Olu of Warri outlines ways to rebuild kingdom, subjects

In a bid to rejuvenate Warri Kingdom in all aspects, the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, has outlined plans to advance the Itsekiri people both at home and abroad.

In his recent broadcast to the sons and daughters of Iwereland, Ogiame announced the abolition of the extortion of builders, commonly known as “deve,” in Itsekiri communities.

The revered monarch, who celebrated his third coronation anniversary in August 2024, stated that chieftaincy titles would now be conferred only on deserving individuals who have established a residence in their communities.

He urged the Itsekiri people to return to the practice of night burials according to their religious traditions and to hold wedding ceremonies in their communities to foster visible development.

Encouraging a cultural renaissance, the youthful and erudite monarch warned against discrimination based on paternity, emphasizing that anyone wishing to fully identify as Itsekiri should be encouraged to do so.

Ogiame Atuwatse III further remarked:

“We thank God for all He is doing for Itsekiri. We are grateful for the favor we have with the current government and for the symbolic victory of the bridge connecting us to our ancestral capital, Ode Itsekiri. This bridge signifies more than just improved transportation; it symbolizes our return to our roots and the values that once made us great.

“It is a call to action for our people to return to their homes, particularly in the riverine areas. We can no longer dwell in the trauma of past crises that displaced our people. While we know Itsekiri are not primarily farmers, waiting for perfect conditions will only keep us from planting the seeds needed for progress.

“Our ancestors didn’t wait for government assistance to build our communities; they did it themselves. The same applies to us. We must face our challenges head-on, be united, and be driven by determination.

“God has given us the land, and now we must come together to develop it. I will lead by example, starting with renovating and rebuilding the Ejo Hall in Bateren, followed by developing the land allocated to Atuwatse II in Ajudaibo and the Benin and Escravos River areas.

“We encourage a return to traditional night burials, but we reaffirm that those of the Christian faith will continue to be supported in their traditional practices. Burials and wedding receptions should ideally be held in the home community to promote development and pride in our heritage.

“Let our children experience their villages and celebrate their marriages with their communities, even if it means starting with symbolic activities. This will give future generations a reason to return and contribute to the development of their villages.

“We also encourage that those identifying as Itsekiri through their mother’s lineage be welcomed and given opportunities in community leadership. We must overcome discrimination and embrace each other’s contributions.

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“We must avoid short-sightedness and greed. Funds meant for community development should be used wisely and not squandered on individual gains. The focus should be on long-term development, with only a small fraction of funds used for immediate needs.

“We must create a conducive environment for those returning to the villages, ensuring their properties are protected and that communal support prevails. The practice of taxing or extorting builders must end.

“Going forward, those seeking chieftaincy titles must have a residence in their village. While there may be exceptions, chiefs will set an example by maintaining a presence in their communities.”