
The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwaste lll, has described the Ovie of Olomu Kingdom, HRM Richard Layieguen, Ogoni-Oghoro 1 as one of the oldest monarchs in the world, and who has contributed immensely to the progress of his people.
The Olu made the remark at the palace of the Ovie of Olomu in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, Saturday January 23 when he paid a courtesy visit to the Ogoni-Oghoro 1 to felicitate with him on his landmark 105th birthday.
The Olu of Warri, whose late father Atuwatse II was a close ally of the Ovie and his kingdom, said he came to celebrate
with the monarch on his the birthday and to strengthen the relationship between the two kingdoms.
“We’ve come to celebrate with you on your birthday. We’ve received tremendous hospitality from our Urhobo brothers since we arrived here.
“I’m happy for what has been presented to us today. My words won’t be many, but heavy. At 120, the Bible says Moses’ eyes were not dimmed. You’re carrying this age well. 105 means you were born in 1917, shortly after Nigeria was amalgamated.
“I think it’s symbolic that God has permitted me to see and sit down close to such a person to call a brother.
“For you to have seen Nigeria in her infant stage and you’re still here, I want to say that you’ve broken the seal that restricted Nigeria.
“And I believe whole-heartedly because we don’t have any monarch that’s close in terms of age. God has ensured that you have seen the beginning of the greatness of this country. It’s significant that your eyes saw it and I’m reminded of the Bible man (Zachariah) whose eyes saw Christ and requested to depart.
“I’m not saying you’re going soon. This land will be known for fruitfulness, duration, quality. Today is a new day for the kingdom.
“You’ll enjoy a new level of support from your subjects”, the Olu prayed.
Ovie Ogoni-Oghoro 1, who was elated at the Olu’s visit, said the presence of the Warri monarch was like that of his father and assured that the cordial relationship between the two kingdom would continue.
“I’m happy that you’re here as a continuation of that relationship that I had with your father.
“I feel like it is Ogiame Atuwatse II that is sitting beside me. His way of expression and other things show this.
“I want to make it loud and clear to the Itsekiri nation that the relationship between us will continue.
“Your reign will be for long, in peace. Your kingdom will be God’s kingdom. You’ll see the wonders of God. You as my son you’ll live and reign longer than me,” the Ovie of Olomu prayed.