Olu of Warri preaches peace, renews relationship with other ethnic nationalities

Ogiame Atuwatse II, the current occupier of the revered throne, Ogiame Atuwatse III, last Friday paid royal visits to the oldest reigning monarch in Africa, the Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, Richard Layieguen, Ovie Ogoni-Oghoro I, on his 105th birthday anniversary marked on January 20.

After tarrying in conviviality at the palace of the centenarian with chiefs from both Warri and Olomu kingdoms, the 21st Olu and his entourage headed for the palace of the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, Dr. Emmanuel Sideso Abe1 at Uvwie Local Government Area of the state.

Besides being at the Ogoni-Oghoro I palace to felicitate with him on his 105 birthday and to receive royal blessing of longevity, the Olu of Warri had visited to further renew and strengthen the bond his late father and Itsekiri nation share with the centenarian and the Urhobo of Olomu Kingdom.

The same ties-building mission for peace, harmonious living and sustainable development among various ethnic nationalities across the state took, the Olu to the palace of the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom on the same day amid traditional dances and celebrations by Urhobos and Itsekiris.

At the palace of the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, it was another message of unity, peaceful coexistence and rapid development in Delta South and the entire state from the mouth of the 37-year-old Ogiame.

He advised that the Urhobo and Itsekiri should no longer marry in the night only to quarrel and fight at noon.

The Olu of Warri, who relished the hospitality and admired the magnificent Uvwie palace, thanked God for making Abe I, his direct neighbour and promised to be in one accord with him.

The Warri kingdom monarch restated that there were more forces that could unite both ethnic nationalities than divide them.

Atuwatse III, who predicted a brighter future for Urhobos and Itsekiris and indeed Delta State if they embraced unity and took advantage of their diversity, said if both monarchs could speak in unison and pursue justice, the subjects would follow suit and righteousness, peace and prosperity would envelope the land.

Speaking earlier, the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom congratulated the Olu of Warri on his successful ascension to the throne of his ancestors on August 21, 2021.

He noted that the celebration and joy of his visit to Uvwie Kingdom was a demonstration of the existing mutual relationship between Urhobos and Itsekiris, recounting the long-term ties between Uvwie and Itsekiris people.

He recalled that Ogiame Atuwatse III great grandfather, Ginuwa, once lived with his friend, Warrant Chief Amurun Agbaisi in Amurun compound, Ekpan, prior to his coronation and was married to Miss Amigo Amurun who gave birth to Princess Obine Emiko.

According to him, he also had a good relationship with both Atuwatse II and Ogiame Ikenwoli and said they even called themselves brothers, stressing the need for peaceful coexistence and a listening ear from their subjects.

Abe I noted that communal crisis was easy to start, but no one knew how it would end thereby admonishing Urhobos and Itsekiris to work together and always speak with one voice.

While urging the Olu of Warri to support the agitation for NNPC to employ WRPC back-up staff who were laid off sometimes ago, the Urhobo monarch reminded Atuwatse II on the need to unite all aggrieved Itsekiri as the father of all, adding that no succession process either through rotation or hereditary goes without one grievance or the other.