Biography

Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III: Biography, Wife, Children, Career, Net worth, Controversies and More

Published

2 years ago

2022/08/02

Sub-editor

By Balogun Kamilu Lekan

Biography

Utieyinoritsetsola Emiko Ogiame – Atuwatse III was born on April 2, 1984, to Prince Godwin Toritseju Emiko, and Gladys Durorike Emiko (nee Okunade)

His mother is the daughter of Oba Sijuade Okunade the late Ooni of Ife.

He is the 21st Olu of Warri. He succeeded Ikenwoli Godfrey Emiko, who passed on in March 2020.

Education

Prince Tsola attended NNPC Primary School, Warri, Delta state before proceeding to Adesoye College, Offa, Kwara State.

He was admitted to Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, USA, where he had his undergraduate degree between 2002-2006.

Prince Tsola Emiko bagged his Bachelor’s of Arts degree, majoring in International Studies & Political Science while minoring in History and Economics.

He obtained a Master’s degree in Management from the same university.

Career

Prior to his ascension to the throne, Emiko is a successful businessman. He founded Noble Nigeria Limited and Coral Curator Limited.

In 2008, the crowned prince travelled back to Nigeria to complete his NYSC. He worked at National Petroleum Investment Management Services’ Public Affairs Division (NAPIMS).

Emiko also worked with Sahara Energy; Shell Nigeria Closed Pension Fund Administrator (SNCFPA).

He has also served as a board member of Ocean Marine Security Ltd, Gulf of Guinea Ltd, Vessellink Nig Ltd, among others

Wife and children

In 2014, he married Olori Ivie Atuwatse III, the daughter of Hosa Wells Okunbo – late Nigerian billionaire business mogul and philanthropist.

The union is blessed with 3 children, namely:

Oritsetsemiaye
Oritsetemisan
Oritsetimeyin

Controversy

His ascension to the throne was faced with resistance from The Ologbotsere of Warri (The most ranked chief), Chief Ayiri Emami on grounds that the Prince’ mother is not from Warri and that the Prince is a stranger who is unfit to rule the kingdom. According to a 1979 Edict, the mother of any Olu of Warri must be of Itsekiri or Benin origin.

“They know in their inner minds that what they have done is illegal and absolutely wrong. Let me make it clear that the Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom, Chief Ayirimi Emami is not stricto senso and ab initio against the emergence of Prince Tsola Emiko as the Omoba or Olu-designate of Warri Kingdom. The Ologbotsere is only in unrepentant support of the extant laws of the succession of the Olu of Warri throne which is the 1979 Edict.’ Emani was quoted by his spokesman in a statement.

This resistance led to the suspension of Chief Ayiri as the Ologbotsere and he has headed to court to challenge his suspension.

In another development, prior to his coronation, the 400-year-old crown of the Olu of Warri was reportedly stolen from the palace. Fortunately, this couldn’t stop the coronation proceedings as there are other crowns that could be uses as substitute.

Achievements

In June 2022, Ogiame Atuwatse III was conferred with the T’suut’ina highest honor in Canada

At his coronation, the monarch reversed a curse placed over the land and Nigeria by his grand father (Erejuwa II) 55 years ago after he was deposed following a rivalry with politicians.

“I hereby reverse the curse over this land, the federal government that was used to perpetuate the oppression. I release forgiveness. This land begins to yield its riches to us. Because Itsekiri is blessed our nation is blessed”, he said

It was reported that His royal majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, partnered with Stanbic IBTC Bank to provide over 10,000 Point of Sale (POS) machines to Itsekiri people in a bid to improve livelihood and enhance business empowerment.

The partnership is in a bid to improve livelihood and increase opportunities for women and youth in the country.

“In a digitalised era where the highly illustrious people of this kingdom transact in significant sums, the supply of these POS machines attached to a pension scheme will go a long way in bringing convenience and safety to both customers and service providers with future financial security in mind.”

“The machines will also serve as a means of empowering its recipients with a decent means of livelihood that they can engage as they make progress and expand into other ventures”. He said

Jis Royal Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III recently drew the attention of President Buhari to the under-utilisation of Warri, Koko, Sapele, and Burutu ports.

He has also clamoured for the reconstitution of the NDDC board, immortalizing Festus Okotie-Eboh, the first Minister of Finance of the country, and reviving of Ogidigben EPZ project.

Net worth

According to reports, Prince Tsola Emiko has an estimated net worth of $1.5 – $5 million.

The Olu has a special taste for affluence and flamboyancy. Ahead of his coronation, he acquired a customized Royce Phantom 2021 model and a Bentley Continental.