The Itsekiri’s are an
ethnic group of Nigeria’s Niger Delta area, Delta State. The Itsekiri presently
numbered 800,000-1,000,000 people, and lived mainly in the Warri South, Warri
North, and Warri South West Local government district of Delta State on the
Atlantic coast of Nigeria. Many people of Itsekiri descent also reside in the
United Kingdom, USA and Canada. The
Itsekiri monarchy has continued to this present day with the coronation of the
Iwerre kingdom. The coronation held by the Itsekiri is an annual ceremony used
in celebrating the king on throne, Ogiame Atuwatse II. The coronation ceremony
is an anniversary the people of Iwerre kingdom adore like no other. Usually,
this ceremony pulls out people from all nook and crannies all over the world
just to make this day a remarkable one, it is the biggest traditional festival
in the south-south part of Nigeria. The coronation ceremony started in 1987 when
the heir to Atuwatse I, Atuwatse II was crowned after the death of Atuwatse I, since then the coronation has been the means for the
Itsekiri in showing the world their rich cultural heritage.
Warri, the biggest
commercial city in the state which have always been referred to as Lagos due to
the commercial activities, busy day and night life of the people is now a
desert, the tribal war between the Ijaw’s, Itsekiri’s and Urhobo’s which
started in 1996 changed everything in the city, eviction of many companies,
occupants, and foreign investors from the state to neighboring states, many
private and governmental projects were kept on hold due to kidnap and damages on private and
governmental structures. This tribal war lasted for years and for those years
the Coronation was not held but today the state has bounced back with all
potentials that attracted more local and foreign investors to the state, and
the watch word for us all is Unity.
There are many paths to
the top of the mountain, but only one view, the coronation is the only view the
entire world is using in seeing the Itsekiri kingdom, culture, and pride. The
year 2012 has marked itself a great year in the history of the Iwerre kingdom, it
marked the silver jubilee anniversary of our revered monarch Ogiame Atuwatse II
(CON) The Olu of Warri on throne, this silver jubilee coronation anniversary will
attracts Itsekiri traditional boat regatta, sweet Itsekiri melodies from over
2,500 voices, 50 boats regatta, dances to the scintillating beats from over 500
drums and more aquatic fun. On the 28th April, 2012 many who has
created a positive mark in the life, land and growth of Iwerre will be joining
the league of chiefs which will take place at Ode Itsekiri (Big Warri) and on
the 5th will the regatta of the colorful decorated boats displaying
the Itsekiri culture in different ways. After the press conference release of
these auspicious dates, it took to the streets where branding and all forms of
decoration, reminding us of the great day with glowing colorful piece. Many fingers
are crossed waiting for this day, why many are working hard putting things in
place so as to mark this day with colorful flamboyant attires. Let there be
light and there was light he said, he has given us a successful kingdom, this
year making it 25 years, a year of silver jubilee, we want to say thank you
Jesus, thank you lord.Ogiame Suooo…!
