Celebrating Excellence: Ogiame Atuwatse III CFR, the Olu of Warri, African Royalty and Change-Makers Honoured Among 100 Most Reputable Africans

By George Omagbemi Sylvester

In an inspiring convergence of tradition, leadership and excellence, the May 15th 2025 edition of the 100 Most Reputable Africans was held in South Africa, gathering visionary individuals from across the continent. Hosted by Reputation Poll International (RPI) and the Global Reputation Forum (GRF), the prestigious event recognized Africans who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity and service across governance, business, culture, philanthropy and academia.

Among the celebrated personalities was His Imperial Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, the revered Olu of Warri, who was honoured both as a special guest of honour and as one of the award recipients. His presence brought regal dignity and spiritual gravitas to the occasion, as he represented not only the Warri Kingdom but also the long-standing cultural institutions that continue to shape Africa’s identity.

He was joined by high-profile guests and honourees such as Her Excellency Dr. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, former Deputy President of South Africa and former Executive Director of UN Women; Maryam Bukar Hassan, a renowned Nigerian poet and social activist; Thebe Ikalafeng, the branding guru behind Brand Africa; and a long list of distinguished professionals, including William Wilson, Vumile Msweli, Shilongo Shilongo, Byaruhanga James, Bala M. Wunti, Dr. Sindiswa Mzamo, Clariza Botha, Kenneth Raydon Sharpe, Karen Matsiko, Robert Muchinta, Chawinga, Dr. Tuma Adama Gento Kamara and Dr. Tonye Rex Idaminabo.

Representing traditional leadership across the continent, Nkosi Zuzifa Buthelezi stood in for the Zulu King and served as Chairman of the Kings in Council, underscoring the growing influence of royal institutions in the broader African renaissance.

A Majestic Keynote from the Olu of Warri
Taking centre stage as the keynote speaker, Ogiame Atuwatse III delivered a speech that captivated the audience and firmly placed culture, history and indigenous wisdom at the heart of Africa’s developmental discourse.

“Africa’s renaissance will not come from mimicking foreign models. It must be forged from within and rooted in our culture, driven by our values and led by men and women of vision and integrity,” His Majesty declared.

Ogiame Atuwatse III, who has been widely praised for his transformative reign since ascending the throne in 2021, challenged leaders to tap into Africa’s untapped social capital and indigenous institutions. He emphasized that African monarchs are not relics of a bygone era, but living custodians of wisdom, cohesion and leadership.

“Traditional institutions are not ornamental. They are foundational. The future of governance in Africa must be Afrocentric, blending modern governance with the resilience of our ancient systems,” he said to thunderous applause.

An Enlightening Fireside Chat
Following the keynote, a riveting fireside chat was held between Dr. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka and Busie Matsiko, the President of the New York Africa Chamber of Commerce. The discussion focused on women’s leadership, economic empowerment and transforming Africa’s image globally.

Dr. Mlambo-Ngcuka, known globally for her relentless advocacy for gender justice, remarked:

“When we empower women, we do not just change homes; we change economies. Africa’s future must be gender-inclusive if we are serious about prosperity.”

Their conversation highlighted the need for inclusive policymaking and the importance of mentorship for the next generation of African female leaders.

Goodwill Messages from Pan-African Leaders
Several notable figures shared goodwill messages, each reinforcing the necessity of collaboration, ethical leadership and visionary governance:

Ambassador Benjamin Quashie, an ECOWAS diplomat and advocate for regional integration, urged Africans to transcend nationalistic divisions:

“The unity of Africa is not a political option, it is a survival imperative.”

Dr. Martha Namundjebo-Tilahun, Namibian business magnate and philanthropist, emphasized integrity in leadership:

“You cannot build a continent on corruption and expect prosperity. Ethics must be the new oil of Africa.”

Mrs. Tuma Adama Gento Kamara, Sierra Leone’s trailblazing political leader, called for increased investment in education, particularly for rural girls.

Dr. Sindiswa Mzamo, a leading public health expert from South Africa, reminded participants of the importance of equitable healthcare systems in ensuring social justice.

Theme and Purpose: Articulated by Sarah Goroh
Sarah Goroh, ambassador of JetAge Nation Builders and an accomplished public affairs professional, opened the event with a stirring address on the theme and purpose of the awards.

“Africa is not lacking in excellence; it is often just uncelebrated. This event is a clarion call to recognize those who embody the Africa we aspire to create ethical, competent, resilient and transformative.”

She explained that the aim of the gala is not just celebration but also affirmation; an affirmation that Africans can define success on their own terms and build legacies of impact that resonate globally.

Reputation, Recognition and Responsibility
The “100 Most Reputable Africans” is more than just a list; it is a moral compass. Every individual honored carries a responsibility to use their platform, voice and influence to shape narratives, dismantle stereotypes and build institutions that serve the people.

As Dr. Tonye Rex Idaminabo, founder of Reputation Poll International, once said:

“Reputation is the currency of trust. In a continent often misrepresented, we must honour those whose lives inspire trust, unity and progress.”

The Legacy of Ogiame Atuwatse III
In many ways, the inclusion of Ogiame Atuwatse III among the honorees serves as a reminder that African royalty when anchored in vision, humility and service remains a powerful force for good.

Since his coronation, Ogiame has redefined kingship, blending spiritual authority with a modern understanding of diplomacy, economic development and human rights. His advocacy for education, women’s inclusion in leadership and diaspora engagement places him among Africa’s most progressive traditional rulers.

“To rule is to serve,” the Olu of Warri noted during the ceremony. “A title is meaningless unless it uplifts those beneath it.”

Final note: An Africa Worth Reputing
This 2025 gathering in South Africa was not merely a celebration, it was a clarion call to Africans everywhere: to lead with integrity, to remember their roots and to rise with purpose.

The event closed with a unifying reminder: Africa does not lack heroes, it lacks recognition of its homegrown legends. Through platforms like this, the continent begins to right that wrong.

As Ogiame Atuwatse III aptly summarized in his keynote:

“We are not just building nations; we are restoring a civilization. And that restoration begins with reputation, honour and the courage to be distinctly African.”