Olu of Warri Bans ‘Slave’ Reference to Neighbours, Declares New Era of Unity

The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, has officially prohibited Itsekiri people from referring to their neighbours as “slaves”, declaring that the derogatory expression has no place in his palace or in the new relationship he seeks to build among Warri’s ethnic nationalities.

Ogiame Atuwatse III made the declaration at the maiden Warri Unity Games at Federal Government College, Warri, where he urged the people to rise above historical grievances, suspicion and old divisions in the interest of peace and collective development.

The monarch said: “In our palace, we have officially prohibited our people from referring to our neighbours as slaves. That word is no longer tolerated in the palace of the Olu of Warri — and we say it today for the whole world to hear.”

The significance of the declaration was heightened by the historic presence of the Ovie of Agbarha Kingdom, His Majesty Kingsley Orereh, at the Unity Games. The monarch hailed the Olu’s initiative, declaring: “Peace has come between the Urhobo and Itsekiri, the Olu of Warri has done wonderful today.”

The gathering, which also attracted the Obi of Aboh Kingdom, His Majesty Gregory Nnamdi Oputa III, and other traditional and community leaders, provided a powerful symbol of the longstanding desire for peace and unity among the Itsekiri, Urhobo, Ijaw and other ethnic nationalities that call Warri home.

The Olu said the Unity Games would henceforth form part of his coronation anniversary celebrations, stressing that Warri must leave behind old grudges and focus on building a peaceful, prosperous and united future.