Warri, Delta State — His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri, marked his fifth coronation anniversary with a special scooter and bike ride through Ode-Itsekiri, the ancestral home of the Itsekiri people, underscoring a blend of royal tradition, community engagement and modern accessibility.
The monarch, accompanied by his wife, Olori Atuwatse III, led participants along the newly completed Trans-Warri–Ode-Itsekiri Road.
Joining them were chiefs of the Warri Kingdom, Nollywood actor Bucci Franklin, professional cyclists, scooter riders, young people, guests and members of the Itsekiri community. The outing formed part of the “Iwere on the Move” initiative and the broader Bike and Scooter Competition held during the anniversary celebrations.
Images and accounts from the event captured the royal couple exploring the island in a relaxed yet celebratory atmosphere, with participants and residents highlighting heritage, unity and the kingdom’s ongoing journey.
The ride reflected the Olu’s established preference for approachable public appearances, including previous scooter outings for inspections and community engagement.
Ogiame Atuwatse III, the 21st Olu of Warri, ascended the throne on 21 August 2021. The 10-day fifth coronation anniversary, running from 14 to 23 August 2026 under the theme “Global Homecoming – Celebrating Our Cultural Renaissance, Unity and Transformational Progress,” features a range of activities.
These include Praise Day, the Warri Unity Games, community visits, traditional homage-paying at the palace and Ode-Itsekiri, a royal boat regatta, cultural competitions, an Itsekiri language competition, family heirloom exhibitions, football and a concluding thanksgiving service.
The Bike and Scooter Competition, held at Ode-Itsekiri, drew enthusiastic participation from children and others, celebrating sport, culture, family and community spirit. The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, has partnered with the Warri Kingdom to leverage the anniversary for global tourism development, investment and youth empowerment.
Chief Oma Eyewuoma, the Ologbotsere of Warri and Chairman of the Oversight Committee, described the milestone as a celebration of “half a decade of a vision built on peace, innovation and global renaissance,” noting the monarch’s recognition that the kingdom’s future rests with its youth.
The scooter and bike ride through the ancestral homeland offered a vivid, contemporary expression of royal presence amid the anniversary festivities, drawing attention to both cultural continuity and the kingdom’s forward-looking initiatives.
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