A Tapestry of Tradition: Orere-Uluba Takes Palace Watch at 15th Ghigho Aghofen

WARRI, Delta State – The air at Aghofen, the Palace of the Olu of Warri, was filled with the vibrant beat of culture and the whispers of tradition today as the 15th edition of Ghigho Aghofen—the sacred Palace Watch ceremony—unfolded in splendour. The event marked the successful completion of watch duties by Ekurede community and the formal handover of the palace guard reins to the incoming Orere-Uluba community, both of Warri South Local Government Area.

This post-coronation edition of Ghighó Aghọfen was a celebration of communal fraternity and continuity, performed in the majestic presence of His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, the Olu of Warri.

A Feast of Colour and Custom

The ceremonial exchange was a dazzling spectacle of traditional attire and effulgence.

• Ekurede Community, the outgoing host, made their final appearance impeccably dressed in custom outfits. The men wore lemon-coloured kemeje (shirts) while the women donned matching lemon blouses, both complemented by a brown wrapper featuring the symbolic Elephant inscription, showcasing their proud communal identity.
• Orere-Uluba Community, the incoming guard, presented themselves in sharp contrast, with men in crisp white kemeje and women in white blouses, all tying a dark green wrapper.

The Chiefs of Warri, always a symbol of the kingdom’s regality, were present and impeccable in their traditional white and red attire, lending solemnity and gravitas to the proceedings.

Continuity and Historical Significance

Ekurede community’s watch period was particularly noteworthy as it marked a historic time for the kingdom: the celebration of the 4th Coronation Anniversary of His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR.

With the handover, Ekurede became the third host community of Aghofen (following Okere and Ugbori) to have successfully completed a triad of watches since the Ghigho Aghofen series began. The community now hands the sacred duty to Orere-Uluba, a fertile agrarian community located deep within the Warri mangroves. This community-based system reinforces the monarch’s connection to every corner of the kingdom, from the urban centers to the deepest creeks.

The 15th Ghigho Aghofen was a day of colour, culture, and continuity, where Orere-Uluba officially took over the revered palace watch. It is a powerful display of a living tradition and a united kingdom under the leadership of Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, the Olu of Warri Kingdom.

The Ghigho Aghofen Palace Watch: A Full Roster of Transition

The Ghigho Aghofen (Palace Watch) ceremony is a profound and living tradition of the Warri Kingdom, established by His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR. It symbolises peace, continuity, and the unity of the entire kingdom by having different communities take turns safeguarding the Olu’s Palace for a three-month period.

Below is the complete historical transition of the Palace Watch, highlighting the communities that have carried this sacred duty:

Note: The 15th Edition saw Ekurede Community hand over the watch to the Orere-Uluba Community.