Governor of Ekiti State and chairman of Governors’ Forum, Dr Kayode Fayemi, on Saturday, praised the Olu of Warri, His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, for reinvented Nigeria in the eyes of world with his soul-searching and inspiring speech shortly after his coronation on August 21.
Fayemi, who paid a courtesy visit to the Olu in his palace in Warri, Delta State, further said the ascension of His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III on the throne was a sign of possibilities for the country.
“We know that it is a sign of what is ahead of us, a sign of the possibilities in our nation.”
“It is a sign that whatever the challenges are – we may be going through the valleys, hills, the meandering lines – what is clear is that this nation is on the path to positive development,” the governor predicted.
Beginning his remark, Dr Fayemi said: “It is my pleasure and delight to be here before you. On behalf of the Nigerian Governors, the 35 of us, apart from myself here, you have received over the last two weeks, some individual visits from some of our members notably the governors of Kebbi, Delta States have been here for the thanks giving.”
The governor, who was on the visit with some of his aides, expressed deeper remarks on the Olu throne and its implications for Itsekiri, Nigeria and the black race.
“All over the world, we have been enthused, honoured as a people. You’re invented Nigeria in the eyes of the world.”
“For those of us who are Omoluabi from the roots, we thank God for your coronation. It was most organised.”
“Your ascension to the throne is not just an indication of a positive development to happen in the kingdom, it is a positive signal that the best is yet to come in our country.”
“And that in your reign, all our losses, pride of place as a country will be restored. The peace, the prosperity, development we are all yearning for as a people will come upon us.”
“The insecurity in the land will become a thing of the past. We know that this is history in the making.”
“You are not just destined to play this critical role, this is God ordained.”
“And on behalf of all my colleagues that have sent me here even after I spoke on the phone with Your Majesty, I want to reassure you that we will cooperate with this kingdom in whatever way you want us to work with your stool, right from our colleague in Delta State.”
“Just call on us, we will support you and do whatever is necessary for this country to progress and this kingdom is respected among the committees of kingdoms in the country.”
“In Ekiti, Royalty is very important. As Yoruba people with very strong links to the Itsekiri, we see this as our own celebrations.”
“And I pray that this time will be good times, God has earmarked this kingdom for great good that will spread across the country.”
“And your time shall be remembered for the positive in many ways,” he prayed.
Responding, HM Ogiame, Atuwatse III, thanked Governor Fayemi for the honour and insights, adding that his speech was actually primarily directed to the Itsekiri nation.
“Thank you for honouring me with this visit. We pray for peace in Warri kingdom.”
“When we wrote our speech for coronation, we focused on Itsekiri. I said that this thing God has done, I humbly submit myself in the service to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the government.”
“We said we were going to redefine the roles of the Olu of Warri. When we put our heads together with government, the legislators to come up with creative ways to build our people from the grassroots, our women, we want to help the people.”
“We want to create services that will improve not just Warri kingdom, but the country,” he reiterated.
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