August 22, (THEWILL) –Â His Royal Majesty, the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atunwase III, Utieyinoritse Emiko, has commenced a five-day celebration of the first anniversary of his coronation. The monarch was crowned the 21st Olu of Warri on August 21st, 2021.
To mark the first year anniversary, five days were set apart for the festivity starting from Wednesday, August 17 to Sunday, August 21, 2022. The event kicked off with a Praise Day which took place in the main church auditorium of the palace. It was attended by indigenes and friends and family of the traditional ruler.
The Warri Food Festival, a celebration of the Itsekiri food culture, followed. Different food items and dishes were on display to the admiration of visitors who witnessed the occasion. Guests were also taught how to serve the varieties of food on display. There was also a Royal Games and Iwere Music Concert on the same day.
The third day, which was a Friday, was dedicated to a medical outreach in the Koko Community of Warri Kingdom. Saturday’s event was shifted to Ode Itsekiri, headquarters of Warri Kingdom. Iteskiri’s in their large numbers paid homage to the avid sport lover, Ogiame Atunwase of Warri. Rich cultural displays of the people of Itsekiri , traditional dances, drumming, singing and exhibition of Iteskiri arts and history characterized the fourth day celebration.
Some Iteskiri nobles also showed off their family’s Heirloom, a valuable object that has belonged to a family for several generations. The festivities were wrapped up with the actual coronation anniversary of the king and a church thanksgiving service at the church of Aghofen, in the Palace of the Olu of Warri in Warri mainland.
Before he ascended to the throne, Ogiame Atuwatse III was an officer at the Shell Nigeria Closed Pension Fund Administrator and later at Sahara Energy as Government Relations Officer.
