It was a rich cultural extravaganza as the Olu of Warri Kingdom, Ogiame Atuwatse III, and His Majesty King Misuzulu KaZwelithini of the Zulu Kingdom, South Africa, entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at fostering economic and socio-cultural exchange between the two royal institutions.
The signing of the MoU between the respected African monarchs took place at the KwaKhangelamankengane Royal Palace, KwaNongoma, KwaZulu-Natal. It coincided with the recognition of the Olu of Warri as one of the “100 Most Reputable Africans” by the Global Reputation Forum—an award presented to him by the former Deputy President of South Africa, Her Excellency Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, in Johannesburg.
King KaZwelithini expressed confidence that the synergy being established between the royal institutions would be of mutual benefit to both kingdoms, noting that a seed of fraternal relations had been planted.
He said:
“As a brother who carries an ancestral mandate and leads his people with vision, strength, and unity, your visit confirms a bond that transcends borders—a bond of blood, history, and shared purpose. It is my sincere hope, Your Majesty and your delegation, that this engagement will open the corridor for a sustained relationship between the two kingdoms—a collaboration between the Amazulu and the people of Warri.
“Let us use this opportunity to lay the foundation for a meaningful cultural exchange, where our youths, elders, and artisans can engage and rediscover who we really are—and who we can become.
“Your Majesty, as traditional monarchs, we are called to respond to modern challenges with ancient wisdom. Today, we plant a seed of fraternal cooperation—one that will grow into diplomatic, cultural, and economic ties. May this visit mark the beginning of a new chapter of unity, dignity, and strength for all our people.”
In his brief remarks, Ogiame Atuwatse III expressed gratitude for the warm reception from his host, stating that the meeting went beyond cultural and economic exchange—it was also divine.
He explained that both he and the Zulu King shared a similar experience, which he believed was not mere coincidence but divinely orchestrated.
“I was explaining to the prince last night that history has a way of repeating itself. If you’re observant, you will see the connections. On my coronation day in August 2021, I described the African continent as a gun—with the trigger point specifically being the Niger Delta.
“Interestingly, from that analogy, the barrel of the gun would be South Africa. So, it appears the trigger and the barrel are meeting today.
“I am here seated with His Majesty, and I heard from him that we were both crowned in the same year. Our similarities reflect our shared desires for the African continent—desires that go beyond the political boundaries that have been drawn. I believe this signifies a vision of a borderless Africa.”
The Warri King also used the occasion of his visit to invite the Zulu King to attend his fifth coronation anniversary, scheduled for August 21, 2026, in the Warri Kingdom.
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