WARRI KINGDOM – In a move to strengthen diplomatic ties and foster peaceful co-existence within the Delta region, His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, The Olu of Warri, has issued a Royal Proclamation establishing a new class of chieftains known as the Ambassage Chiefs (Ojoy’Uko N’Iwere).
Issued under the Royal Seal on December 12, 2025, this proclamation seeks to create a formal bridge between the Itsekiri people and the various non-indigenous ethnic nationalities residing within the Warri Kingdom.
A Bridge for Peace and Development
The Palace deems it “prudent and expedient” to create a structured avenue for closer interaction with non-indigenes. The Ambassage Chiefs will serve as vital links, tasked with minimising conflict and promoting accountability, mutual understanding, and cheerful co-existence between the host community and residents from other parts of Nigeria.
The Selection Process and Diplomacy
The selection of an Ambassage Chief is a rigorous diplomatic process rooted in mutual respect between the Warri Kingdom and other traditional institutions.
- Royal Initiative: The process begins with His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, inviting a specific ethnic group to present a nominee.
- Criteria: Nominees must be resident in Warri and possess a leadership profile acceptable to their peers.
- Home Endorsement: An essential condition of the process is a Letter of Credence from the nominee’s home Traditional Ruler. This ensures the Ambassage Chief is a recognised representative of their own heritage.
Title and Status
The Proclamation draws a clear distinction regarding the status of these titleholders. Upon installation, the individual becomes an Ambassage Chief-in-Warri Kingdom, distinctly separate from a Chief of Warri Kingdom.
The Ambassage Chief serves in a representative capacity, acting on behalf of their home Traditional Ruler while resident in Warri. Their insignia, functions, and tenure remain at the discretion of the Conferring Authority, the Olu of Warri.
Functions and Order of Precedence
Ambassage Chiefs will be accountable to both the Olu of Warri and their home Traditional Ruler. Their duties include:
- Meeting with Senior Chiefs of the Warri Kingdom to address issues of co-existence.
- Participating in festivities and mutual development initiatives.
- Sitting among Chiefs of the Warri Kingdom at public gatherings where required.
The Official Order of Precedence is established as:
- His Majesty, Ogiame, The Olu of Warri
- The Chiefs of Warri Kingdom (in their ranks)
- The Ambassage Chiefs in Warri Kingdom
Tenure of Office
The Ambassage Chief retains the title at the pleasure of His Majesty, The Olu of Warri. The tenure may end if the holder resigns, is recalled by their home Traditional Ruler, faces questions regarding their leadership integrity, or at the instance of Ogiame.
This historic proclamation marks a new chapter in inter-ethnic relations in Warri, solidifying the Kingdom’s commitment to unity and shared prosperity.