By Cynthia Eruotor
The Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse lll said peace and unity would be an issue of illusion among the people unless there is true reconciliation anchored on genuine repentance especially those aggrieved who have continued to justify their course of action.
His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse lll stated this at the 4th coronation anniversary which was held on Thursday at open field of his palace. According to him, last year, there were challenges hence the Kingdom still has long way to go. He however said, despite this situation, they should remain resolute, determined and committed to ensure they don’t derail on the path of progress. His words:” In this last year, there has been many storms, many winds, and many shakings. “Even though we still have a long way to go, remain resolute, remain determined and committed to ensuring that the affairs and direction of the Itsekiri nation does not go off course. As we remain aligned to our responsibilities, God will bless our efforts and will not let see shame”
Homage paying to His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse lll by his subjects
.”.. among us, there are still few who remain aggrieved and continue to justify their course and actions, as long they are Itsekiris, they remain our children” “As much as we all desire peace and unity, it has to be on the right foundation of repentance, without which, true reconciliation cannot occur”
According to the Monarch, there must be order among the people and the palace under his reign remains the rally point and pace setter of that order as far as the Itsekiri Ethnic Nationality is concerned. He said God has already blessed Itsekiri as a nation adding, the blessings would manifest if there is unity and oneness among the people. His words:” God has already blessed us but He will not leave His throne in Heaven to come down and help us. And if we keep perpetrating the notion that we cannot trust ourselves, then, we are only delaying the breakthrough that we desperately desire as people. We have turned at ourselves and pull ourselves long enough…”
Homage paying to His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse lll by his subjects
The Monarch therefore urged the people to love one another and be their brothers’ keeper to achieve the desired progress. The Monarch who twitches from English to Itsekiri dialect which elicited applauds from the people, announced the activation of Itsekiri Trust Fund(ITF) which according to him, would inspire much progress in lwere land. He added, as a Chairman, he has started it by committing his personal resources and called on all sons and daughters of the soil, friends and partners to join to make it a success. The Monarch expressed gratitude to all those who came from far and near to facilitate with him and the Itsekiri nation in this august occasion held in month of August and wished them safe journey home.
Earlier in his address, Delta State Governor,Rt Hon. Elder Sheriff Oborevwori said since His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse lll ascended the throne of fore bearers in August 2021, there has been peace, unity among the people in Kingdom. According to him, the monarch has demonstrated that traditional leadership that is well guided by vision and integrity can be a powerful force for transformation. He said the king’s reign has not only fostered harmony within Warri Kingdom but it has a source of progress for Itsekiri nation. According to Governor Oborevwori, the monarch has been an advocate for equity, justice, fair play and cultural values has been on the front burner of his rulership. His words: “Your advocacy for equity, justice, fair play and your promotion of cultural pride stands as an enduring legacy of modern enlightened rulership”.
His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse lll subjects seated waiting for turn of Homage paying
Governor Oborevwori who was represented by Rt Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, Speaker, and Delta State House of Assembly said, the royal father’s global outlook has equally advanced the fortune and frontiers of Warri Kingdom which has helped to build bilateral partnership and open doors for investment. His words:” You have strengthened Warri space as economic hub that enhances Delta State attraction to the international communities. These aligned seemingly with our christened More Agenda which has been sustenance of growth, prosperity and opportunity for all Deltans.”
According to Governor Oborevwori, his administration would continue to support traditional rulers who play indispensable roles to ensure there is peace, unity and stability in their domains. He said, the peaceful disposition in Warri Kingdom under his reign has paved way for continuous expansion of infrastructure and empowerment of communities across the state and therefore congratulated him on success made so far in this regard.
Homage paying to His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse lll by his subjects
His words:” l join the people of Iwere land at home and abroad in celebrating a Monarch whose reign reopened cultural heritage, inspire youths and restore pride in Itsekiri dignity”. While Governor Oborevwori wished the Monarch wisdom, strength and good health to continue to lead his people to a greater height, he wished that the monarch’s reign would be a source of light, unity and progress in lwere land, Delta State in particular and Nigeria at large. The ceremony which was attended by many sons and daughters of the soil both from home and abroad had the presence of top government functionaries, including members of Delta State of Assembly, among others.