All’s well that ends well is the title of William Shakespeare’s play, and it best captures the weeklong celebrations of the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwashe III, the Olu of Iwere land. The activities, which started with praise and worship and thanksgiving, ended on a high note at the palace church yesterday.
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, culture extravaganza and awards ceremonies in Warri.
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.
The seven-day celebrations saw the commissioning of a hospital at Ugbuwangue, an Itsekiri Language competition for children at the Palace Auditorium, and a double-header football fest featuring a Women’s Novelty Match and the All Stars Novelty Match at the Olu of Warri Palace Field.
His Majesty, Ògíamè Atuwatse III, on Wednesday, had 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.
The highlight of the celebration on 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 was 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”) advocated for social justice, good governance, and empowerment of the underprivileged, offers scholarships to students across educational levels, irrespective of faith or ethnicity, and 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 Institute of Water and Environment, 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.
Past recipients include prominent figures such as Mr. Sam Amuka-Pemu, Publisher of Vanguard Newspaper, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick, former NFF President and CAF’s representative to FIFA, Mr. Julius Dediare Rone, CEO of UTM Energy Limited, Dr. Mrs. Ajoritsedere Awosika, a distinguished personality, and Master Eworitsewarami Justin Wilbert, recognised for academic excellence.
