Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, his Lagos counterpart, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and other prominent Nigerians on Friday joined the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, to mark the monarch’s fifth coronation anniversary in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.

The celebration, held at the monarch’s palace in Ajamimogha, Warri, attracted traditional rulers, government officials, lawmakers, business leaders and members of the Itsekiri community from Nigeria and the diaspora.

The event, themed “Global Homecoming: Celebrating Our Cultural Renaissance, Unity and Transformational Progress,” featured cultural displays by various Itsekiri groups as well as the traditional homage-paying ceremony.

Speaking at the gathering, Ogiame Atuwatse III said the vision of his reign extended beyond the Itsekiri people, stressing that the traditional institution had an important role to play in promoting Nigerian culture, values and excellence internationally.

The monarch said the progress recorded during his five years on the throne was a reflection of divine grace, attributing the achievements of his reign to God.

He expressed appreciation to the people of the Itsekiri nation, guests and supporters for their prayers and contributions to the development of the kingdom.

Oborevwori, in his remarks, described the Olu of Warri as an exceptional monarch and a bridge builder whose leadership had contributed significantly to the development of Warri and Delta State.

The governor said the monarch had demonstrated a strong commitment to the progress of the state and had maintained a close interest in the activities and programmes of his administration.

Oborevwori also acknowledged the Olu’s public endorsement of President Bola Tinubu and his own administration for another term, describing the decision as significant given the traditional expectation that monarchs should remain fathers to all.

According to the governor, the Olu’s decision demonstrated that traditional rulers could speak on issues affecting their people when necessary.

He also recalled the monarch’s participation in an inspection of the Ode-Itsekiri Road, where the Olu reportedly rode a scooter to assess the project.

Oborevwori said the gesture demonstrated the monarch’s support for development efforts in the area and had become a memorable moment in the relationship between the traditional institution and his administration.

The governor called on residents of Warri, Uvwie and neighbouring communities to continue to protect the peaceful coexistence among the different ethnic groups in the area.

He urged residents to avoid inflammatory statements and other actions capable of undermining peace and stability in the state.

Oborevwori also commended the Olu for his visit to the Amakosu of Ogbe-Ijoh, describing such engagements as important to strengthening unity among communities.

Among those who attended the anniversary were Sanwo-Olu; Senator Joel Onowakpo-Thomas, representing Delta South; the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Arts, Hannatu Musawa; and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who was represented at the event.

Also present were the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor, commissioners, political leaders, captains of industry and other dignitaries.

Several traditional rulers from across the country attended the celebration, including the Alaafin of Oyo, Akeem Abimbola Owoade I; the Dein of Agbor, Keagborekuzi I; the Ovie of Agbarha-Warri, Igbi II; the Amakosu of Ogbe-Ijoh Warri, Monbene III; and the Asagba of Asaba, Epiphany Azinge, SAN.

Others included the Obinof Aboh, Oputa III; the Elegushi of Ikate-Elegushi, Oba Elegushi Kusenla III; the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ogunoye III; and the Emir of Zazzau, who represented the Sultan of Sokoto.

The Oni of Ife, Ojaja II, was represented by his wife, Olori Temitope Ogunwusi, while several other traditional rulers and prominent Nigerians also graced the occasion.