By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
The revered Itsekiri monarch, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, on Thursday declared true reconciliation for all aggrieved indigenes of the kingdom as he launched the Iwere Development Trust Fund with an initial personal contribution of N750 million.
Atuwatse III, who ascended the throne on August 21, 2021, made the proclamation during the 4th anniversary of his coronation, celebrated with grandeur at the royal palace in Warri.
Speaking before a large crowd of well-wishers, the monarch stressed that reconciliation must be built on repentance. “Without repentance, true reconciliation cannot occur,” he said.
“Without laying the right foundation for repentance, true reconciliation cannot occur in the desire to achieve peace and unity.”
The ceremony, which featured the paying of traditional homage to the Olu of Warri by representatives of families, communities, and groups, was attended by the Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor, alongside politicians, captains of industry, and other dignitaries.
Reiterating his call for peace, Atuwatse III said, “For as much as we all desire peace and unity, it has to be on the right foundation of repentance, without which, true reconciliation cannot occur. As long as all these conditions are in place, that door will remain open and we shall achieve the peace and progress we all desire as a United Kingdom.”
He added: “Amongst us, there are still a few who remain aggrieved and continue to justify their course of action. As long as they are Itsekiri, they remain our children. As a father, I encourage you all, let us continue to be kind to one another, let us be supportive to each other, let us patronise each other and be our brother’s keeper.”
The monarch also unveiled the Iwere Trust Fund, which he chairs, noting that it was designed to rejuvenate the socioeconomic life of the Itsekiri people and restore the lost glory of the kingdom. “This trust is for the development of our people and our home,” he said.
“I am leading by example, and I have put my resources into this vehicle, a vehicle that, God willing, will inspire much progress and development for our people. I invite all well-meaning sons and daughters of Iwere, our friends, our partners and those who believe in what we have set out to do. Come and join us in this effort to rebuild the Iwere nation.”
Meanwhile, the Itsekiri Renaissance Group (IRG), a sociocultural organisation comprising technocrats, captains of industry, and eminent Itsekiri personalities, has established an Information Technology Resource Centre in Big Warri (Ode-Itsekiri).
Chairman of the IRG, Mr. Oti Ikomi, said the initiative was “in support of the transformation agenda for Warri Kingdom, already set by His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III.” Ikomi, who was among those honoured with the prestigious Royal Order of Iwere (ROI) at the anniversary, led other members including Barr. Oti Edukugho, Mr. Uli Edukugho, and Mr. Henry A. Erikowa in paying homage to the monarch.