The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, has personally inspected preparations for his fifth coronation anniversary in Warri, Delta State, during a morning fitness routine that saw the monarch ride through Okere on an electric scooter.
A video shared on Saturday showed the monarch moving through the community accompanied by members of his security team as he assessed preparations ahead of the anniversary celebrations.
The outing was described as an on-the-spot inspection conducted as part of the monarch’s fitness regimen.
Residents who encountered Atuwatse III along the route hailed and cheered him as he moved through the area, with the unusual sight of the monarch riding an electric scooter attracting attention.
The relaxed appearance also generated reactions on social media, with several users praising the monarch for what they described as an accessible and people-oriented style of leadership.
One Facebook user, Iniobong Esen, said the approach demonstrated how leaders should remain connected to the conditions of their people, while Avwerosuo Amos Govina described the monarch as a king with “class and charisma.”
Another commenter, Enujeke Prosper, referred to Atuwatse III as “the Digital king with a difference.”
The inspection comes as Warri Kingdom prepares for a major programme of activities marking five years since Atuwatse III ascended the throne.
The monarch was crowned the 21st Olu of Warri on August 21, 2021, at Ode-Itsekiri in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State. He subsequently assumed the regnal name Ogiame Atuwatse III.
His fifth coronation anniversary will therefore be marked on August 21, 2026.
The celebrations are being held alongside the Itsekiri Global Homecoming, scheduled for August 16 to 22 in Warri Kingdom.
The week-long event is expected to bring together Itsekiri sons and daughters from across Nigeria and the diaspora, as well as friends of the kingdom, for cultural, social and economic engagements.
The homecoming is also being promoted as a platform for reconnecting the Itsekiri diaspora with the kingdom while encouraging investment, heritage preservation and development.
Overland Airways has been announced as the official airline partner for the event, with discounted travel arrangements planned for participants flying into Osubi Airport.
Other activities have also been lined up around the fifth anniversary. A special golf tournament was scheduled for August 8 in Koko as part of celebrations marking the monarch’s five years on the throne.
The anniversary is expected to attract traditional rulers, political leaders, business figures, members of the Itsekiri community and guests from within and outside Nigeria.
For the Warri Kingdom, the milestone offers an opportunity to reflect on Atuwatse III’s first five years on the throne while celebrating its cultural identity and strengthening links with the global Itsekiri community.
For residents who encountered him during his morning ride, however, the anniversary preparations offered a different picture of the monarch — one moving through the community on a scooter, stopping to observe preparations and receiving cheers from people along the way.
