Ogiame Atuwatse III, formerly known as Omoba Tshola Emiko, has been crowned the 21st Olu of Warri Kingdom.
This follows a series of activities lined up for the coronation of the monarch who ascended the throne today, Saturday August 21, 2021.
The activities include, boat regatta, colourful dance performances by various cultural groups and pleasant musical renditions from the Warri Royal Choir, Laz Ekwueme Orchestral, among others.
Prior to the coronation, the new Olu arrived the venue of the coronation – Ode Itsekiri, where all sons of Itesekiri removed their hats in reverence to the crown.
One of the high points of the ceremony was the selection of a ceremonial sword by the Olu while being blindfolded.
According to the Kingmakers in the kingdom, the monarch is expected to use the name of the predecessor he picks as his title throughout his reign as the 21st Olu of Warri.
In the event that he picks a sword without a name attached, the monarch is at liberty to announce a new name or pick that of any predecessors of his choice.
After taking the oath of office and adoption of a title for his reign, the Olu of Warri was crowned by the Uwangue of Warri, Chief Gabriel Awala.
The former Omoba Tsola Emiko is now Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III.
President Muhammadu Buhari was represented at the cerenony by Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege, whose mother hails from Warri Kingdom.
The coronation of the new Olu of Warri was also graced by many dignitaries from various parts of the country, including political leaders and traditional rulers.
The political leaders are: Kebbi State Governor, Atiku Bagudu; Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu; Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Idris Wase; and former Delta State Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan, among others.
Some of the traditional rulers and dignitaries also in attendance include the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Obi of Onitsha, Alfred Achebe; Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams; and President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick.
Ogiame Atuwatse III, a descendant of Olu Akengbuwa, was born on April 2, 1984, in Warri to then Prince Godwin Toritseju Emiko, who later became the 20th Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse II, and Gladys Durorike Emiko.
He studied at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio in the United States where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts between 2002 and 2006, majoring in International Studies and Political Science with a minor in History and Economics.
In 2007, he earned a Master of Science Degree in Management from the same university.
The monarch is married to Ivie Uhunoma Emiko, daughter of Edo business mogul, Idahosa Okunbo, and they are blessed with three children.