The new Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, has bestowed new titles on his mother, Gladys Durorike Emiko; and wife, Ivie Uhunoma Emiko.
The bestowing of the new titles on them followed his coronation as the 21st ruler of the Warri Kingdom.
His mother, erstwhile Olori Atuwatse II, shall henceforth be called Iye Olu Atuwatse III; while his wife, erstwhile Princess Ivie, will henceforth be referred to as the Olori Atuwatse III.
In his official speech as the new Olu of Warri on Saturday, Ogiame Atuwatse III celebrated his mother and wife as the two most important women in his life and bestowed on them the new titles to depict their new offices.
He also stated that in his reign, the opinion of women will be sought and they would no longer be invisible.
The Olu said, “I want to begin by formally honouring the two most important women in my life today.
“Interestingly enough, as God has ordained, one is a beautiful young lady of Edo heritage and the other is a gracious woman of Yoruba heritage.
“One addresses the past, while the other addresses the present, as well as the future.”
Speaking about the historicity of his mother’s presence at his coronation, the new Olu said, “By the special grace of God, I am the first Olu, in well over two centuries, whose mother is alive and well to witness him sit on the throne.”
Honouring his mother, the Olu said, “Where we have unofficially addressed the mother of the Olu as Iye Olu simply because she happens to be his mother, I hereby officially and formally bestow the honor on my mother.
“You shall no longer be referred to as Olori Atuwatse II, but Iye Olu Atuwatse III.”
In honour of his wife, the Olu decreed, “To my beautiful, loving, and supportive wife, I hereby officially and formally bestow the honour upon you. You shall no longer be referred to as Princess Ivie Emiko, but as Olori Atuwatse III.”
