Olu of Warri bans use of ‘slave’ label to promote ethnic unity

The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, has officially prohibited Itsekiri people from using the term “slaves” to describe their neighbors in Warri. Making the declaration during the Warri Unity Football Game at Federal Government College, Warri, the monarch stated that such language will no longer be tolerated by the Itsekiri traditional institution as part of an effort to promote peaceful relations among the city’s diverse ethnic groups.

Marking his fifth coronation anniversary, the Olu emphasized that his reign will focus on unity, peace, progress, and prosperity. He urged residents to move past historical grievances and suspicions to ensure all communities in the oil-rich region benefit from peaceful coexistence.

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori expressed support for these reconciliation efforts through the Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari. The Governor commended the monarch for using sports as a tool to foster sustainable peace and build bonds of friendship among different communities. The Ovie of Agbarha-Warri Kingdom, King Kingsley Emakpo Orereh, also endorsed the initiative as a significant opportunity for reconciliation.