “blessed with the wisdom and vision to fully embrace the strategies to persevere with this generation.”
The ceremony commenced with a boat regatta on the Warri River after which all guests, the chiefs and the new king moved to Ode-Itsekiri, the ancestral home of the Itsekiri.
For the last time in his life he performed three symbolic chores: he fetched water in a clay pot, split wood with an axe, and paddled a canoe.
He then took the oath of office and adopted the title of Ogiame Atuwatse III.
The crown, made of gold, was then placed on his head by the Uwangue of Warri, Chief Gabriel Awala, at exactly 3.25pm.
The ancient crown was allegedly stolen in the heat of the preparation for the coronation.
Buhari in his message said the Olu’s ascension to the throne was ordained by God Almighty.
He said: “As the youngest ever Olu of Warri, you are certainly a promoter of good tidings. As a well educated and successful entrepreneur, with creditable national and international experience, you are blessed with the wisdom and vision to fully embrace the strategies to persevere with this generation.
“I am certain that as a monarch, you will continue the 500 years noble tradition. Your reign will witness improved peace, progress and development of your people and the nation”.
Speaking in his capacity as the Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial district, Omo-Agege assured Ogiame Atuwaste III of his readiness to render support to the kingdom on issues that will promote development.
“You have another Senator representing you in the National Assembly. From time to time, I will call upon you for advice. Anything that we need to do to make your kingdom successful, you can count on me,” DSP Omo-Agege stated.
Also speaking, the Ooni of Ife , Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, welcomed the Olu into the fold of first class monarchs in Nigeria, pointing out that the “energy” in the atmosphere, showed that the Olu is much loved by his people.
He appealed to the king to embrace the entire people, “the good, bad and ugly”, as a father would do.
Oba Of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, represented by palace chiefs, prayed that the age-long traditional relationship between the Benin and Warri Kingdoms would soar.
Addressing the people, Ogiame Atuwaste III, who took the title after his father, the 19th Olu of Warri, described his ascension as a divine visitation which “heralds divine habitation” for the Iwereland.
He asked his people and those who identify with the Itsekiri people to come and invest across Iwereland, as part of efforts in “repositioning the kingdom”.
The monarch enjoined neighbouring Ijaws, Urhobos and Ilaje people to join in the vision for a prosperous Niger Delta.
He urged Niger Delta youths to look beyond oil and gas and pursue alternate routes to development through their diverse cultures and identities.
He recalled that his predecessor, Ogiame Ikenwoli, was “wholeheartedly committed to peace, growth and development of Itsekiri nation”.
Before making his first speech as Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwaste III led, sons and daughters, as well as dignitaries at the ceremony, in a rendition of Christian worship songs to express thanks to God Almighty for his successful coronation.
Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Ovie Agas, expressed optimism that the support and peace the state has enjoyed from the kingdom will continue.
Okowa urged all Itsekiri people worldwide to “cooperate, work and partner with the Olu irrespective of religious, social and political”, affiliations.
In a similar goodwill message, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State said the reign of te new Olu of Warri would be successful and peaceful.
The Ogiame’s ascension to the throne,the governor said, “comes at a time when our nation is in dire need of leaders with the passion, commitment and capacity to engender cohesion and promote prosperity and development.”
He prayed that his reign brings enormous blessings to the people and kingdom of Warri, and indeed the entire nation. Congratulations.
Dignitaries at the ceremony included Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo (SAN); former governor of Borno State, Senator Modu Sheriff, Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu; Minister Niger Delta Affairs, represented by administrator, Niger Delta Development Commission, Mr. Awka Effiong; former Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan; President, Nigeria Football, Federation, Mr. Amaju Pinnick; member representing Ughelli North, South and Udu Federal Constituency, Hon. Francis Waive.
Traditional rulers present included King Jaja of Opobo, representatives of the Emir of Kano, the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye.
Ogiame Atuwatse III is a descendant of Olu Akengbuwa.
He was born on April 2, 1984, in Warri to the then Prince Godwin Toritseju Emiko, who later became the 20th Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse II, and Gladys Durorike Emiko.
He attended the NNPC Primary School in Warri for his primary education and later Adesoye College in Offa, Kwara State for his secondary education between 1995 and 2001.
He obtained a first degree in International Studies and Political Science from Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio in the United States .
In 2007, he earned a Master of Science Degree in Management from the same university.
The monarch is married to Ivie Uhunoma Emiko and they are blessed with three children.
