‘Come home with your capacity, expertise, networks, ideas,’ Atuwatse III urges Itsekiris worldwide

Newly-crowned monarch of Warri Kingdom, Ogiame Atuwtse III, has called on all Itsekiri sons and daughters worldwide to return home with their capacity, expertise, networks, ideas and resources to build Iwereland.

He made the call shortly after he was crowned the 21st Olu of Warri on August 21, 2021 at the Coronation Marquee Venue, Ode-Itsekiri, the cradle of Itsekiri, Warri, Delta State.

The Olu had, earlier in the course of his maiden speech after his coronation, reversed a curse his grandfather and 18th Olu of Warri, Olu Erejuwa II, with Oba Akenzua of Benin Kingdom, had placed upon Itsekiri Nation and Nigeria over an infraction by federal might.

“Today, in our capacity as Olu, we hereby avow as the spiritual, cultural, political and traditional leader of this land, I, Ogiame Atuwatse III, the 21st Olu of Warri, the first son of Olu Atuwatse II, grandson and direct descendant of Olu Erejuwa II, who was offended on this throne, I reverse the curse placed over this land.

“In its place, I release forgiveness and healing to the Federal Government of Nigeria, whose might was used to propagate that offence, and I decree unprecedented and uncommon peace, prosperity, progress, and development upon this land.

“I bring down the government of heaven unto this land, and direct it to flow as a force that can neither be sabotaged, slowed nor stopped.

“It goes out as a strong ripple effect, emanating from this kingdom to the rest of the Niger Delta, to the rest of the Nigerian Nation, and even the African continent.

“Africa has always been shaped as a gun, with Nigeria as its trigger. Today, that gun has been fired, and full restoration comes out of the barrel.

“This land begins to yield its riches to us, all that had been hidden hitherto, comes to the surface, and the world shall marvel as to how we have defied projected economic trends.

“And this time around, we shall be the ones to chart the course of our own destiny.

“And now, as Itsekiri is restored to its original identity as one of blessing, we decree: because Itsekiri is blessed, Nigeria is blessed. Because Itsekiri is blessed, Africa is blessed,” he declared with authority.

Making the clarion call on all Itsekiris, the Olu said “We, therefore, call upon and welcome back, all sons and daughters of Iwere Kingdom that are dispersed in the diaspora; in Nigeria, rest of Africa and all over the world.

“All sons and daughters of Iwere Kingdom, who identify as Itsekiri, by your father, your mother, grandmother or grandfather, we welcome you and all.

“Come with your capacity, expertise, networks, ideas and resources, to join us in repositioning this Kingdom.

“We also invite our well-wishers and admirers, who count it all joy to be identified and associated with us, either by marriage, business ties or residence.

“We extend specially, towards our neighbours, Ijaws, Urhobos and Ilajes, a hand of invitation to peace and development.

“As it is not our desire to prosper in isolation, we desire that our neighbours prosper also.

“We recognise that the peace and prosperity is a shared one, built on righteousness and justice, which is the motto of this our reign, and the foundation upon which God’s throne is built.”

He promised to redefine “the essence of the throne of Olu of Warri. While we have every intention to lead as led by The Lord Himself, we implore all of us to work together, and renew our minds and our way of thinking, so that nothing, especially internally, hinders us from getting to our glorious destination.

“We should be ready to let go of the old ways that have not encouraged us to advance, and not allow sentiment to keep us bound.”