Former President Olusegun Obasanjo says he has been blessed to witness the coronation of three Olu of Warri and would not want to see another one being crowned.

Mr Obasanjo made the wish on Sunday at the Coronation Thanksgiving Service of the newly crowned Olu, Tsola Emiko, held at Olu Palace Chapel, Warri.

“I am one of the happiest people for your installation.

God has specially favoured me to see one, two, three Olu of Warri and I do not want to see four,” Mr Obasanjo prayed.

The new Olu, Ogiame Atuwatse III, was crowned as the 21st Olu of Warri on Saturday at Ode-Itsekiri, ancestral home of the Itsekiri in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta.

Mr Obasanjo urged the Olu to unite his people, utilise the wisdom of elders and stay close to God in all his dealings.

“Two things must guide you: one, do not shun the experience and advice of elders, it is useful.

Experience is wisdom, make use of the experience of people around you. Secondly, be very close to God,” he said.

The former president urged the king to diligently perform the task God had entrusted to him, noting that the position was given to him by God.

He noted that the title “His Majesty” carried a lot of responsibilities and urged the Olu not to shun the experience and advice of elders.

“Congratulations.

May your reign be long, peaceful, bring unity and prosperity to Itsekiri.

May your reign contribute to the development, unity, and prosperity of Nigeria.”

Mr Obasanjo promised not to be far from the king, saying “and if there is any reason to summon me, use your majestic power to do so,” he said.

In his own remarks, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta urged the Olu to extend the olive branch to any aggrieved Itsekiri.

“I am aware a lot of healing processes are ongoing.

It is time for healing; ensure the entirety of the kingdom comes together.

“Whether stubborn or not, extend the olive branch to them.

You have a lot of work to do in Nigeria.

“We cannot afford any distraction at home, so that the larger nation will have your presence in the nation-building.

“Your reign will truly bring peace and development.

God has prepared you for this time.

God’s presence be with you,” Mr Okowa said.

The Guest Speaker at the Thanksgiving Service, Apostle Tomi Arayomi, said God had ordained Atuwatse III, noting that it was a divine arrangement for him to rule at this time.

“God is willing to partner with people who are willing to partner with the spirit of God to develop nations,” Arayomi said.

The Holy Communion was presided over by former president of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor.

Dignitaries from all walks of life, home and abroad, including former Delta Governors James Ibori and Emmanuel Uduaghan, Senator James Manager, members of Delta House of Assembly, among others attended the thanksgiving service. 

(NAN)