By THE Olu of Warri, His Imperial Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, says the collective dreams and aspirations of Itsekiri can only be fulfilled through unity and humility.
He urged Itsekiri sons and daughters to do away with pride that hinders, blinds, divides, cannibalises, betrays, and the pride that destroys.
Ogiame made the assertions at the grand reception held at Aghofen (palace) on Wednesday when his subjects from across the various Iwere communities paid him homage as part of the activities to mark his 3rd Coronation Anniversary celebration.
Itsekiri cultural performances
The Olu of Warri was full of praise and thanksgiving to God for the journey so far.
He, however, renewed his call for peace, social justice and equity with his neighbours towards the development of the area.
The monarch, who spoke in English and Itsekiri languages, stated: “Three years ago, the Itsekiri nation extended the hand of peace and collaboration to her neighbours on the land and the sea.
“Since then, we’ve made significant strides in promoting peace and co-existence based on love and mutual respect for all.”
According to him, “We stand on the universal foundation of justice and peace and equity within the rule of law and we are committed to maintaining this peaceful and respectful relationships ensuring the safety and peace of all. Our progress is a testimony to our commitment to this end.
“Last year, we varnished the term slaves from our palace because we believe that all are created equal by God. And this will affirm their beliefs in the equality of all.
“We’re created by God and we have equal dignity, but we are also committed to change. If we don’t change, we are dying.
“Aghofen is the symbol of refuge and a place to seek refuge. We welcome all Itsekiris to the crown.
“Our collective dreams and aspirations can only be fulfilled through unity. If I may also add, humility.
“As Itsekiri people, looking back we may have good reason to have a sense of pride and that’s fine. But in going forward, there’s a type of pride that we must do away with.
“The pride that hinders, the pride that blinds, the pride that divides, the pride that cannibalises, the pride that betrays, the pride that destroys.
“We don’t have to remain proud and certainly don’t have to remain wicked. Not only has God given us authority over this Kingdom, He has given us creative powers and He has given us powerful examples by calling for light out of darkness.
“In this same way, Itsekiri, I call you out of useless pride. I call you out of wickedness and in its place, I bless you with wisdom, with vision, with industry, with creativity,with productivity and with fruitfulness.
“May your eyes be opened to embrace and appraise these new values as we embark on a new phase of togetherness in Iwere land.
“The new phase promises growth, prosperity and a stronger sense of commitment.”
The anniversary event was attended by the Delta State governor, RT. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, who was represented by the Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari and traditional rulers from across the length and breadth of Nigeria.
What's your reaction?
