By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr
From the banks of the Warri River to the heart of Ode-Itsekiri, ancestral home of the Itsekiri people, the 4th Coronation Anniversary of His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, the Olu of Warri, was marked yesterday with grandeur, color, and cultural pride.
The celebration, which drew thousands of Itsekiri sons and daughters, as well as dignitaries from across Nigeria and beyond, highlighted the deep reverence for the Warri throne, a symbol of heritage, unity, and enduring tradition.
The Regatta: A Dance of Boats and Heritage
The day’s high point was the Mini Boat Regatta on the Warri River, where dozens of boats, beautifully decorated and manned by skilled rowers, sliced through the calm waters to the rhythm of traditional songs.
The river spectacle was both thrilling and symbolic, reaffirming the Itsekiri people’s ancient bond with their waterways. Each stroke of the oar carried not just strength but history, weaving past and present into one cultural display.
Among the crowd’s favorites was a powerful Yamaha Jet Boat christened “Olokun-1”, owned by Captain Okpeyo (Atsọ-fifẹn), which drew cheers with its breathtaking maneuvers and speed. Traditional canoes adorned with fabrics and flags followed, blending the modern and the ancestral in one flowing aquatic festival.
The King’s Arrival: Majesty on the Waves
The regatta took on a deeper meaning when His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III sailed across the waters with dignified grace. His entourage glittered upon the waves, reflecting both his power and the loyalty of his people.
When the Olu finally stepped ashore at Ode-Itsekiri, the ancestral headquarters of the kingdom, the atmosphere shifted. Drums thundered, flutes pierced the air, and the voices of men, women, and children rose in jubilation. For many, this was not just an arrival but the symbolic return of the crown to the land of the ancestors.
“A king is not made by the crown,” one elder remarked, “but by the blood of his ancestors, the strength of his people, and the wisdom of the land. That is what we celebrate today.”
Cultural Pageantry and Traditional Rites
Beyond the regatta, the celebrations spilled into other activities that showcased the rich cultural fabric of the Itsekiri people. Traditional dancers adorned in colorful wrappers and beads swirled in rhythm, their feet pounding the earth in step with ancestral drums. Praise singers eulogized the Olu, recounting the lineage of the throne and the legacy of his forefathers.
At the palace grounds, chiefs of the kingdom paid homage in ceremonial order, reaffirming loyalty to the crown. The event also featured prayers for peace, prosperity, and progress for the Warri Kingdom and Nigeria at large.
A Reign Rooted in Legacy and Renewal
Since ascending the throne in August 2021, Ogiame Atuwatse III has been widely praised for steering the kingdom with a blend of modern vision and traditional wisdom. His reign has emphasized youth empowerment, women’s inclusion, and community development, while preserving the sacred traditions of the Itsekiri people.
The 4th anniversary, many observed, was more than a festival, it was a reflection of his reign so far. The regatta symbolized both continuity and renewal: continuity of the ancient Itsekiri heritage, and renewal under a king who embodies both tradition and modernity.
Voices from the People
For attendees, the celebration was more than spectacle, it was personal.
“To see our Olu sail upon the river is to see our history alive,” said Mrs. Eyituoyo Oritsejafor, an Itsekiri matriarch.
“The regatta is not just entertainment. It is identity, it is pride, it is unity,” remarked a young entrepreneur who is coordinating Itsekiri Community in South Africa, who rowed in one of the traditional boats.
Chiefs and dignitaries praised the Olu for uniting the kingdom and projecting Itsekiri culture to the world.
A Festival of Continuity
As the sun dipped and the waters of the Warri River glistened with fading light, the 4th Coronation Anniversary sailing on a note of reflection. The regatta’s ripples seemed to echo the words sung all day: Ogiame suooo! – a chant of loyalty, long life, and unwavering support for the king.
In Warri Kingdom, yesterday was not just a celebration; it was a statement of continuity. It was the Itsekiri people affirming that the throne of their fathers remains strong, their heritage alive, and their king, Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, firmly seated as custodian of their past and torchbearer of their future.