Activities marking the first year coronation anniversary of the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III continued on Saturday with paying of homages to the monarch by groups and communities in Iwere kingdom.
The event which was held at Ode-Itsekiri in Warri Local Government Area also had in attendance some royal fathers and top government functionaries.
Arriving Ode-Itsekiri the ancestral home of the Itsekiris in a colourful traditional boat, accompanied by a boat regatta, the Olu of Warri, Atuwatse III was received by palace chiefs and a large number of sons and daughters of Iwere kingdom who were joyous and excited to demonstrate their love for their revered king.
At the main hall, one after the other, groups, companies, communities including St. Anthony Catholic Church, Ode-Itsekiri, led by Rev. Father Ogbe, came in different lovely and colourful cultural wears to pay homage to the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, who had his wife, the Olori beside him.
First, to pay homage was the palace chiefs led by the Iyatsere of Warri kingdom, after which some members of the Delta State House of Assembly led by Hon Austin Uroye, followed by the staff of DESOPADEC, groups, companies and communities.
The paying of homage also saw the presentation of the portrait of Ogiame Atuwatse II, the late father to the present Olu of Warri, by Chief Rita Lori and the Ijala community.
Speaking after the paying of homage by the chiefs, groups, communities and others, the Olu of Warri, Atuwatse III appreciated the people of Iwere Kingdom for their show of love and for their peaceful co-existence, especially with their neighbours.
The monarch who appreciated the Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero and the Dein of Agbor Kingdom, Keagborekuzi for their presence also expressed thanks to the Olori for her support and love for the people of Iwere Kingdom.
In an interview with DRTV News, the member representing Warri South Constituency One in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon Austin Uroye, Commissioner DESOPADEC, Hon Gibson Omatsuli and Omatseye Nesiama, described the one-year reign of the monarch as great noting that his reign has engendered more peace and development in the kingdom.
They appealed to the people of Iwere Nation to continue to support the Olu of Warri to enable him to bring more development to the kingdom.
