By Samuel Ogude
The Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom, Chief (Eng.) Oma Eyewuoma has urged all Itsekiri sons and daughters both at home and Diaspora to be part of the 2nd Coronation Anniversary of the Olu of Warri, His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III CFR. Chief Eyewuoma stated this on Wednesday while addressing Journalists in Olu’s Palace in Warri South Local Government Area Delta State on the activities lined up for the anniversary.
He said, since Warri Kingdom was founded in 1480 by Olu Ginuwa I, the kingdom has experienced rapid growth and development. According to him, aside the 88 years of interregnum, Warri Kingdom has had 21 Monarchs saying, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III ,being the 21st Monarch on the throne.
His words:” Warri Kingdom, as you know, was founded in 1480 by Olu Ginuwa I. His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III CFR is the 21st Monarch to rule the Kingdom. He is the Grandson of Olu Erejuwa II and the son of Olu Atuwatse II CON. He was crowned on 21st August 2021, thus, his Coronation Anniversary comes up every year on 21st August”.
According to him ,the programme starts from 18th August 2023 and terminates on the 27th August 2023 saying, the activities would take place at the Palace (Aghofen) and Ode Itsekiri(Big Warri), the ancestral home of Iwere Nation. He said, the highlight would begin with praise day which would be on the 18th where the Monarch and the entire Itsekiri Nation, friends and well wishers would come out in en-masse to commit the activities to God with praise and worship for the peace and tranquility of the kingdom.
He added that, this would be closely followed by the Monarch’s conferment of Chieftaincy titles on the deserving sons and daughters of the kingdom, traditional homage paying, Ghigho Aghofen on the 26th and on the 27th, there would be special thanks- giving to end the coronation. According to Chief Oma Eyewuoma all preparations have been made to that effect saying, this year’s coronation would be different from the previous ones in that, it is not just merriment alone but perusing the areas that need to be worked on to enable the kingdom take its place in the comity of kingdoms across the globe.