The five-year reign of His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri, has been described as a period of renewed glory, rare leadership, peacebuilding and remarkable progress for the Itsekiri people, Warri and Delta State.
Speaking at the fifth coronation anniversary of Olu of Warri on Friday, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, commended Atuwatse III for demonstrating rare leadership, promoting peace and supporting initiatives aimed at promoting the development of Warri and the state.
He said: “The Olu is a cerebral monarch, a peacemaker and an exemplary leader, a man of grace who leads from the front. He has an undying passion for the progress of not only Warri but the entire Delta State.
“I want to place on record that Olu has shown more than a passing interest in my administration. You have shown your love and support for this administration.”
The governor recalled that when the Itsekiri nation welcomed him, the Olu made a bold political endorsement of the president and himself, describing the decision as brave, considering the monarch’s responsibility as a father to all.
According to him, Olu’s leadership was also demonstrated through his support for development projects, recalling his participation in the construction inspection of the Ode-Itsekiri road, where he said the monarch was present to receive him even before his arrival.
Oborevwori revealed that the highway project, which includes more than 15 bridges, had been completed, adding that it would soon become operational.
He added that Olu’s efforts to showcase the completed road had helped demonstrate the impact of the administration’s infrastructure development agenda.
The governor recalled watching a video of the monarch riding a scooter along the completed stretch of highway, describing it as a remarkable gesture that showcased a project in an area that many had previously considered inaccessible.
He said Olu’s fifth coronation anniversary was therefore not simply a celebration of a traditional milestone, but also a reflection of five years of impactful leadership and a strong demonstration of the monarch’s support for the state government’s development efforts.
The governor used the occasion to make a passionate appeal to all ethnic nationalities in Warri to preserve the peace and unity that had characterized their coexistence over the years.
He said different ethnic groups had coexisted peacefully for centuries and stressed there was no reason why that harmony should not continue.
He urged one and all to avoid inflammatory statements and divisive tendencies capable of threatening the peace and stability of Warri and Delta State.
Among the dignitaries present at the event were Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu; Senator Joel-Onowakpo; the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa; the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; a representative of the Minister of Aviation; members of the Delta State Executive Council; service commanders; royal parents from all over the country; and other distinguished guests.
In his brief remarks, dubbed “Speech from the Throne,” the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, attributed the achievements of his five-year reign to God, saying that everything witnessed through the throne was a manifestation of divine grace.
He said the impact of the throne transcended the Itsekiri nation and expressed his commitment to promoting excellence in the traditional institution and cultural heritage of Nigeria.
Olu thanked Governors Oborevwori and Sanwo-Olu, other government officials, traditional rulers, groups and communities for honoring his anniversary and for their support and prayers.
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