The Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, has marked the fifth anniversary of his coronation with a call for greater national unity, cultural renewal and the preservation of Nigeria’s heritage.
The monarch made the call on Friday during celebrations marking five years of his reign in Warri, Delta State. The anniversary, themed “Global Homecoming: Celebrating Our Cultural Renaissance, Unity and Transformational Progress,” brought together political leaders, traditional rulers, government officials, business leaders and members of the Itsekiri community from Nigeria and the diaspora.
The fifth coronation anniversary is part of a 10-day programme scheduled from August 14 to 23, 2026, featuring cultural displays, traditional dances, sporting activities, a royal boat regatta, Itsekiri language competitions and community engagement.
Speaking at the ceremony, Atuwatse III said the vision of his reign extended beyond the Itsekiri nation, stressing the potential of traditional institutions to contribute to Nigeria’s cultural development and global image.
The monarch attributed the achievements recorded during his five years on the throne to God and expressed appreciation to the dignitaries and members of the Itsekiri community who attended the celebration.
He said the traditional institution could play a significant role in projecting Nigeria’s culture and values to the international community.
The celebration also provided an opportunity for leaders to highlight the importance of peaceful coexistence among the different ethnic groups in Warri and its environs.
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who attended the event alongside Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other dignitaries, urged the people of Warri, Uvwie and neighbouring communities to preserve the peace and unity that had existed among the various ethnic groups in the area.
Oborevwori described the Olu as a bridge-builder and exemplary traditional ruler, commending his contributions to peace-building and development in Warri and Delta State. He urged residents to shun inflammatory remarks and divisive tendencies that could threaten the region’s stability.
The governor said the different ethnic groups had coexisted peacefully for centuries and stressed that maintaining that tradition was essential to the continued development of Warri.
The anniversary attracted a large gathering of traditional rulers, including the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade I, as well as representatives of the Ooni of Ife and Sultan of Sokoto. Other dignitaries included the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Arts, Hannatu Musa Musawa; Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, represented; and other political and community leaders.
The occasion also underscored the monarch’s emphasis on cultural preservation and youth development. Activities surrounding the anniversary have included initiatives aimed at promoting digital skills, entrepreneurship and innovation among young people in the Warri Kingdom.
The Olu of Warri’s fifth coronation anniversary therefore served not only as a celebration of his reign but also as a platform to promote cultural pride, peaceful coexistence and a renewed vision for the development of Warri Kingdom and Nigeria as a whole.
