KUMASI, GHANA – In a momentous display of cross-border fellowship and African royal heritage, His Royal Majesty Ògíamẹ̀ Atúwàtse III, CFR, the Olu of Warri, alongside Her Majesty Olórì Atúwàtse III, paid a high-profile visit to the historic Manhyia Palace on April 24, 2026.
The Warri Monarch was warmly received by His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, ahead of the prestigious World-Meets-in-Ghana Executive Dinner Ball held in honour of the Ashanti King.
A Symbolic Royal Exchange
The evening commenced at the residence of the Asantehene with a closed-door engagement between the two great monarchs. Following their private audience, the bond between the Warri Kingdom and the Ashanti Kingdom was cemented through a symbolic exchange of gifts:
- From Warri to Ashanti: Ogiame Atuwatse III presented specially crafted traditional drums to the Asantehene, representing the shared rhythmic heritage of their people, alongside a beautifully curated gift box for Lady Julia Osei Tutu.
- From Ashanti to Warri: In return, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II honoured the Olu of Warri with a royal artifact serving as a powerful symbol of peace.
Speaking on the stature of his host, Ogiame Atuwatse III noted that, in his own regal way, Otumfuo truly represents the “face of Ghana.”
Celebrating the “Pillar of Peace”
The royal delegations subsequently proceeded to the Otumfuo Jubilee Hall for the World-Meets-in-Ghana Executive Dinner Ball. The global gathering celebrated Otumfuo Osei Tutu II as a Distinguished Pillar of Peace.
Speakers at the event reflected on the Asantehene’s exceptional wisdom and legacy in mediation. They highlighted his success in resolving numerous landmark chieftaincy and mediation cases across Ghana—including Adonten, Tafo, Tepa, Dagbon, Sampa, and Bawku.
A major highlight of the night was the unveiling of the Otumfuo Commemorative Gold Coin Box and a stunning 14 Gold Coin Artwork, cementing his reputation as a global beacon of justice and diplomacy.
A Distinguished Global Gathering
The reception brought together a remarkable assembly of leadership, diplomacy, and excellence from across the world. Eminent dignitaries in attendance included:
- Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo
- Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
- Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey – Commonwealth Secretary-General
- Sir Samuel Esson Jonah – Chancellor, University of Cape Coast (Special Guest of Honour)
- Hon. Nana Oye Bampoe Addo – Deputy Chief of Staff for Administration
- Dr. Nick Adjei Danso Abeam – CEO, Nick Group of Companies
- Oheneba Nana Kwaku Duah
An Enduring Legacy
This visit serves as a powerful reminder of the strength of African traditional institutions. The graceful representation of the Iwere Nation by Ogiame Atuwatse III on the global stage continues to inspire the diaspora and strengthen the enduring spirit of pan-African unity.
