By GOODNESS TORITSEJU MENE
The Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, has reflected on his four years on the throne, declaring that his reign is anchored on unity, cultural preservation, and a vision of sustainable development for the Itsekiri nation.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with select journalists at his palace in Warri as part of activities marking his 4th coronation anniversary, the revered monarch described his journey so far as “a walk of faith,” guided daily by divine grace.
“My journey on the throne has been very interesting. We take it one day at a time; God helps us and gives us grace for each day. No two days are the same,” he said.
On his vision of a unified Kingdom, looking ahead, Ogiame Atuwatse III emphasized that the foremost duty of a king is to build unity and exercise dominion in a benevolent, not tyrannical, manner.
“Every king looks forward to a unified house. That is why it is called a kingdom. The king is supposed to have sway, to have dominion — but not in a selfish or controlling way. It should be generous, benevolent, and elevated,” he explained.
Responding to a question on safeguarding language and culture, and on the challenge of sustaining the Itsekiri language, especially among children, the monarch expressed concern over the global erosion of indigenous identities due to globalization, commerce, and migration.
“We are seeing the gradual decline of our languages across Africa. To preserve identity and culture, we must find creative ways to swim against the tide,” he said, adding that incentives beyond money must be developed to encourage the younger generation to embrace their mother tongue.
He stressed that cultural preservation must be made attractive:
“This generation must see that culture and tradition are cool. They need to see it as their identity, something worth preserving and participating in.”
On the newly launched Itsekiri Trust Fund for Long-Term Development, the Olu clarified the recent launch of the Itsekiri Trust Fund, describing it as a vehicle for “sowing seeds of development” rather than a platform for cash handouts.
“This is not palliative, it is not about sharing money. Too often, we eat the seed instead of planting it. This Fund is about planting, tending, and patiently waiting for the harvest that will benefit our people for generations to come,” he noted.
On the question of balancing modernization with tradition, the monarch urged Nigerian youths to embrace media and storytelling as tools to reshape narratives.
He pointed to countries like Japan, Thailand, and the Middle East as examples where tradition thrives alongside technological advancement.
“Narratives shape identity. If our young people see culture as progressive and relevant, they will own it. Tradition is not incompatible with modern life — it is actually the foundation of identity,” he said.
Reflecting on the challenges of kingship, Ogiame Atuwatse III likened the experience to navigating stormy seas, an apt metaphor for a monarch whose people are riverine.
“Smooth seas do not make good sailors. We are a people of the water; the throne is not meant to be easy. But God has not brought us this far to drown us. Every storm chisels us for greater glory,” he said.
As the Itsekiri nation celebrates his four years on the throne, the Olu’s message was clear: unity, patience, cultural pride, and a forward-looking vision remain the pillars of his reign.
