HRM, Ogiame Atuwatse III, is our Personality this Sunday, as he marked his fourth anniversary on the throne as the Olu of Warri Kingdom in Delta State last week. He was crowned the 21st Olu of Warri on August 21, 2021.
In the past four years, it is largely believed, particularly among the Itsekiri people, that his reign has brought a rare blend of royal heritage, vision, peace, and unity to the Warri kingdom.
Beyond that, his reign has also brought a rare commitment and drive, leading to the socioeconomic empowerment of his people, a renewed cultural pride and a forward-looking agenda for his people.
Marking his four years on the throne, the activities kicked off with a praise and worship session that heralded other events like Boat Regatta (customary with the Itsekiri people), book launch, Award of Royal Order of Iwere, and climaxing into a thanksgiving service at the palace, Aghofen.
Four years on the throne, the Ogiame says of how the crown fits. “Heavy lies the head that wears the crown, and that is because the responsibility is weighty, but with time, prayer, and God’s guidance, one grows into and gets used to it till it becomes a part of you. So, while the weight remains, it serves as a reminder of the responsibility I’ve been entrusted with, not a burden.”
Interestingly, the Ogiame strongly holds the view that things can always get better, that the Itsekiri people deserve excellence, and that Warri must not be left behind.
Many prominent sons and daughters of the Warri Kingdom have aired their views on the fourth coronation of the revered Olu, but the most important of all is the fact that the occasion was a testament to his enduring leadership and commitment to the welfare of the Itsekiri people, whom he loves so much.
It was, perhaps, an occasion to reflect on the Olu’s enduring leadership and commitment to the welfare of his people, his contributions to peace, development and unity in Warri Kingdom and beyond.
It is, perhaps, important to note here that his four years on the throne have been marked by diplomacy, wisdom and a deep understanding of the needs of his people.
It is on good record that, as a lover of education, and a king that knows the value of education as a tool for emancipating his subjects from slavery and poverty, he initiated a scholarship scheme for Itsekiri communities in Warri Federal Constituency, Delta Central Senatorial District, and Edo State. The scholarship is targeted at 1,000 beneficiaries, from Warri South, Warri North, Okpe, Uvwie, Udu, Ethiope East, and Sapele Local Government Areas of Delta State; and Ikpoba-Okha, Ajamogha, Ajioki, Ologbo and Kolokolo in Edo State.
The Ogiame, as a lover of peace, progress, and unity, has also, in his wisdom, made deliberate efforts to collaborate with other traditional rulers like the Orodje of Okpe, the Owa Monarch and a host of them in Delta State.
To mark his fourth coronation anniversary, encomiums have continued to pour in for the Ogiame, but permit me to let you into a very lovely and touching one, sent by the Olori Atuwatse 111 (Queen Consort of Warri Kingdom). It reads: “Happy 4th Coronation Anniversary, my beloved husband, Your Royal Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse 111, Olu of Warri.
Four years ago, when you ascended the throne, you not only began a new chapter for the Itsekiri Nation, but also deepened the journey of love and purpose we share. In these years, your wisdom, grace and steady leadership have brought growth, peace, and unity to our kingdom.
I have watched with pride as your vision shines through in community initiatives, cultural preservation, and partnerships that uplift our people. To me, you are more than a king; you are a man of compassion, strength, and unwavering dedication.
Walking this path by your side is both a privilege and a blessing. Today, as we celebrate this milestone, my heart overflows with gratitude for you and for the light you bring, not only to our people but to our home and family. May your reign continue to be a beacon of hope, and may the generations to come find inspiration in your legacy of love and service. With all my love”.
Bourn Utieyinoritsetsola Emiko to his father, HRM Atuwatse 11, the 19th Olu of Warri, and mother, Gladys Durorike Emiko. Olu Atuwatse III is a descendant of Olu Akengbuwa. He was crowned the 21st Olu of Warri on August 21, 2021, at Ode Itsekiri, succeeding his uncle, Ogiame Ikenwoli 1.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and Political Science from Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA, and a Master of Science degree in Management from the same University’s Weatherhead School of Management.
After his one-year mandatory National Youth Service in the Public Affairs Department of the National Petroleum Investment Management Service (NAPIMS), he worked as an officer at the Shell Nigeria Closed Pension Fund Administrator (SNCFPA) and Sahara Energy. He is a serial entrepreneur, and founder of Noble and Coral Curator, Chairman, Ocean Marine Security and Director at Gulf of Guinea and Vessellink Nig.
