A five-day commemoration of the first anniversary of the coronation of His Royal Majesty, the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atunwase III, Utieyinoritse Emiko, has taken place. On August 21st, 2021, the king was formally crowned the 21st Olu of Warri.

Five days were designated for the celebration to commemorate the first anniversary, which will took place from Wednesday, August 17, to Sunday, August 21, 2022. 

A praise day that was held in the palace’s main church auditorium served as the event’s official opening. Locals as well as the traditional ruler’s friends and family attended.

Following was the Itsekiri cuisine culture event known as the Warri Food Festival. The event attracted spectators who were impressed by the variety of foods and cuisines on show.

Also provided were instructions on how to serve the various foods that were on exhibit. On the same day, there was a concert by Iwere and the Royal Games.

A medical outreach in the Koko Community in the Warri Kingdom was the focus of the third day, which was a Friday.

The venue for Saturday’s event was changed to Ode Itsekiri, the seat of the Warri Kingdom. Iteskiris paid homage to the Warri native and ardent sports fan, Ogiame Atunwase, in great numbers.

The fourth day celebration featured a variety of rich cultural performances by the Itsekiri people, including traditional dances, drumming, singing, and exhibitions of Iteskiri art and history.

Some Iteskiri aristocrats also displayed their family’s heirloom, a priceless item that has been passed down through the years. The celebrations came to an end with the king’s actual coronation anniversary and a church ceremony of thanksgiving at the church of Aghofen, located inside the Palace of the Olu of Warri on the mainland of Warri.

Ogiame Atuwatse III worked as an official for Shell Nigeria Closed Pension Fund Administrator before becoming king. He later worked as a government relations officer for Sahara Energy.