The ancient Warri Kingdom stood still in celebration as Oluremi Tinubu was honoured with one of the highest traditional titles in Itsekiri land.
In a ceremony marked by colour, ritual and royal pageantry, Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri, conferred on the First Lady the revered chieftaincy title of Utukpa-Oritse of Warri Kingdom.
The investiture was more than a formal decoration. It was a homecoming.
Mrs Tinubu traces her maternal ancestry to the Itsekiri ethnic group. By tradition and bloodline, she is a daughter of the soil. Saturday’s ceremony formally reconnected her to her ancestral roots in a public affirmation of identity and heritage.
Addressing guests at the palace, the monarch praised the First Lady’s public service record and the dignity with which she has represented Nigeria both at home and abroad. He said the honour reflected the pride of the Itsekiri people in one of their own who has risen to national prominence.
The title Utukpa-Oritse carries weight within the Warri Kingdom. It is reserved for individuals whose lives and service align with the values of leadership, integrity and commitment to community.
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Beyond the chieftaincy title, the First Lady was also decorated with the Royal Order of Iwere (ROI), the second-highest honour in the kingdom. The decoration is rarely bestowed and is limited to distinguished sons, daughters and allies who have brought recognition to the Itsekiri nation.
The ceremony drew a cross-section of Nigeria’s political and traditional leadership, underlining its national importance.
Among those present was Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori. Also in attendance were the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and the Dein of Agbor, Benjamin Ikenchukwu Keagborekuzi I, alongside other respected royal fathers, senior government officials and guests from across the country.
Their presence signalled unity among Nigeria’s traditional institutions and reinforced the continued relevance of royal stools in the nation’s public life.
Warri Kingdom, one of the oldest monarchies in the Niger Delta, has long been regarded as a custodian of Itsekiri culture and tradition. Saturday’s event blended heritage with modern statecraft, showing how royal institutions continue to shape identity and influence national discourse.
For many in attendance, the moment carried emotional weight. Palace grounds echoed with songs, traditional dances and prayers as chiefs in ceremonial attire performed age-old rites to seal the honour.
Observers said the investiture strengthens the bond between the Warri throne and the Nigerian state, while affirming the role of ancestry in public life.
In his closing remarks, the Olu of Warri offered prayers for continued unity and progress for both the Itsekiri nation and Nigeria. He expressed hope that the renewed link between the First Lady and her ancestral homeland would foster development and shared prosperity.
For Mrs Tinubu, the day marked a return to her roots. For Warri Kingdom, it was a statement of pride.
In the meeting point between tradition and national leadership, history was written once again in the palace of the Olu.
