By GOODNESS TORITSEJU MENE
In a landmark ceremony that blended tradition with modern vision, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, the Olu of Warri, has inaugurated the Royal Order of Iwere (ROI), a prestigious honour designed to celebrate Nigerians who embody integrity, industry, and transformative leadership.
At the maiden investiture, held at the Aghofen Palace in Warri, seven distinguished personalities were decorated as the first recipients of the award, which ranks second only to chieftaincy conferment in the Iwere Kingdom.
Leading the list was Papa Ayodele Joseph Oritsegbubemi Oritsejafor (OFR), globally respected cleric and founder of Word of Life Bible Church. Popularly known as “Papa Ayo,” he is renowned for pioneering Christian broadcasting through the African Broadcasting Network, serving as President of both the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and for his tireless advocacy for social justice, education, and empowerment of the underprivileged.
Other awardees include: Dr. Ebi Omatsola – Petroleum geoscientist and Director at Conoil Plc, widely respected for his contributions to Nigeria’s energy sector.
Mr. Oti Ikomi – Founder of Proton Energy, with decades of experience in finance and power generation across Africa.
Dr. Mrs. Helen Boyo-Ekwueme – Medical consultant, women’s empowerment advocate, and wife of Nigeria’s first elected Vice President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme.
Mrs. Eva Omaghomi – Cultural ambassador of the Benin Kingdom and humanitarian committed to preserving heritage and supporting women and children.
Mrs. Tara Fela-Durotoye – Celebrated entrepreneur and CEO of House of Tara International, credited with transforming Nigeria’s beauty industry and mentoring young women in business.
Hon. Dr. Godwin Toritseju Ebosa – Entrepreneur, aquaculture expert, and political leader, currently serving on the board of Delta Special Economic Zone Management Company.
Speaking at the event, the Olu of Warri said the Royal Order of Iwere was conceived to correct the sense of neglect often felt by achievers who were rarely celebrated at home.
“We are what we celebrate,” Ogiame declared. “Our aim is to dignify and appreciate our people, so that when they return home, they return to a place that honors them. By doing so, we inspire future generations and build a stronger Iwere land.”
He stressed that the ROI would go beyond pomp and pageantry, serving as a platform for mentorship, cultural exchange, and social renewal. A body known as the Royal Iwere Society, composed of ROI recipients, will guide the process of future selections and help drive initiatives such as workshops, exhibitions, and debates aimed at positioning Warri as a global hub of culture and enterprise.
The monarch also emphasized that the award would recognize not just achievers, but those whose lives reflect stories of redemption:
“Where grace is evident, and lives are turned around from prison to palace, we will honor such people. It is never too late for transformation, and this award must serve as a godly example for generations to come.
”With the launch of the Royal Order of Iwere, Warri has added a new chapter to its cultural heritage — one that blends history with hope, and celebration with responsibility.
