To Be Addressed As Ogiame Atuwatse lll
By Ovie Okpare
Crème de la crème of the Nigerian society including President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Abubakar Bagudu of Kebbi State on Saturday attended the coronation of Ogiame Atuwatse lll as the 21st Olu of Warri at Ode-Itsekiri in Warri South LGA of Delta State.
The Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, represented President Buhari and led a Federal Government delegation which also had Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ahmed Idris Wase.
The colourful ceremony also had the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Chief Festu Keyamo, who is representing the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ọjájá II; former Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, NFF President, Mr Amaju Pinnick; Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shauibu and Hon. Rev Francis Waive.
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NIGER DELTA TODAY (NDT) Online reports that the event also had in attendance traditional rulers from across the country in attendance.
Omoba Tsola Emiko after completing various traditional rites was crowned Ogiame Atuwatse lll by Itsekiri kingmakers.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Buhari represented by Senator Omo-Agege, congratulated the Itsekiri Nation and the new Olu of Warri on his ascension to the throne.
Buhari said he was confidence that the new monarch will use his new position to enthrone peace and unity in Itsekiri Nation and Nigeria in general.
According to him, “I am here to felicitate with you on your ascension to the throne of your forefathers as the 21st Olu of Warri Kingdom.
“I pray God to bless you with wisdom and vision to rule and bring development to the people of Iwere kingdom and Nigeria as a whole.
In his remarked, Ogiame Atuwatse III, made his first pronouncement by reversing curses laid on Nigeria by reversing them, adding that the royal family has forgiven the country.
“As the spiritual, cultural, political, and traditional ruler of this land, I, Ogiame Atuwatse III, the 21st Olu of Warri, the first son of Olu Atuwatse II, the grandson of and direct descendant of Olu Erejuwa II, who was offended on this throne, hereby reverse the curse placed over this land.
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“In its place, I release forgiveness and healing to the Federal Government of Nigeria whose might was used to propagate that offence; and I decree unprecedented and an uncommon peace, prosperity, progress, and development upon this land.
“I bring down the government of heaven unto this land and I direct it to flow as a course that can neither be sabotaged nor slowed, stopped.
“It goes out as a strong ripple effect emanating from this kingdom to the rest of the Niger Delta, to the rest of the Nigerian nation, and even to the African continent”, the monarch said.
On his part, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta state, represented by his Chief of Staff, Chief Ovie Festus Agas, congratulated the Itsekiri monarch and wished him a fruitful reign.
