The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, has reaffirmed the strong ancestral bond between the Itsekiri and Igala peoples, describing it as a relationship that will continue to flourish through generations.
He made the remark on Tuesday while receiving the Onu Igala of Delta State, Oga-Ata Onu Igala, and his entourage at his residence in the Government Reserved Area (GRA) of Warri, Delta State.
Ogiame Atuwatse III, who in 2022 visited the ancestral home of the Igalas in Idah, Kogi State, and also hosted the Ata Igala, Akpa II, President of the Kogi State Council of Traditional Rulers, emphasised the importance of preserving and strengthening such historical connections.
The revered Warri monarch praised the Igala people in Delta State for their peaceful and organised nature, particularly in their role during the transition of leadership in the state.
He commended them for not losing sight of their shared ancestry with the Itsekiris.
“I am grateful that you remember and honour the deep-rooted ties between our peoples,” the Olu stated, offering prayers and royal blessings for the continued safety, unity, and prosperity of the Igala people residing in Delta State.
Earlier in his remarks, the Onu Igala, Delta State, expressed his commitment to reinforcing the centuries-old relationship between the Itsekiri and Igala kingdoms.
According to him, historical accounts trace the ancestral link between the two ethnic groups back over six hundred years.
He affirmed that the visit aimed to deepen further the bond of unity and brotherhood between Igalas in Delta State and the Itsekiri people, expressing optimism that the collaboration will yield greater mutual respect and understanding.
In recent months, the Onu Igala has led delegations across the state to visit other prominent traditional rulers, including the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, HRM Orhue I, in Orerokpe, and the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, HRM Abe I, in Effurun, as part of his outreach to promote harmony between the Igalas and other ethnic groups in Delta State.
