The Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ògíamẹ̀ Atúwàtse III, has clarified that the notion of conflict between the traditional thrones and Christianity is not accurate.
A statement issued by his Media Consultant, Adeniyi Ifetayo, on Monday in Abuja, stated that the monarch made these remarks during a meeting with the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege III, at his palace in the Warri Kingdom.
The royal leader firmly emphasized that traditional authority and Christianity can coexist, rejecting the notion that traditional institutions are inherently associated with superstition and the worship of man-made creations and beliefs.
His majesty noted that the two institutions can play a complimentary role that will contribute to the growth and development of the country, adding that he was elated by the visit, and said the Soun choice of Warri kingdom as his first choice of visit was divinely directed, just as his choice for the throne was divinely ordained.
He said that they owe it to God to lead to the benefit of their people, especially against the fast-changing technological driven world.
” We have a divine obligation to lead in righteousness, justice, and fairness, equity, are not empty abstractions but compelling ideals.
“Only when driven by a singular commitment to these ideals can we lead our people into visible, functional development materially, mentally and spiritually”, the royal leader stated.
The monarch conveyed that the traditions of the Warri and Ogbomoso thrones are rooted in the same heritage, and therefore, they should work together in areas of shared interest for the well-being of their respective communities.
Meanwhile, the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye,Orumogege III, in his address, moved for the adoption of “Cultural Diplomacy for Development” as a means to leverage our traditional institutions as effective collaborators in the endeavor to achieve rapid growth and development for our people.
“Your Majesty Ògíamẹ̀ and I are destined to lead in using what I have termed Cultural Diplomacy for Development to transform our traditional institutions into impactful partners in the quest for accelerated growth and development for our people.
“Your Majesty’s masterful play as the lead Cultural Ambassador of the Iwere people is evident today in our country and around the globe.
“We and others who discern this virtue can see how it will attract ever-needed economic progress to your people.
“Our observation of these noble sentiments in Your Majesty’s reign is the motivating choice of the great kingdom of Warri as our first port of call in our gesture to reach out and make friends and partners as we commence our sacred duty to lead the people of Ogbomoso Land,” he stated.
Recall that the new Soun was installed on September 8, 2023, succeeding Oba Jimoh Oyewumi who transited to the great beyond, on December 12, 2021.
He was a senior pastor at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) before his call to the throne.
Both Warri and Ogbomoso have rich histories that date back centuries.
During the visit, The Soun was accompanied by Rear Admiral Jacob Ajani (rtd), Prof. Shola Adepoju (rtd), Air Vice Marshall Bolaji Adigun (rtd) – Akogun of Ogbomoso Land and Pastor Agu Irukwu.
Oba Olaoye used the occasion of the visit to announce scholarship to 10 children (six girls and four boys) from Warri kingdom in Ogbomoso through Junior and Senior Secondary School beginning next academic session.
