This week precisely on August 21st the Olu of Warri Ogiame Atuwatse III will be three years on the throne of his forebears.
The monarch profoundly admired by his subjects across Warri kingdom has continued to take the kingdom to greater heights. He has sustainably demonstrated his passion to use his links in the multi billion dollar oil and gas sector to attract development to Warri and the Niger Delta region.
Since his ascension to the throne of his forebears the twin words : peace and development, in Warri kingdom have been his watchwords and precept. He has taken steps to promote values of peace across Itsekiri communities .
He introduced a quarterly programme called Ghegho Aghofen when translated simply means Palace watch. Every community in the kingdom gets a three months period to keep ceremonial watch at his palace. One interesting thing about the ceremony is that at the end of the watch over the palace the monarch visits the community to offer prayers on the land.
Among communities he has visited to offer prayers include Okere community in Warri. When in the communities the monarch prays for peace , bumper harvest , greater yields, abundant blessings among others upon the lands.
A prominent Chief in his kingdom Chief Robinson Ariyo recalled during the visit of the monarch to Okere community that it was the first time an Olu of Warri would formally visit the community. This shows how the monarch is building a very robust relationship with communities across his kingdom.
Though it is not yet the turn of Obitugbo in Warri north local government to watch over the palace but the monarch has been there to also offer his Royal blessings. In one of his trips to another community en route Obitugbo , a most peaceful serene community and investment haven in Warri kingdom the monarch prayed for more blessings upon the area and residents. Obitugbo is host of the emerging University of Warri.
The Ghegho Aghofen has rekindled interest among young Itsekiri in the rich culture and dances of the ethnic nationality.
The webpage of American Sociological Association defines culture as ” the languages, customs, beliefs, rules, arts, knowledge, and collective identities and memories developed by members of all social groups that make their social environments meaningful.” In a simple sense, culture is the totality of a people.
At a time several ethnic nationalities in the country are grumbling that the younger generations ( Gen Z) are losing or have completely disconnected from the culture of their areas it is not largely so in Itsekiri, the birth of Ghegho Aghofen has further stimulated passion for the culture among the young.
The day set aside for a community to pass the flag to another community to take over the ceremonial watch of the palace is always another moment to showcase the rich cultural dances and attire of Itsekiri nation, thus raising interest in the cultural heritage.The young and old turn up in rich colorful Itsekiri attires. It’s always a beautiful sight to behold.
In line with his drive for peace and harmonious integration among ethnic groups in Warri and environs invitations are extended to all. Neighboring ethnic groups and non natives with strong ethnic associations in the area also identify with the event.
A young tourist , Mr. Somina John who witnessed one of the handover ceremonies said he foresaw the event gaining attention of other areas beyond the shores of Nigeria in the nearest future like the annual Iggue festival of Benin kingdom. He said the Ghegho Aghofen will also create a robust economy for the hospitality industry on days when the flag would be handed over to another community. Gradually this prediction is turning into reality as even non Itsekiri look forward to attending the event at the palace.
The monarch is not alone in his vision to increase the wealth of his kingdom. His darling wife, the Olori of Warri kingdom has also been very active in the move to grow the economy of the kingdom and beyond with some of her beautiful entrepreneurial initiatives and free medical outreach programmes in Warri and beyond.
As the monarch celebrates his 3rd anniversary on the throne, a one week programme of activities have been unveiled begining with a praise and worship to the Almighty God at his palace in Warri.
According to the programme of activities made available by Chief Solomon Arenyeka, the Eson of Warri kingdom and Chairman Publicity/Media committee, the praise and worship session on Monday at the palace will be followed on Tuesday with homage paying ceremonies /anniversary lecture at the palace from 12noon.
” Wednesday 21st August anniversary/homage paying at the palace. Thursday August 22 homage paying at Ode Itsekiri and presentation of a drama/play. Friday Novelty match by Olori ladies at Ode Itsekiri and homage paying.
” Saturday award to distinguished Itsekiri at the palace and presentation of music and poetry concert for His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III. Sunday Thanksgiving service at the palace “.
What appears like the grand finale will be Saturday when some prominent Itsekiri sons and daughters will be conferred with honours by his Majesty.
The 3rd anniversary will draw the high and mighty to the rich oil city of Warri.
Wishing the revered monarch of Warri kingdom a happy and cheerful celebration.
Credit: Vanguard News
