Olu Atuwatse II, the 19th Olu of Warri kingdom in person of Godwin Toritseju Emiko, started his reign in 1987 and ended in 2015. During the 28 years of his reign, Olu Atuwatse II was known for his selfless, sacrificial sacrifices to the people of Warri, Delta State.
Olu Atuwatse II was a lawyer and the recipient of the Commander of the Niger (CON) award from the Nigerian government before his sad demise. He died in September 2015, at age 70 years, after a home accident. His brother succeeded Olu Atuwatse II.
Early life of Ogiame Atuwatse II
Olu Atuwatse was born in 1945 in Warri. He was then made an Olu on May 2, 1987. The coronation of Olu Atuwatse II was during an elaborate ceremony. That day is still presently known to be a remarkable day because it was the last ceremony late Obafemi Awolowo, a renowned politician and publisher, attended before he too passed on a week after.
Olu Atuwatse II, Godwin Toritseju Emiko was the only son of his father, who was made a member of Warri Traditional Council in 1983. He is the second son of his father, Olu Erejuwa II. Olu Godwin Toritseju Emiko was given the title Ogiame Atuwatse II after succeeding his father, Erejuwa II, Wilson Ayoronmitsi Gbensimi Emiko died in 1986.
He was married to Gladys Durorike Emiko.
The Reign of Olu Atuwatse II
Ogiame Atuwatse II was one of the Olus who reigned the longest. He was a devout Christian who loved God and humanity. He, in fact, he attempted to renunciate the title Ogiame Atuwatse II to be called Atuwatse II. This was because the Ogiame was against his christian faith.
This did not go down well with his chiefs and people and sparked protests in September 2013. He was told to either vacate the throne or stick to the title. The Olu gave in and retained the title.
His service and contributions are worthy of note as he ensured that the cultural heritage of Warri was and is preserved. Till today, his people still remember his philanthropic deeds.
Olu Godwin Toritseju Emiko, was a prominent leader in Itsekiri, Delta State recognized by even the president. He contributed greatly to the good of the state and strengthened the bonds of friendship, love, unity and peace among the other ethnic groups. Many years back, there was an inter-ethnic clash between Ijaw, Urhobo and Itsekiri. As Olu, he fostered peace and unity the tribes.
He died in a Lagos hospital in 2015 after a domestic accident. He was being prepared to be flown abroad for intensive care before he got worse.
