From Warri to Miami…How Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III Celebrated His 40th Birthday In America

– As President Tinubu, Saraki, Others Celebrate Him, Paramount Monarch Rocks US Coast With Family

– His Remarkable Exploits As a Scholar, Magnate

Not all the storms of the rough, rude sea can drown the pageant of an anointed King. And not all the tumult in the creeks of the Niger Delta can dim the vigour of paramount monarch, Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III’s royal ensemble.

The monarch cuts a different portrait of Nigerian royalty. Not one to be constrained or undone by the rigours of boorish protocols, he yielded to the human and fun lover in him. He travelled to faraway Miami, in the United States of America (USA) to celebrate his 40th birthday.

There is no gainsaying the Warri monarch had great fun as he dumped his royal regalia to bask in the azure bliss of the Miami ocean with his family.

Miami is known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and beautiful skyline views, making it a popular tourist destination. The city offers a range of accommodations, from affordable hotels to luxurious options, with the latter appealing to the good taste and fat purse of the handsome monarch.

There is indeed a lot to learn from the Warri monarch. While the throne has been widely acknowledged as his natural habitat, he effortlessly appears graceful, royal and undeniably modish far from the precincts of his royal palace.

As the ruler of Warri Kingdom celebrated his 40th birthday with his family, he painlessly exuded indescribable mirth, gaiety and panache thus affirming the notion that whether at business or pleasure, only a monarch can personally define the depth and breadth of his essence.

As he partied with his loved ones, he yielded to his sense of adventure. He placed a latch on every royal stricture thus showing that in his world, he would rather pay more attention to his human relationships than obsess about official protocols and personal appearance.

Watching him have fun with his family, revealed insiders, was enlightening and humbling. The paramount monarch dropped all airs and created an atmosphere that felt like a lyrical personification of everything that monarchy and a throne imply instead of looking like a grumpy third-rate puppet.

Born Utieyinoritsetsola Emiko, also known as Tsola Emiko, on April 2, 1984, to Olu Atuwatse II, the 19th Olu of Warri, and Gladys Durorike Emiko, the King, who is also a descendant of Olu Akengbuwa, was crowned as the 21st Olu of Warri on August 21, 2021 at Ode-Itsekiri, thus succeeding his uncle, Ogiame Ikenwoli I.

As he celebrated his 40th birthday, chief among those who felicitated with him was Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu. The President in a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, stated, “President Bola Tinubu heartily congratulates His Royal Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri, on the occasion of his birthday. “The President joins the good people of Warri Kingdom in celebrating the Renaissance monarch, extolling his strength of character, clear-sightedness, and zest for peace, progress, and development of Itsekiri land and its people.

“President Tinubu commends the Olu of Warri for his support for youth-centred initiatives and development programmes, acknowledging Nigeria’s youths as the nation’s greatest asset.

“As His Royal Majesty marks this milestone birthday, the President wishes the monarch good health and strength and many years of prosperity on the throne of his forebears.”

Also, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State and the former Senate President, Dr Abubakar Saraki, congratulated the Olu of Warri Kingdom as he clocked 40 years.

Dr. Saraki, on his X (Twitter), said: “His Royal Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, the 21st Olu of Warri has redefined what it means to be a modern monarch. His reign has been one of action, guided by a deep understanding of both local and global issues. Most importantly, his commitment to uplifting the Itsekiri people is an inspiration to all.

“Today, as His Royal Majesty celebrates his 40th birthday, my family and I join the Itsekiri nation in celebrating this historic occasion.

“We pray that the Almighty continues to bless His Royal Majesty with the wisdom and strength that he needs to guide his Kingdom and contribute to the future of our nation,” he added.

Governor Oborevwori, on his part, said that since His Majesty ascended the throne of his ancestors, the Itsekiri nation has remained peaceful and welcoming to investors.

In a statement in Asaba by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, Governor Oborevwori said Ogiame Atuwatse’s reign has immensely benefited the people of Warri Kingdom, Delta State and indeed the nation.

“One thing that stands out is your royal bearing, which is evident in the impeccable way you have carried out your responsibilities and has continued to be a source of glory and pride for the traditional institution.

There is no gainsaying that the Warri King was born and bred for his current position; from childhood through young adulthood, he was groomed under the stewardship of the respected Ginuwa Royal House of the Itsekiris and underwent training in the walk of Princes by his late father.

As the world celebrates him on his 40th birthday, the resounding echoes of his transformative leadership resonate through the city of Warri and beyond. The 21st Olu of Warri, fondly called Oritsetsola and recognized as a beacon of modern monarchy, has carved a distinguished legacy marked by unwavering dedication to his people and profound global influence.

Educated in Nigeria and overseas, the monarch embodies the fusion of tradition and modernity. His academic journey, culminating in a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and Political Science from Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, and a Master of Science degree in Management, reflects his commitment to holistic learning and intellectual growth.

This is reflective in the wide gamut of his academic sojourn. The monarch received his early education at the NNPC Primary School, in Warri, before proceeding to Adesoye College, Offa, Kwara State, for his secondary education between 1995 and 2001.

Afterwards, he proceeded to the Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America from where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree between 2002 and 2006.

He majored in International Studies & Political Science, even as History & Economics were his subsidiary areas of specialisation.

In 2007, the young prince returned to Case Western Reserve University from where he obtained a Master of Science in Management.

He returned to Nigeria in 2008 for the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and served in the Public Affairs Department of National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS).

Between 2009 and 2010, he worked as an officer at the Shell Nigeria Closed Pension Fund Administrator (SNCFPA) and Sahara Energy between 2010 and 2012 as a Government Relations Officer.

With his exposure and education overseas, Omo Oba Emiko has been able to galvanise himself into the corporate and business world where he has recorded enviable achievements spanning several business concerns.

En route to the throne, the paramount monarch demonstrated exceptional entrepreneurial acumen, founding ventures such as Noble Nigeria and Coral Curator. His leadership extends to the corporate sphere, where he serves as Chairman of Ocean Marine Security and holds directorships at the Gulf of Guinea and Vessellink Nigeria

Although his ascent to the throne was not without controversy, he decisively emerged as the rightful heir. His ascension symbolised a bridge between tradition and modernity, as he embarked on a mission to unite and uplift the Itsekiri people.

Throughout his reign, Oritsetsola has spearheaded initiatives to drive socio-economic development and cultural preservation in Warri and its environs. From youth empowerment programmes to infrastructural projects, his vision for progress transcends borders, earning him accolades and admiration on a national scale.

And in recognition of his exemplary leadership and contributions to nation-building, Oritsetsola was honoured as Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) by President Muhammadu Buhari in October 2022. This prestigious award is a testament to his enduring commitment to service and his profound impact on the welfare of his people.

As Oritsetsola celebrates his 40th birthday, his legacy shines brightly as a testament to the power of visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to the welfare of the people. In Warri, and indeed across the globe, his reign inspires hope, unity, and progress for generations to come.

With his rich educational background, the youthful monarch and trailblazer superintends productively over a population of more than one million people.