President Muhammadu Buhari has described the newly installed Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwaste lll, as fully equipped with the “strategies” to lead the people of Iwereland to greater heights.
The President, who was represented by a delegation led by Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege, stated this at the coronation of the 21st Olu of Warri in Ode-Itsekiri, Warri South council area of Delta state.
Buhari noted that with the educational and entrepreneurial background of the newly crowned monarch, Warri Kingdom is bound to experience all-round development.
“As a well- educated and successful entrepreneur, with creditable national and international experience, you are blessed with the wisdom and vision to fully embrace the strategies to persevere with this generation.
“I am certain that as a monarch, you will continue the 500 years noble tradition. Your reign will witness improved peace, progress and development of your people and the nation”.
Ooni of Ife His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi welcomed the Olu into the fold of “first class” monarchs in Nigeria, pointing out the “energy” in the atmosphere, showed that the Olu is much loved by his people.
He appealed to the king to embrace the entire people, “the good, bad and ugly”, as a father would do.
Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, represented by palace chiefs, prayed that the age-long traditional relationship between the Benin and Warri Kingdoms will soar.
Addressing the people, Ogiame Atuwaste lll, who took the title after his father, the 19th Olu of Warri, said his ascension to the throne is a divine visitation which “heralds divine habitation” for the Iwereland.
He further called on all his subjects and those who identify with the Itsekiri people to come invest across Iwereland as part of efforts in “repositioning the kingdom”.
The monarch enjoined neighbouring Ijaws, Urhobos and Ilaje people to join in the vision for a prosperous Niger Delta.
He urged Niger Delta youths to look beyond oil and gas and pursue alternate routes to development through their diverse cultures and identities.
He recalled that his predecessor, Ogiame Ikenwoli, was “wholeheartedly committed to peace, growth and development of Itsekiri nation”.
Ogiame Atuwaste lll was coronated exactly 3:25pm by the Uwangue of Warri, Chief Gabriel Awala.
Ogiame Atuwaste lll was crowned with a gold crown since the centuries old crown remain missing.
It is the first time in 400 years that an Olu is crowned without the diamond crown.
According to him, the incident has given the monarchy the “privilege to introduce a new pair of gold and silver crowns to the already rich history of Itsekiri”.
However, he emphasised that no part of the entire process leading to his coronation was his “own doing”.