Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has described the five year reign of the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, as a period of renewed glory, peace building, purposeful leadership and notable progress for the Itsekiri nation, Warri and Delta State.
Oborevwori spoke on Friday at the fifth coronation anniversary of the monarch, which attracted prominent political leaders, traditional rulers and other dignitaries from across the country.
The governor praised Atuwatse III for what he described as uncommon leadership and a sustained commitment to peace, development and unity.
He said the monarch had consistently demonstrated a deep interest in the progress of Warri and the wider state.
According to Oborevwori, the Olu had also shown strong support for his administration and had taken an active interest in major development initiatives.
The governor recalled that during an earlier engagement with the Itsekiri nation, the monarch publicly expressed support for President Bola Tinubu and his administration in Delta State.
Oborevwori described the endorsement as a courageous gesture, noting the traditional ruler’s responsibility to remain a father to all.
He also cited the monarch’s involvement in infrastructure development, particularly the Ode Itsekiri Road project.
The governor recalled that Atuwatse III personally participated in an inspection of the project and was already on ground to receive him before his arrival.
Oborevwori said the road, which includes more than 15 bridges, had now been completed and would soon be commissioned.
He added that the Olu had helped draw public attention to the project by showcasing the completed road.
The governor recalled seeing a video of the monarch riding a scooter along the new road and said the gesture demonstrated the transformation of an area that many people had once considered difficult to access.
Oborevwori said the fifth coronation anniversary therefore represented more than a traditional milestone.
He described it as an opportunity to reflect on five years of leadership and the monarch’s contribution to peace, development and the promotion of the Itsekiri heritage.
The governor also used the occasion to appeal to all ethnic nationalities in Warri to protect the peace and unity that had sustained their coexistence over generations.
He urged residents and community leaders to avoid inflammatory statements and actions capable of threatening stability in Warri or any part of Delta State.
Oborevwori said the various ethnic groups in the area had lived together for centuries and should continue to preserve that tradition of peaceful coexistence.
Among those present at the ceremony were Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu, Senator Joel Onowakpo, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy Hannatu Musa Musawa, Delta State House of Assembly Speaker Emomotimi Guwor, representatives of the Minister of Aviation, members of the Delta State Executive Council, service commanders and traditional rulers from different parts of the country.
In a brief address described as a speech from the throne, Ogiame Atuwatse III attributed the achievements recorded during his five year reign to God.
The monarch said the impact of the throne extended beyond the Itsekiri nation and reaffirmed his commitment to promoting excellence in Nigeria’s traditional institutions and preserving the country’s cultural heritage.
He thanked Governors Oborevwori and Sanwo Olu, government officials, traditional rulers, communities and other guests for attending the anniversary and for their continued support and prayers.
