I Admired Otumfuo from a Distance Before My Ascension – Olu of Warri Kingdom

The Olu of Warri Kingdom in Nigeria, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, has disclosed that he had long admired the Monarch of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, even before ascending his own throne.

The royal guest made the revelation at the ‘World-Meets-in-Ghana Executive Dinner Ball’ held on April 24, 2026, at the Manhyia Palace to honour Otumfuo on his 27th enstoolment anniversary.

He described his presence at the event as an honour.

“Before my ascension, I admired him from a distance, and today, I am happy and honoured to celebrate you at your right-hand side,” he said.

Builder and Guardian of Peace
His Royal Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III lauded Otumfuo as a builder and guardian of peace, highlighting his contribution to Ghana’s peace and development.

“I celebrate you as you mark 27 years of steady and disciplined leadership. I affirm Otumfuo as a builder and guardian of peace, which is the result of deliberate leadership. I must highlight your influence on stability within Ghana and beyond,” he stated.

“Otumfuo, in his own regal way, represents the face of Ghana. I make it clear that peace enables growth, investment, and dignity. It leads to outcomes in communities built on trust and continuity.”

Defining Role of Monarchs
The Olu of Warri defined monarchy as a stabilizing force in modern Africa, describing the institution as God-ordained and people-focused.

“I say this because God ordained it, and the ancestors who have preserved it are all watching — without any pressure — to ensure that you do better than they did and that you hand an enviable inheritance to those who come after you. Therefore, it comes with cultural authority, moral voice, and continuity,” he said.

Cooperation
He further called for deeper cooperation among African monarchs.

“With this, we can all share in the work of peacebuilding, youth development, and economic vision, and this is certainly a collective continental responsibility,” he noted.

Offering his continued goodwill and praying for longevity for the Asantehene, His Royal Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III affirmed solidarity between the Asante Kingdom and the Warri Kingdom.

“I look forward to many years of peace and prosperity in the Ashanti Kingdom, Ghana, and across Africa.”

Story by Hajara Fuseini

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