Historic Honour in Warri: First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Installed as Utukpa Oritse Amid Splendour of Itsekiri Tradition

Warri, Delta State, stood still yesterday 26th February 2026, as culture, royalty and political leadership converged in a grand display of Itsekiri heritage, heralding what many described as a defining moment in the ancient kingdom’s contemporary history. The Oshodi of Warri led a distinguished delegation of chiefs from the palace of the Olu of Warri’s Palace to receive Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu CON, at Osubi Airport, Warri. The delegation, headed by Chief Engr. Anthony Mele Onuwaje, reflected the warmth and prestige of Warri Kingdom as the First Lady arrived to a colourful traditional welcome marked by chants, cultural displays and royal pageantry.

Among Palace chiefs present were Chief Mdm. Rọli Uliyemi Oritsẹjafọ
The Iye-ọlọma-ee-tẹ of Warri Kingdom (Ogbodu-Iyawa)Chief Patricia Otuedon Arawore, the Atseju Olu of Warri (Ogifie); Chief Mrs Esther Okotie Eboh, the Iye of Warri (Esilokun Ojime); and Chief Engr. Dr. Wilson Olley Edun, the Aboludero of Warri (Opuaro). The reception further drew prominent political figures including Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori; former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa; the Ooni of Ife, the Dein of Agbor and other important dignitaries.

From the Airport, the convoy moved in stately procession to the Palace of the Olu of Warri, where sons and daughters of Warri Kingdom had already gathered in anticipation. The atmosphere at the palace was electric, punctuated by Itsekiri traditional songs, the resonance of talking drums and the vibrant regalia of chiefs and cultural troupes. The event reached its crescendo when His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, the Olu of Warri, formally received the First Lady in keeping with ancient rites that have defined the Warri Kingdom for centuries.

In a ceremony steeped in symbolism and ancestral reverence, the monarch conferred on Senator Oluremi Tinubu the revered chieftaincy title of “Utukpa Oritse of Warri,” a recognition seen by observers as both honourary and strategic, deepening ties between Warri Kingdom and the Nigerian state. Palace sources noted that the presence of the Ologbotsere of Warri, Ojoye Engr Dr Oma Eyewuoma and other ranking chiefs at the conferment signified unity within the traditional institution. The conferment rites, performed with solemn dignity, reflected the enduring relevance of traditional leadership in modern governance.

Speaking at the event, dignitaries praised the First Lady’s advocacy for women empowerment, education and social development through her Renewed Hope Initiative, describing the honour as well deserved. Analysts say the installation not only strengthens the symbolic bridge between Warri Kingdom and the Presidency but also reinforces Delta State’s place in the national conversation. As the drums faded and the palace gates gradually emptied, one sentiment echoed across Warri: history had been made, and the ancient throne of the Itsekiri people had once again spoken with cultural authority and national resonance.