President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed confidence in the ability of the new Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwaste III, to lead the people of Iwereland to greater heights.
Gatekeepers News reports that the President was represented by the deputy senate president, Ovie Omo-Agege, who delivered Buhari’s special message at the coronation of the 21st Olu of Warri in Ode-Itsekiri, Warri South council area of Delta state on Saturday.
Buhari said he is optimistic that the Warri Kingdom is bound to experience development because of the educational and entrepreneurial background of the newly crowned monarch.
“As a well-educated and successful entrepreneur, with creditable national and international experience, you are blessed with the wisdom and vision to fully embrace the strategies to persevere with this generation.
“I am certain that as a monarch, you will continue the 500 years noble tradition. Your reign will witness improved peace, progress and development of your people and the nation”.
Gatekeepers News reports that the Ooni of Ife, the governor of Kebbi State, the deputy governor of Edo State, a delegation of chiefs from the Benin Kingdom also witnessed the crowning ceremony.
On his part, the Ooni of Ife His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi welcomed the Olu into the fold of “first-class” monarchs in Nigeria, noting that the “energy” in the atmosphere, showed that the Olu is much loved by his people.
He urged the king to embrace the entire people, “the good, bad and ugly”, as a father would do.
While the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, who was represented by palace chiefs, prayed that the age-long traditional bond between the Benin and Warri Kingdoms will increase.
Ogiame Atuwaste III, while addressing his people, said his ascension to the throne is a divine visitation which “heralds divine habitation” for the Iwereland.
He further charged all his subjects and those who identify with the Itsekiri people to come to invest across Iwereland as part of efforts in “repositioning the kingdom”.
The monarch urged neighbouring Ijaws, Urhobos and Ilaje people to participate in the concept for a flourishing Niger Delta.
He advised Niger Delta youths to look beyond oil and gas and seek alternate routes to progress through their various cultures and identities.
Ogiame Atuwaste III recalled that his predecessor, Ogiame Ikenwoli, was “wholeheartedly committed to peace, growth and development of Itsekiri nation”.
