By Ovie Okpare
Former Nigeria’s President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, and Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State on Sunday led the pack of dignitaries that attended the coronation thanksgiving of His Royal Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III.
Other top dignitaries at the church thanksgiving held at the Olu of Warri Palace were former Governors James Ibori, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor; Deputy Governor Kingsley Otuaro, Speaker, Delta Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and others.
Ogiame Atuwatse III was crowned as the 21st Olu of Warri on Saturday at Ode-Itsekiri, ancestral home of the Itsekiri, in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.
Speaking at the church event, former President Obasanjo charged the Itsekiri monarch to work for the unity of his kingdom and Nigeria as a whole.
Obasanjo, who said he was highly favoured to see the crowning of three last Olus, however, wished and prayed not to see installation of another Olu of Warri.
He prayed for the new monarch saying that his reign would be long, peaceful, adding that his reign would bring unity and prosperity to Itsekiriland.
“I am one of the happiest on your installation because God has specially favoured me to see three Olus and I don’t pray to see a fourth one.
“I want to emphasise that the position you occupy today is given to you by God but with your own people surrounding you and you must always remember that.
“If God has given you a role to perform you will be offending God if you fail to perform that task,” he said.
The former President said the title of Majesty carried along with a lot of responsibilities, adding that he was convinced the monarch had started well and would lead the Itsekiri people to a new dawn.
“Be very close to God in whatever situation you may find yourself and God will surely make a way for you,” Obasanjo stated.
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa in his remark, congratulated the new Olu on his successful coronation describing him as a man of peace and urged him to work for the unity of the Iwere nation.
“I congratulate you because I know that you are a man of peace and I know that the Lord God has chosen you to ascend the throne at this time.
“It is a time for healing and a time for your Majesty to ensure that the kingdom comes together.
“I know that some people can be very stubborn but I urge you to extend the olive branch to them and I know that it will be well with the Itsekiri people.
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“You have a lot of work to do not just in Itsekiri nation but in the entire nation,” the governor stated.
“On behalf of the government and people of Delta we congratulate you and the Itsekiri people on your successful coronation.
“We know that your reign will truly bring peace and development and I believe the Lord God has prepared you for a time like this and may the presence of God be with you on this throne,” Okowa prayed.
Guest Speaker, Apostle Tomi Arayomi, said God ordained the King to rule at this time, adding that God was willing to partner with people who were willing to partner with the spirit of God.
