WARRI, DELTA STATE – Warri Kingdom erupted in a full carnival as it welcomed the First Lady of Nigeria, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu in a monumental homecoming event. The historic visit was marked by a vibrant display of Itsekiri tradition and the conferment of unprecedented royal honours by the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR.
A Carnival Reception at the Airport
The First Lady’s arrival at the airport was nothing short of a spectacle. All political heavyweights in the state were present to welcome her. She was greeted with a rich cultural showcase featuring an Itsekiri masquerade, the traditional Itsekiri agogo and ukpukpe, the omoko dance group, and the ukweke.
Adding colour to the occasion, several community representatives and different associations turned out in their branded wrappers. They gathered enthusiastically to proudly receive a daughter who has risen to the amiable position of First Lady.
Palace Festivities and Royal Guests
At the Palace of the Olu of Warri, the Olobe community—who are currently keeping the Palace watch as part of the Ghigho Aghofen—entertained the gathered guests. The grandeur of the occasion was elevated by the presence of some of the nation’s most distinguished dignitaries.
Esteemed attendees at the monumental event included:
- His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Executive Governor of Delta State.
- His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife.
- His Royal Majesty, Benjamin Ikenchukwu Keagborekuzi I, the Dein of Agbor.
- The Oore of Otun Ekiti, Paramount Ruler of Mobaland, Ekiti State.
These leaders were joined by other respected Royal Fathers, several Chiefs of Warri Kingdom, senior government officials and distinguished guests from across the Federation.
A Landmark Double Honour
In a landmark moment during the ceremony, Ogiame conferred the Chieftaincy title of Utukpa-Oritse of Warri Kingdom (Alias Ugbone) upon Her Excellency. Furthermore, she was awarded the Royal Order of Iwere (ROI), which stands as the second-highest honour within the Warri Kingdom.
This historic gesture makes the First Lady the very first individual in the history of the kingdom to hold both a Chieftaincy title and the ROI simultaneously.
Honouring Ancestral Roots
This grand homecoming served to deeply honour her Itsekiri ancestral roots, tracing back to the Obaloye family of Ugbolokposo. The successful visit celebrated the deepening connection between the highest office in the land and the ancient throne of the Warri forefathers.