Royal Legacy, Diaspora Loyalty: Ugbajo Itsekiri South Africa and the Vision of Ogiame Atuwatse III CFR
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | South Africa

In an era where many traditional institutions grapple with relevance and impact, the Warri Kingdom stands tall under the progressive and visionary leadership of His Imperial Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III CFR. Since ascending the ancient throne of his forefathers, the 21st Olu of Warri has not only reinvigorated the Itsekiri nation but has also awakened a new consciousness within the diaspora—a sense of purpose, unity, and service.

This wave of renaissance has reached the shores of South Africa, where the Ugbajo Itsekiri South Africa Chapter has emerged as a beacon of hope and development under the tireless leadership of Mr. Eyitemi Jakpa, the esteemed Olaga. More than just a diaspora group, this chapter exemplifies the deep connection between homeland and diaspora, inspired by the Olu’s clarion call for collective responsibility and cultural rejuvenation.

Royal Inspiration, Diaspora Mobilization
Since Ogiame Atuwatse III’s coronation in August 2021, the Warri Kingdom has witnessed a rebirth—not just within its traditional domain, but globally. His Majesty’s reign is rooted in compassion, service, and futuristic thinking. His message has been clear: the Itsekiri nation must rise as a people grounded in culture, driven by education, and united by purpose.

The Ugbajo Itsekiri South Africa Chapter has answered this call with unwavering dedication. No longer content with just being observers, they have become active participants in shaping the destiny of their homeland. Their most notable contribution so far is in one of the most basic yet essential areas of life—access to clean water.

Lifelines from Afar: The Jack Pump Projects
In many rural communities, clean water is still a dream deferred. But for the people of Ugbuwangwe, Ode-Itsekiri, and Okotomu, that dream is becoming a reality thanks to the intervention of Ugbajo Itsekiri SA.

The chapter has successfully funded and installed three Jack Pumps:

Ugbuwangwe Community Water Pump Project (2024)

Ode-Itsekiri Community Water Pump Project (2024)

Okotomu Community Water Pump Project (ongoing, 2025)

These water projects do more than quench thirst—they uplift lives. Women and children no longer have to trek long distances to fetch water. The risk of waterborne diseases has drastically decreased. The impact is not just physical, but psychological. These communities now enjoy improved health, hygiene, and a renewed sense of dignity.

Indeed, these Jack Pumps are not just mechanical installations—they are monuments of love, symbols of global Itsekiri solidarity, and a tribute to the royal vision that prioritizes the welfare of all Itsekiri people, whether at home or abroad.

Cultural Fidelity: Celebrating the Monarchy Abroad
The strength of a people lies not just in development but in the preservation of their identity. Ugbajo Itsekiri SA has remained true to this ideal, demonstrating unwavering loyalty to the Warri throne. The chapter has been visibly present at the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd anniversaries of the reign of His Imperial Majesty during the Uge-Oyo Ekoro ceremonies held in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

These cultural pilgrimages to Warri are not mere formalities—they are spiritual homecomings. They are opportunities to reconnect with ancestral values, reaffirm loyalty to the Olu, and showcase to the world that no matter the distance, the bond between Itsekiris and their King remains unbroken.

Education as Empowerment: Lifting the Next Generation
Beyond physical development and cultural engagement, Ugbajo Itsekiri SA has also invested in the most powerful tool of transformation: education. In a deeply thoughtful initiative, the chapter donated 500 notebooks to students across three Itsekiri primary schools:

Orugbo Primary School

Agbeje Primary School

Ginuwa Primary School

This gesture may appear small to some, but to these children, it is an empowering gift—a passport to knowledge, a step toward a better future. It affirms the Olu’s belief that no Itsekiri child should be denied the tools needed to succeed in life. Education, under this royal philosophy, is not a privilege but a right.

The Royal Mandate: Development with Dignity
It is important to stress that none of these achievements occurred in isolation. They are the direct consequence of a royal philosophy that merges tradition with modernity. Ogiame Atuwatse III has redefined kingship, transforming it from ceremonial leadership into developmental statesmanship. He has made it clear that tradition must evolve to serve people better.

