The fourth anniversary celebrations of Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwashe III, the 21st Olu of Iwere land, will continue to reverberate in the minds of Iwere people. The weeklong activities, which started with praise and worships and thanksgiving, ended on a high note at the palace church.
Coordinated by Chief Oma Eyewuoma (the Ologbotsere of Warri), Chief Francis Omatsaye (Chairman, Central Committee), and David Eyitemi Oki (Chairman, Publicity/Media Committee), it was one week of festivities, music, poetry and culture extravaganza.
Themed, ‘Towards Iwere Renaissance: Evolving Strategies for Confronting Land and Language Issues’, the event started with a Praise and Worship held at the Palace (Aghofen) Church.
Super Eagles Legends, Chiefs Shine In Celebratory Football Match
The second day of the festivities was a spectacular tapestry of sporting nostalgia, youthful cultural pride, and a landmark commitment to community healthcare, underscoring the monarch’s vision for a holistic and thriving kingdom.
The evening’s headline event was a star-studded novelty football match that sent waves of excitement through the packed palace grounds.
In a rare and thrilling spectacle, legends of the famed Atlanta ‘96 Super Eagles Olympic gold medalists team laced up their boots once more, sharing the pitch with the kingdom’s highly esteemed and youthful chiefs, as well as other vibrant sons of Warri land.
The atmosphere was electric as the crowd cheered on every dribble, pass, and goal, witnessing an exhilarating display of football prowess that bridged generations. The match served as a thrilling culmination to the day’s events, symbolizing the kingdom’s unifying spirit and deep passion for sports. Dignitaries, traditional leaders, and thousands of enthusiastic supporters were united in a joyous celebration of their monarch’s reign.
Investing In The Future: Language, Healthcare Take Centre Stage
Beyond the glamour of the football pitch, the day was equally significant for its profound investments in the kingdom’s future—its youth and its health.
Earlier, the palace courtyard had resonated with the eloquent sounds of heritage as children participated in an exciting Itsekiri Language Competition. The young contestants captivated the audience with vibrant storytelling, poetic recitations, and powerful spoken word performances, all delivered in the native Itsekiri tongue.
The event was a joyful and poignant reminder of the importance of cultural preservation. Winners were honoured with significant prizes, an encouragement from the throne to continue being proud custodians of the Itsekiri language and traditions.
“In the voices of these children, we hear the future of the Itsekiri Nation,” a palace official remarked. “Their fluency and pride ensure that the legacy of our people will not only be remembered but will continue to thrive.”
On how he balances the preservation of cultural heritage with the need for progress, he had this to say: “You don’t throw the baby out with the bath water. One can be true to one’s identity, yet the practices or ways that do not elevate or work with the times, can be quietly done away with. The law was made for man, and not man for the law. The only thing constant in this life, is change, and preferably, change that yields in progress.”
In a demonstration of compassionate leadership, His Majesty also attended the historic commissioning of the Renewed Hope Mother and Childcare Hospital at Ugbuwangwe. This state-of-the-art, 80-bed facility, built by the Presidency through the Office of the Senior Special Assistant on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulure, stands as a testament to successful collaboration between the traditional institution and the federal government.
The hospital is designed to provide quality healthcare and specialised services for mothers and children, addressing a critical need in the community and representing a brighter, healthier future for countless families. His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, was represented at the ceremony by his Chief of Staff, Prince Johnson Ejiro.
Speaking at the commissioning, His Majesty expressed his deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the significant contribution. He stated that the hospital reflects a shared desire for holistic development and aligns with his deep compassion for the most vulnerable in society. This milestone is hailed as a major achievement in the kingdom’s ongoing journey toward improved healthcare and socio-economic development.
Olu Of Warri Leads Spectacular Regatta To Ancestral Homeland
His Majesty, Ògíamè Atuwatse III, on Wednesday, led a regatta to the ancestral heartland of the Iwere (Itsekiri) nation, Ode-Itsekiri, in a breathtaking display of cultural pride and royal splendour.
The historic journey saw the royal red boat spearhead a vibrant and colourful procession of vessels across the waterways. Each boat in the fleet was adorned in unique colours and regalia, representing the diverse communities, families, and groups that form the tapestry of the Itsekiri kingdom, sailing in unison as a living tribute to their shared heritage and unbreakable unity.
The majestic voyage was more than a celebration; it was a powerful reaffirmation of the sovereignty and enduring legacy of the revered Warri throne. It symbolised a bridge between a glorious past and a future vision of progress, unity, and enlightened leadership for generations to come.
On Thursday, the anniversary day itself, there was a rich showcase of Itsekiri culture on the sacred grounds of Aghofen (the Palace).
Friday, August 22, there was a book launch on Arabic Figures and the Itsekiri language by Lucky Ebaje, which was followed by more homage-paying and a cultural drama presentation.
Honours Oritsejafor, Six Others With Royal Order of Iwere (ROI)
Highlight of the celebration Saturday, August 23, was the Award of the Royal Order of Iwere (ROI) by His Majesty to distinguished Itsekiris. He conferred the Royal Order of Iwere Award on Pastor Ayodele Joseph Oritsegbubemi Oritsejafor, popularly known as Papa Ayo Oritsejafor, and six other distinguished sons and daughters of Iwere land. The event held at Aghofen (Olu of Warri Palace), Warri.
Speaking after his conferment, Oritsejafor, expressed gratitude to the traditional ruler, describing the honour as a generous award.
The cleric who quoted from Psalms 133, noted the unity in the kingdom, just as he prayed for more blessings on the kingdom.
Ayodele Joseph Oritsegbubemi Oritsejafor (often referred to as “Papa Ayo”) advocates for social justice, good governance, and empowerment of the underprivileged, offers scholarships to students across educational levels, irrespective of faith or ethnicity; also partners with Flight Micro Finance Bank for yearly community empowerment programmes.
Others honoured alongside the cleric are Dr. Ebi Omatsola, Director of Con Oil Plc, Mr. Oti Ikomi, Dr. (Mrs.) Helen Boyo-Ekwueme, Mrs. Eva Omaghomi, Mrs. Tara Fela-Durotoye and Hon. (Dr.) Godwin Ebosa.
The Royal Order of Iwere is a prestigious award in the Kingdom of Warri, second only to chieftaincy conferment. It was established on August 24, 2024, by royal proclamation. Recipients of the award become members of the Royal Iwere Society, helping to screen future nominees.
The Royal Iwere Society aims to be a platform for dynamic initiatives, elevating the society to global prominence and positioning Warri as a leading socio-cultural and economic hub.
The awards recognise individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the nation and who exemplify values like integrity, hard work, and redemption. It celebrates values such as education, hard work, integrity and positive societal impact.
Yearly Warri Kingdom Thanksgiving Day
The last event was a thanksgiving session. Speaking at the event, Ogiame Atuwatse III said this year, “the Lord asked me to look beyond ‘the usual’.”
He added, “the Lord asked me to thank Him for the things that present themselves as burdens and frustrations that I feel. And He led me to Exodus 23:29. And I must clarify; this isn’t just about physical land, but ‘His promises’ towards us, because when things don’t seem to go in our mind or imagination; the way God said, the situation or circumstances may want to make it look like God is a liar.”
Continuing, he said, “We are here to give Thanksgiving to the one who saw where we got it wrong, and where we were wasteful and negligent, yet inspite of it all, He’s bringing us much restoration. And so we thank Him for Darkness that He has allowed us to be in, for out of this darkness, a great light has come. A great light of which that previous darkness will not be able to comprehend. And as tough as this one is, we thank Him for the pride and wickedness; because out of this, humility and honour has come.”
