Ogiame Atuwatse II (1945-2015)

THE Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse II who also passed on not too long after Oni Olubuse’s demise was born for the throne. Regal in carriage and distinct in conduct, he conferred on the Olu throne an infectious aura of serenity. He was crowned the 19th Olu of Warri on May 2, 1987, an event that was witnessed by the renowned Nigerian politician and statesman, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, among other important dignitaries.

Ogiame Atuwase II born Godwin Toritseju Emiko, a lawyer by profession, was the second son of Olu Erejuwa II and was fully prepared for leadership before his coronation. He was the only son of his father who was made a member of the Warri Traditional Council since 1983 and also a Member of Warri Local Government Council, where he served in several capacities before ascending the throne in 1987.

Without doubt, Ogiame Atuwatse II contributed immensely to the development of the country, his native Delta State and indeed the Itsekiri nation. He would be remembered for his worthy service and invaluable contributions to the sustenance of the cultural heritage of his people. A capable ruler and immensely knowledgeable, he used his exalted throne to build bridges of unity, friendship and harmony across the nation. Of his reign, many have observed that the late monarch brought about generational changes in the kingdom. Indeed, many have testified that the Itsekiri under his reign enjoyed “God’s divine blessings, increase, power, favour and wealth.”

Ogiame Atuwase II loved his people and was a philanthropist who gave much of his resources to them throughout his 28-year rule. Apart from his philanthropy, he was very humble. The friendship and relationships he built even before ascending the throne were still nurtured and never undermined by his monarchical status. He was renowned for remembering all friends and honouring them. Also, he was a devout Christian, a faith that was to put him in conflict with the traditional beliefs of his people.

However, his tenure was largely peaceful despite the inter-ethnic relations between the Ijaw, the Urhobo and the Itsekiri over allegiance to the Olu stool. The crisis in the kingdom due to the administrative restructuring with regard to Warri South West Local Government and the location of its headquarters led to violent clashes between the three ethnic groups. Remarkably, peace was centrally restored as a result of the Olu’s grace and magnanimity. This is perhaps why President Muhammadu Buhari noted that the monarch “will always be remembered as a peace-loving monarch who did his best to foster the harmonious co-existence of his people with other ethnic groups in Delta State and Nigeria.”

His Christian conviction, aforementioned, resulted in his alleged renunciation of the traditional title of ‘Ogiame.’ He, however, bowed to the wishes of his subjects due to their consequent protest and that single action underlined the point that he ruled according to the wishes of the people whose well-being was paramount to him. A recipient of the national award of the Commander of the Niger (CON), Ogiame Atuwase II will be sorely missed by the Itsekiri, Deltans and all Nigerians.