By GOODNESS TORITSEJU MENE
The Warri River came alive yesterday in a spectacular fusion of tradition, culture, and royal grandeur as the Itsekiri Nation celebrated the 4th coronation anniversary of His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, the Olu of Warri Kingdom.
The highlight of the day was the Mini Boat Regatta, a vibrant aquatic pageantry that reaffirmed the deep-rooted bond between the Itsekiri people and their ancestral waters. Under the golden rays of the sun, the regatta was not just a sporting display but a cultural testament, an ode to unity, heritage, and the enduring strength of the throne.
A King Beyond the Crown
The celebration echoed the truth that “a king is not made by crown, but by the blood of his ancestors, the strength of his people, and the wisdom of the land.” This was felt as Ogiame Atuwatse III sailed with majestic grace across the waters, his arrival crowned with splendor. His entourage shimmered upon the waves, their presence a mirror of his power and dignity.
When the Olu stepped ashore at Ode-Itsekiri, the ancestral home of the Iwere people, the atmosphere thickened with reverence. Drums rolled, chants soared, and the air was charged with awe, this was more than a return; it was the reaffirmation of royal presence and cultural pride.
The Regatta: Tradition Meets Thrill
Dozens of decorated boats sliced through the waters in thrilling displays, their rowers chanting songs of heritage in rhythm with each stroke of the oar. Among the showpieces was a powerful Yamaha Jet Boat, “Olokun-1,” owned by Captain Okpeyo (Atsọ-fifẹn), which drew loud cheers as it danced effortlessly across the river’s surface.
The regatta was more than spectacle; it was a living tapestry of Itsekiri history, a reenactment of the people’s relationship with their waterways, both as a source of livelihood and a cultural anchor.
A Festival of Unity and Heritage
The day’s celebrations were woven with symbolism. From the chants of the rowers to the glittering procession that followed the king, the atmosphere spoke of unity and continuity. It was a reminder that the Olu’s reign is not just a political institution but a custodian of heritage and a bridge between past and future.
As the sun set on the riverbanks, the ripples of the regatta lingered in the hearts of the people. The 4th Coronation Anniversary of His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III was not only marked by pageantry but also by a reaffirmation: that the throne of Warri remains a beacon of pride, strength, and cultural identity for the Itsekiri Nation.
