Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri, has expressed gratitude to God as he marks three years on the throne of his ancestors. During a ceremony at his palace, where his subjects paid homage as part of the third coronation anniversary celebrations, the monarch reiterated his commitment to peace, social justice, and equity in the Itsekiri nation and its relations with neighboring communities.
Reflecting on his reign, Ogiame Atuwatse III noted, “Three years ago, the Itsekiri nation extended a hand of peace and collaboration to our neighbors on both land and sea. Since then, we have made significant strides in fostering peace and coexistence, rooted in love and mutual respect.”
He emphasized that the foundation of justice, peace, and equity, within the rule of law, remains central to the Itsekiri nation’s values. The progress achieved over the past three years, he said, is a testament to this unwavering commitment.
Highlighting a significant decision made during his reign, the Olu of Warri stated, “Last year, we abolished the term ‘slaves’ from our palace vocabulary because we believe all are created equal by God. This move reaffirms our belief in the equality and dignity of all people. We are committed to embracing change because if we don’t change, we are stagnating.”
Ogiame Atuwatse III also spoke about Aghofen, the royal palace, describing it as a symbol of refuge for all Itsekiris, where unity and collective aspirations can flourish. He encouraged his people to move forward with humility, noting that while pride in their heritage is important, they must guard against the kind of pride that hinders progress and blinds them to new possibilities.
