The Warri Kingdom on Thursday played host to a historic ceremony as His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri, conferred the prestigious chieftaincy title of Utukpa-Oritse of Warri Kingdom on Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu.
The investiture, held amid pomp and cultural splendour, marked what palace sources described as an “official homecoming” for the First Lady, who traces her maternal ancestry to the Itsekiri people.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Olu of Warri described the honour as a recognition of service, heritage, and national representation.
“Today, we welcome home a distinguished daughter of the Itsekiri nation,” Ogiame Atuwatse III declared. “Her journey, service to Nigeria, and dignified representation of our country have brought pride to the Warri Kingdom and the Itsekiri people worldwide.”
The First Lady was also decorated with the Royal Order of Iwere (ROI), the second-highest honour in the Warri Kingdom, reserved for eminent sons, daughters, and allies of the Itsekiri nation.
In her response, Senator Tinubu expressed gratitude for the recognition, describing the moment as emotional and deeply meaningful.
“This honour is not only historic but deeply personal,” she said. “To be welcomed home by my ancestral kingdom fills me with pride and renewed commitment to serve Nigeria and humanity with humility and compassion.”
The ceremony attracted prominent leaders and traditional rulers from across the country, including: Governor of Delta State Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Dein of Agbor, Benjamin Ikenchukwu Keagborekuzi I, Other royal fathers, top government officials, and dignitaries.
Observers say the investiture reinforces the Warri Kingdom’s reputation as a custodian of culture and royal heritage while strengthening bonds between traditional institutions and national leadership.
The Olu of Warri concluded with prayers for continued unity and prosperity.
“May this bond between our daughter and her ancestral home bring progress, unity, and prosperity to the Itsekiri nation and Nigeria as a whole,” he said.
The ceremony adds another significant chapter to the enduring legacy of the Warri Kingdom and underscores the continuing relevance of traditional institutions in modern Nigeria.
