By Ologeh Joseph Chibu
The Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, has received the newly crowned Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege III.
During the historic visit, the Olu of Warri emphasized that there is no conflict between the Christian faith and traditional religion.
He said the two can coexist, contributing positively to the nation’s growth and development without conflicting with each other.
The Olu of Warri during the meeting in his palace in Warri with the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, , who paid a courtesy in Warri said the Soun and the Warri people have historical ties.
The Olu stressed that Christianity and Tradition are institutions that need not be viewed as opposites but rather complement each other.
The visit of the Soun was notable, with dignitaries including the Akogun of Ogbomoso Land, Air Vice Marshal Bolaji Adigun (retd.), accompanying him.
The Olu of Warri also took the opportunity to dispel the misconception that traditional institutions were associated solely with superstition and the worship of man-made deities.
He expressed his delight at the Soun of Ogbomoso’s visit and noted that the choice to visit the Warri kingdom shortly after his installation was “divinely directed just as his choice for the throne was divinely ordained”.
The Soun of Ogbomoso was a senior pastor at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, (RCCG) before assuming the throne on September 8, 2023
Both the Warri and Ogbomoso Kingdoms have historical ties dating back to Oduduwa, the progenitor of Itsekiri and Yoruba.
Atuwatse III also noted that monarchs bear a sacred duty to guide their subjects with integrity, upholding principles of righteousness, justice, fairness, and equity. He emphasized that “these are not empty abstractions but compelling ideals.”
The Soun of Ogbomoso, in his address expressed, “Your Majesty Ogiame and I are destined to lead in using what I have termed cultural diplomacy for development to transform our traditional institutions into impactful partners in the quest for accelerated growth and development for our people.
“Your Majesty’s masterful play as the lead cultural ambassador of the Iwere people is evident today in our country and around the globe.”
“We and others who discern this virtue can see how it will attract ever-needed economic progress to your people.
