The Olu of Warri Kingdom, Ogiame Atuwatse III, has called on the Itsekiri people to embrace unity, purposeful leadership and a mindset capable of shaping a better future for generations yet unborn.
The monarch made the call in his address marking his fifth coronation anniversary, where he reflected on the journey of the kingdom, the importance of its rich traditions and the need for the people to evolve in response to changing times.
Ogiame Atuwatse III said the kindness of God towards the kingdom should inspire the people to reunite, rally around the crown and collectively pursue the greater purpose entrusted to them.
According to him, the progress already recorded must be sustained by laying strong foundations capable of standing the test of time and serving future generations.
He described the journey ahead as noble but demanding, stressing that achieving the desired future would require goodwill, wisdom, capacity, commitment and the collective strength of the people.
The Olu urged his subjects not to allow past disagreements and distances to become barriers to future unity, insisting that bridges must be built where necessary rather than walls.
“We cannot allow past distances to prevent future unity; we must rightly build bridges where necessary and not walls,” he said.
The monarch stressed that the strength of the kingdom was not in the number of people excluded, but in the multitude that could be inspired, empowered and united around a common purpose.
He also reminded the people that the crown represented more than royalty and ceremonial authority, describing it as a responsibility to be stewarded, a legacy to be protected and a purpose to be fulfilled collectively.
Speaking on the need for a mindset change, Ogiame Atuwatse III said the rich and diverse culture of the Itsekiri people was founded on strong traditions and beliefs, but noted that culture must remain relevant to the changing realities of society.
He explained that while tradition represents the way things were done by previous generations, the present generation has the responsibility of determining how those traditions can contribute to a better future.
According to him, history cannot be rewritten and the past cannot be changed, but the present provides an opportunity for the people to influence the future.
He said: “If our future will be different from our past, the way we DO things must be different from the way we DID things.”
The Olu therefore challenged the Itsekiri to critically examine inherited traditions, identify areas requiring improvement and have the courage and humility to embrace positive changes that would advance the people.
He stressed that respecting tradition should not prevent the people from pursuing their broader purpose.
“We love and value our traditions, however, tradition is not the same as purpose, it is an aid to purpose,” the monarch said.
He explained that purpose provides direction and helps individuals and communities remain focused on their actions, aspirations and long-term goals.
Ogiame Atuwatse III warned that placing excessive sentiment on tradition at the expense of purpose could result in the people continually reproducing the same outcomes of the past.
He said the kingdom was at a pivotal point where bold decisions and courageous steps were required to change its trajectory and move towards the future God had destined for its people.
The Olu further urged his subjects to develop habits centred on creating solutions rather than complaining or comparing themselves with others.
He said complaining and comparison would not produce the solutions required to advance the people, but could instead keep them trapped in existing circumstances.
He called on the people to honour and respect those who came before them and preserve the valuable traditions inherited from their ancestors, while keeping their focus firmly on the purpose and future they desire.
The monarch expressed optimism that with unity, courage, humility, commitment and a willingness to evolve, the Itsekiri people could build a stronger future for themselves and generations to come.
He concluded by praying for God to continue to bless the people and give them hearts receptive to the things that would promote their collective wellbeing and progress.
