By Rita Enemuru, Reporting
Ogiame Atuwatse III, the 21st Olu of Warri Kingdom, has, on Thursday, August 18, unveiled the Royal Iwere Society as he marks his one year coronation anniversary.
The unveiling was done on the Day Two of the First Year Anniversary event tagged: Iwere Music Concert at Ogunnu, Warri South Local Government Area, Delta State.
The society, which will be organize and co-ordinated by a Central Resource Center for the Itsekiris, will be the hub that will promote the kingdom’s identity, history, arts and culture according to the Olu.
“This society shall help to coordinate and organize a central resource central for all Itsekiris. This is the hub that will catches initiative that will promote our identity, arts, history and cultural practices.
“This Society has the aim to revive the Iwere Identity and bring it to the era of the 21st century; It shall help our children identify with our heritage.
“Values such as honour, respect, diligence and loyalty are timeless and can not be over emphasis.
“Royal Iwere Society will be the hub to ensure that our society evolves We must continue with what keeps us loyal and true to our origin.
“Prior to today, there are some who have said as the unofficial records pertaining to Itsekiri.
“Today, I am calling for every piece of literature written about or in the interest of Itsekiri in whatever form to be brought to the society.
“Every degree, judgement, treaty, document about or in the interest of should be submitted.
“We shall come up with detailed image history and how various individuals are tired to their communities,” he said.
Ogiame Atuwatse III also reiterated that the society which will be chaired by him will be come up with detailed history partaining to the arts and culture of the Itsekiri people.
As he put it, “We shall come up with detailed history of all the chieftaincy titles that has been in existence and the names of the individuals who have held the status at various times.
“There will debate, lectures, plays, dance dramas and specific examination of our relations and interaction with all of our neighbours- Urhobos, Ijaws, Isoko, Nembe, Benin, Yorubas Igalas and so on.
“This will be a center to look at our past, to live in our present and chart out the path of our future. This society will be chaired by myself and the various individuals who will be heading departments of the society will be communicated in due time.
The event started with prayers, Itsekiri Anthem and progressed into poetry recitation in eulogy of the king and ended with songs rendition by the Royal Choir which was founded by the King and his Queen, Olori Ivie Atuwatse III a year ago.
Eulogizing the Royal Choristers for their breathtaking performances, the Olu said, the choir is an example of the hidden potential in the Itsekiri people.
He emphasis his submission and that of the entire Warri Kingdom to God as he put, that is the only way to accomplish greatness.
The event center was filled to the brim with joyous people who showed their love to the king king with their demeanor and countenance.
Some of the dignitaries present were River’s State APC governorship candidate, Pastor Tonye Cole, the Iyatsere of Warri Kingdom, Chief Johnson Amatserunleghe, Chief Ogoro III of Warri Kingdom.
Others are: Chief Brown Mene, Chief Erubo, Chief Mrs. Patricia, Chief Ikomi, Chief Agbajo, Chief Emiko, and Itsekiri pressure groups, amongst others
What's your reaction?
