Dipo Olowookere
After the crowning of the oil-rich but poor Niger Delta region’s dashing monarch, several young Nigerians have taken an interest again in royalty, tradition, and heritage.
The Itsekiri people of the Iwere Kingdom in Delta state anointed a new monarch, Ogiame Atuwatse III, in front of thousands of spectators and dignitaries from across the world.
A new generation has been inspired by the prince’s progressive approach, and his address was a highlight of the event for those who have long bemoaned the failings of leadership in the country.
“We must move beyond oil and gas,” he said in a wide-ranging address. With 86 per cent of Nigeria’s entire export earnings coming from oil, Nigeria is the continent’s largest oil producer.
This region of Nigeria’s Niger Delta has had to contend with militants, oil spills, and pollution produced by the region’s energy giants.
As he remarked, “We must go beyond oil and gas to focus our attention on initiatives that will result in increased value for everyone.” Because of the progressive promises and claims, some of the richest Forex traders in Nigeria, think that the country’s currency will become less volatile and be more demanded in the marketplace. In addition to that, a lot of people are hoping that when the new Olu of Warri takes office, things will get moving to rewrite the history of the region.
“It’s been either pollution or insecurity in the Niger Delta, and I think this is a tipping point,” Oritsema Jemide told CNN.
He also promised to empower women so they could play a more active part in their society.
“We will guarantee that women of all ages, young and old, are recognized and appreciated, not merely verbally, but also in actual cultural practice. Our ladies will no longer be invisible, I tell them.”
Tara Fela Durotoye, an Itsekiri businesswoman, attended the coronation event. She said to the journalists: “Many people began to dance as he arrived. Someone exclaimed… I believe Nigerians are searching for something new and fresh. His age, his exposure, his education, and the lineage make him a perfect example of all of that and more”.
“As a monarch, he brought so much to the throne: a futuristic monarch who knows technology, who understands the importance of women. Being a part of it gave me hope,” as Durotoye said to CNN,
Itsekiri’s ancestral house, Ode-Itsekiri, hosted a celebration honouring the Olu of Warri.
A large number of people watched local broadcasts and congregated at watching centres to see history unfold across the country and the diaspora.
Her father, a historian, made sure his children were well-versed in their culture, according to Durotoye.
At 10, she attended the coronation of her father, the current Olu of Warri. “To be able to participate in and witness another coronation in my life as a 44-year-old woman and mother of three was an honour,” she stated.
During the intermission, the Olu of Warri entertained the crowd by singing Christian praise hymns. The king was criticized by some for not embracing his ancestors’ beliefs.
Olu Erejuwa II is supposed to have cursed Nigeria with his grandpa Olu Erejuwa II’s blood.
“When it comes to spirituality, I feel that the spiritual and physical are intimately intertwined. I reverse the curse in my capacity as spiritual, cultural, political, and traditional monarch of this land,’ he said.
To individuals in the diaspora who desire to strengthen their links to Itsekiri culture, the new age gives optimism that a supportive atmosphere will be established for those who want to do so.
Because she’s been playing with the notion of spending more time establishing a foundation and setting down roots, she adds, “I feel like this coronation is very meaningful for me.”
This new monarch, who I believe has a vision for the kingdom that will provide an enabling atmosphere for those ambitions, is really crucial.