The Olu’s tireless efforts in promoting gender equity, youth empowerment, environmental sustainability, and global diplomacy have inspired Itsekiris worldwide to rise to the occasion. Under his reign, being a member of the Itsekiri nation is not just a matter of birth—it is a call to action.

A Call to Other Diaspora Chapters
The Ugbajo Itsekiri South Africa Chapter stands as a model of what is possible when the diaspora is mobilized for good. Their accomplishments should serve as a rallying call to other Itsekiri associations across Europe, America, Asia, and beyond. The Olu has created the vision; it is now up to every loyal subject to run with it.

There are roads to build, hospitals to equip, schools to support, and dreams to fulfill. In the words of the Olu, “If we do not build our nation, who will?” It is a question that echoes not only through the creeks of Delta State but also through the bustling cities of Johannesburg, London, Houston, and Tokyo.

Spiritual Monarch: The Sacred Names of Ogiame
His Majesty is not just a king in the political sense; he is also a deeply spiritual figure. The Olu of Warri holds sacred titles passed down through generations, each steeped in cultural, ancestral, and divine meaning. Among the many revered names by which he is known are:

Ogbowuru

Afọmasi

Afọtsẹ

Ọba N’Ame

Afọwẹrẹ tse wẹrẹ

Ugbobrikiti

Jẹnẹkpo Ọsọndada

Iyẹmẹriko Ogbe

Ẹkpẹnmuodidi

Ẹkunkpregedeọsọn

Ọba Omì u

Ọba oke

Ọba Ọluranran

Olaja ni Ojo

These titles are not mere honorifics—they are living expressions of the king’s spiritual mandate, his divine guardianship over the land and people, and his connection to the supernatural. They reflect a sacred trust, a kingship that transcends politics and touches the very soul of the Itsekiri nation.

Conclusion: Royalty, Responsibility, and Renaissance
The story of Ugbajo Itsekiri SA is more than a story of charity—it is a story of identity, purpose, and destiny. It is a story that affirms the enduring relevance of traditional leadership when it aligns with modern development goals.

Under the divine and distinguished reign of His Imperial Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III CFR, the Itsekiri people are writing a new chapter—one defined by unity, excellence, and global relevance. The King has set the tone; the diaspora is playing the music.

Together, they are dancing to a future that is bright, noble, and worthy of their proud heritage.

Richlance launches Free Medical outreach in partnership with Mareo support foundation in Nasarawa state

In a bid to improve the health and well-being of vulnerable communities, particularly widows and orphans, the Mareo Support Foundation (MSF), a non-governmental organization, has partnered with Richlance International to organize a four-day free medical outreach in Masaka, Nasarawa State.

Slated to commence from April 23rd to 26th, 2025 as the Medical Outreach will take place at Zebra Hotel, Masaka, Nasarawa State from 23rd – 25th, while the Mega Seminar take place on Saturday 26th April at Royal dream hotel mararaba, karu LGA Nasarawa state, 10:a.m. The event will combine free health screenings with wellness seminars which is aimed in educating on how to stay free from sicknesses and living wealthy. The platform will also teach participants how to make money.

Speaking on the initiative, Eng Faithful Samuel the Chairman and CEO of Richlance International further emphasized the importance of the program in uplifting marginalized groups, especially those facing financial difficulties.

> “We are passionate about reaching people in need, especially the indigent ones. Many in these communities suffer from preventable health issues due to a lack of awareness and poor access to healthcare services. Our goal is not just to treat them, but to educate them on maintaining good health and creating wealth,” he stated.

As Richlance launches Free Medical Outreach, Maria Ene Onoja reiterated that the outreach will feature a wide range of health services including blood pressure and diabetes tests, HIV screening, free eye examinations, and counseling services. All services will be rendered at no cost to all participants.

“This initiative is also about awareness and empowerment. We want to enlighten these individuals, many of whom have low literacy levels, on how to take control of their health and economic well-being,” Eng Faithful Samuel added.

