By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr
The Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, has conferred the prestigious Royal Order of Iwere (ROI) award on Papa Ayodele Joseph Oritsegbubemi Oritsejafor, OFR, the General Overseer of Word of Life Bible Church, in recognition of his towering contributions to faith, society, and humanity.
The revered cleric, fondly called “Papa Ayo,” was among seven distinguished Nigerians decorated at the maiden ROI investiture held at the Olu’s Palace in Warri. Other recipients include Dr. Ebi Omatsola of Conoil PLC; Mr. Oti Ikomi of Proton Energy; Her Excellency, Dr. Helen Boyo Ekwueme; Mrs. Eva Omaghomi; Mrs. Tara Fela-Durotoye, CEO of House of Tara International; and Hon. Dr. Godwin T. Ebosa.
In his address, the Olu of Warri praised Pastor Oritsejafor’s decades of service as a spiritual leader and global voice, noting that his journey exemplifies the values the award seeks to promote.
“Having money is good, but being master of money is better. We are here to celebrate integrity, hard work, and redemption. Papa Ayo Oritsejafor has carried the gospel with courage, uplifted communities, and continues to inspire generations. He is a true son of Warri worthy of honor,” Ogiame declared.
The Royal Order of Iwere — considered second only to a chieftaincy title in Iwere Kingdom — was established by royal proclamation in 2024 as part of the monarch’s cultural renaissance agenda. It is bestowed on individuals whose lives embody excellence, values-driven leadership, and positive impact on society.
Recipients automatically become members of the Royal Iwere Society, an elite body that will screen future honorees and drive initiatives such as workshops, debates, and exhibitions to position Warri as a socio-cultural and economic hub of global repute.
For Pastor Oritsejafor, who has for decades been one of Africa’s most influential church leaders and a voice of hope, the honor was both symbolic and historic. By bestowing the ROI on him, the Olu of Warri has not only celebrated his achievements but also reconnected the cleric’s legacy with the roots of his Itsekiri heritage.
With this conferment, Ogiame Atuwatse III reaffirmed his vision that Warri must honor its icons, dignify its people, and inspire the next generation by celebrating men and women whose lives shine as beacons of integrity and redemption.