Royalty on display as Olu of Warri marks five years on throne
August 16, 2026 12:00 am
Favour Abalaka
Warri is set for a colourful celebration as the fifth coronation anniversary of the Olú of Warri, Ògíamè Atuwatsé III, gets underway with a series of cultural, sporting and traditional activities.
The 10-day celebration, which runs from August 14 to 23, 2026, is themed, “Global Homecoming – Celebrating Our Cultural Renaissance, Unity and Transformational Progress.”
A promotional video circulating ahead of the anniversary has offered glimpses of the festivities, with the monarch seen dancing in white traditional attire, adorned with red coral beads and holding a golden fan.
Itsekiri women dressed in striking red-and-white ensembles are also featured dancing alongside men in embroidered white outfits, while boats decorated with flags and banners sail across the waterways, carrying residents from communities including Rufu Town and Drugeo Town.
The visuals also capture traditional displays of loyalty, with subjects paying homage to the monarch, while another scene shows the Olu seated on an ornate golden throne in a blend of traditional and contemporary royal fashion.
Atuwatse III ascended the throne on August 21, 2021, becoming the 21st Olu of Warri. Since then, he has been associated with efforts to combine the kingdom’s cultural heritage with initiatives focused on development, innovation and youth empowerment.
The anniversary celebrations formally began on Friday with Iwere Praise Day at Nana College, Warri.
On Saturday, attention shifted to the Warri Unity Games at the Federal Government College, Warri. The sporting and cultural gathering brought together people from different communities in the spirit of unity.
On Sunday, the festivities will move to Oboghoro community in Warri North for a grand finale featuring Bini Riva Live.
Activities will continue on Monday at Ode-Itsekiri with a Bike and Scooter Competition from 7am, followed by an Itsekiri Language Competition for children from noon.
Homage-paying ceremonies will take place from Tuesday to Thursday, beginning at the palace, Aghofen, Warri, from 10am on Tuesday and continuing at designated locations.
The homage ceremonies will coincide with the Royal Boat Regatta at Ode-Itsekiri on Thursday, August 20.
Friday, August 21, will serve as the main anniversary celebration and will also feature further homage-paying activities.
A football match is scheduled for Saturday, August 22, at a venue to be announced, while the celebrations will conclude on Sunday, August 23, with a thanksgiving service in Warri.
The programme will also feature cultural displays, traditional dances and exhibitions of family heirlooms, highlighting the history and heritage of the Itsekiri people.
The anniversary will further spotlight the kingdom’s youth-focused initiatives, including the Iwere Innovation Hub, which promotes digital literacy, software engineering and entrepreneurship.
As the festivities continue across Warri and Ode-Itsekiri, the anniversary is expected to provide an opportunity for the kingdom to celebrate its cultural heritage, unity and the fifth year of Atuwatse III’s reign.
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