The outreach will also benefit from the expertise of healthcare professionals, the likes of Ambassador Wisdom Benson a business Coach and Consultant, a man with an incredible credentials, and Jenifer Godwin, who are set to play active roles in ensuring the success of the program. Their professional input is expected to significantly enhance the impact of the services provided.

As the date draws near, the organizers are calling on community members and stakeholders to take advantage of this rare opportunity for free healthcare and wellness education.

> “This will be a life-changing event for many families in Nasarawa State. We encourage everyone to participate and help spread the word. Health is indeed wealth, and a healthy community is a thriving community,” Maria concluded.

The Mareo Support Foundation and its partners remain committed to fostering sustainable community health through outreach, education, and compassionate service as the Medical Outreach will benefit all participants.

Court Orders Oba Alatishe to Pay N500 million Damages for libel to Asiwaju Adegunwa

An Abeokuta High Court presided over by Justice E.O. Osinuga has slammed N500 million damages against Oba Adetoye Alatishe, the Gbengande of Ososa, in Ijebuland, Ogun State, for libel against a foremost industrialist, Dr. Sulaiman Adegunwa.

Oba Alatishe was also ordered to apologise and do a retraction in three national newspapers, namely Punch, ThisDay, and the Nation, for the malicious petition against the Claimant that was also published in the City People Magazine on January 15th and Obanta Newsday on August 7th, both in 2019.

This was in a case at the High Court sitting in Isabo, Abeokuta, on Friday, 11th April 2025, where Justice Osinuga stated that the defamatory petition against the Claimant and the publications were demeaning to the Claimant’s highly earned reputation.

The judge equally awarded N500,000 as cost of litigation against the royal father as well as an order of perpetual injunction restraining the monarch from maligning the reputation of the Claimant, a renowned philanthropist and statesman, who had worked earnestly to earn the national award of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR), the Asiwaju of Ijebuland, a high profile leader in Ososa, and have contributed immensely to the development of the community, and the nation in general.

The libelous suit with number 4CJ/205/19 and dated November 25, 2019, was filed by the Claimant over what he considered as a defamatory petition letter that Oba Alatishe reportedly wrote against him to former Governor Ibikunle Amosun on January 7, 2019.

The monarch was equally alleged to have sent copies of this petition to the then Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Commissioner for Urban and Physical Planning, the Commissioner for Police as well as the Special Adviser to Gov. Amosun on Urban and Physical Planning, among others.
Oba Alatishe had in this letter alleged that “Alhaji Adegunwa at a gathering had promised to demolish the entire resuscitated and reconstructed Gbengande Market and turn same to a palace, while the present palace will be forcefully turned to a townhall through the office of the Special Adviser on Urban and Physical Planning”.

The monarch warned that “If this threat is not urgently checked and nipped in the bud, it is capable of leading to a monumental breach of peace, serious confrontation and total breakdown of law and order in the community”.

Considering the alleged falsehood of the petition, the Claimant resorted, first, to peaceful resolution, through his legal counsel to request an apology and a retraction of same in three national newspapers but the traditional ruler reneged.

He however sought legal redress given the damage the libelous publication had caused, because City People has national readership, and the dent on his image as a notable industrialist and philanthropist of global repute.

He had prayed the court for a declaration that the words employed by the defendant, the monarch, in his letter of 7th January 2019 and publication in the City People Magazine,  and the Obanta Newsday constitute libel.

Other reliefs sought included N5 billion damages, an order of perpetual injunction restraining the monarch from perpetrating or carrying out any disparaging/libelous publication against him, and a retraction of the libelous publication in three national newspapers, the Punch, ThisDay, and the Nation newspapers.

Also in her judgement, Justice Osinuga affirmed that Oba Alatishe relied on hearsay to arrive at the content of the libelous publication. “When the Kabiyesi was asked how he came about the information as contained in the letter, he said some people told him yet Kabiyesi was not ready to disclose these people,” she stated.

The judge also held that it was wrong and so unwise for the royal father to have refused to tender an apology knowing fully well that he has no evidence to substantiate his allegations against the industrialist. Osinuga held that a defamatory case had been strongly established against the monarch and therefore ruled in favour of the Claimant.