Yesterday, history was made as the Itsekiri people trooped out en masse and converged in their ancestral home, Ode-Itsekiri popularly called big Warri, to crown their new king.
Prince Tsola Emiko until yesterday was referred to as Omoba, after spending 90 days in seclusion in which he was educated on Itsekiri culture and custom, as well as kingship etiquettes was crowned the 21st Olu of Warri after picking the royal title of Ogiame Atuwatse III.
Asked what he would miss most now that he is the Ogiame Atuwatse III, he said… “My anonymity! People want to be celebrities so bad in this generation. I’ve always appreciated my “anonymity”. Now that it’s been obviously taken away from me, I think that more than anything, this is what I will miss the most. “
Born Utienyinoritsetsola Emiko in Warri, Delta State, on April 2, 1984, to Prince Godwin Toritseju Emiko, the late Ogiame Atuwatse II, and Gladys Durorike Emiko, Ogiame Atuwatse III had his early education at Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Primary School and Adesoye College in Offa, Kwara State between 1995 and 2000.
He speaks on what it was like growing up in the palace as a young prince, “To be honest, it was a very normal household. My parents did their best to keep us “grounded” and raise us just like any other children. They were intentional, to ensure that we didn’t grow up proud or entitled because of our status. However, as they say, greatness is never taught, it is caught. While nothing was formally taught, I observed everything about my father: his unwavering love for his people, his ethics, his integrity, his speech, his demeanor and his carriage. I like to believe I caught all these principles from him, he recalled.
As a king in a digital age, how would be hope to cope with the rigid demands of culture and tradition, the latest Olu of Warrior said, “Technology is here to make our lives as a race easier. So, we will find ways to apply technology to enhance and ease our already numerous responsibilities. Open mindedness and willingness to adapt will make all the difference.”
