By Mudiaga Affe
Amid pomp and circumstance, the new Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, on Saturday stepped into the royal thrown at a colourful ceremony held at Ode-Itsekiri, the ancestral home of the Itsekiri nation in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.

The revered Warri monarch, who was crowned at exactly 3.34pm with a new golden crown as the 21st Olu of Warri, thereafter in his first royal speech, reversed an ancestral curse placed on Nigeria by his grandfather, Olu Erejuwa II, as a result of alleged injustice meted to him.

The event attracted the crème d’ la crème of the society including President Muhammadu Buhari, represented by the Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege; Governor of Kebbi State, Abubakar Bagudu; Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, represented by his Chief of Staff, Ovie Agas; Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo, and the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu.

Among other eminent persons were the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II; a former governor of Borno State, Ali Modu Sheriff; and a former governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Edo State, Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

Reversing the curse, the new Olu, who is a direct descendant of Olu Erejuwa II, said it had become imperative to take the step for the development of the nation.

Erejuwa II was the paramount leader of the Itsekiri and the 18th Olu of Warri, from 1951 to 1964 and from 1966 to 1986 respectively.

Atuwatse III said, “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.

“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, slowed, nor stopped 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.”

He, thereafter, extolled the virtues of the Itsekiri people at home and in the Diaspora, promising that his kingdom would soon emerge with progressive policies to rebrand the rich Itsekiri historical and cultural heritage to develop their socio-economic potential.

To that extent, he pledged to be focused “as the spiritual, cultural, political and traditional ruler of Warri kingdom.”

He assured youths and women of the kingdom of better days ahead, promising to support them in developing and achieving excellence.

The Atuwatse III described his coming not just as a divine visitation but also as divine habitation, insisting that his emergence is “God’s project.”

Talking about the stolen 500-year-old Warri crown, the new Olu of Warri urged the sons and daughters of the kingdom not to despair over the ugly development; but to rather see it as part of the manifestation of the divine glory.

He said, “The taboo that was made by our old crown has made way for a brand new gold crown, good only for the modernity of the present age.

“From the era of coral to terracotta, to silver, and now gold. The reality of the moment can only signify the forthcoming economic manifestation of our people, God willing.”

He called on all sons and daughters of Warri to join forces with him in repositioning the kingdom to greater heights.

Earlier in his remarks after the coronation, President Buhari prayed for the success of the new monarch.

Omo-Agege, who represented the President, said the new monarch’s ascension to the throne was ordained by God.

“I am delighted to be in this event. Based on the tradition and ethos of the Warri kingdom, your ascension to the throne was ordained by the Almighty as the youngest Olu of Warri. You are blessed with the mission and vision of the old even as you look forward to a bright future. Your reign will bring peace, progress and development to your people,” he added.

Speaking in his personal capacity as the Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, the Deputy Senate President assured the new monarch of his support.

Okowa, who was absent because his father’s burial coincided with Olu’s investiture, congratulated the Itsekiri people on the coronation.

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Okowa called on all to work with the monarch to ensure speedy progress and development of the kingdom.

“As a government, we would continue to partner with you on many areas that would be mutually beneficial to the Warri kingdom and the state,” he stressed.

In his remarks, the Ooni of Ife welcomed the new Olu of Warri to the category of first-class kings in the country.

Oba Ogunwusi, who chairs the National Council of Traditional Rulers, said it was it was coincidental that the 21st Olu of Warri was crowned on “the 21st day of August in 2021 in the 21st century.

“Your Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, we thank God for today because it is a rare opportunity for the Itsekiri kingdom. From the throne of Oduduwa, we are happy and excited that you are the 21st Olu of Warri in the 21st millennium. We welcome you on board as one of ours and we rejoice with you,” the Ooni of Ife added.

Meanwhile, some palace chiefs, who represented the Oba of Benin, said Oba Ewuare II had projected long reign for the Olu of Warri.

They assured that the relationship between the Benin and Warri kingdoms would wax stronger.