Olori Atuwatse III engages Essence magazine on culture, royalty and heritage in the Warri Kingdom
Essence magazine, a leading platform that celebrates black excellence and prioritizes stories of exceptional women from multiracial backgrounds, paid tribute to African royalty in an exclusive interview with Olu’s wife of Warri, Olori Atuwatse III.
A voice for women of color and an inspirational platform transforming the general perception of black women in the United States and around the world, Essence magazine spotlights the women who are constantly turning the corner in their respective fields of
efforts, catering to the lifestyle needs of its burgeoning audience.
In her conversation with accomplished writer and television producer, Sidra Smith, Olori Atuwatse III gave insight into her background, her people and the desired future for the Warri Kingdom.
According to Olori, the Warri kingdom dates back to the late 15th and early 16th century when the first European settlers arrived and started interacting with the people.
In his words, the people were “merchants” who traveled through countries like Saotome, Angola, Portugal and France, among others.
Due to their cross-border movements, the Warri people, although small, were able to establish trade relations with their foreign counterparts, gaining fame for giving rise to the famous ‘pidgin’ language which facilitated communication with their European counterparts.
The Queen Consort noted that this same illustrious spirit evident in the region’s ancestry was still very much alive and the larger story of the Warri Kingdom was yet to manifest.
Olori Atuwatse III introspected herself in her early childhood; his curiosity and his thirst for knowledge.
She explained that her early years in Europe transformed her outlook and convinced her that a quality life was possible anywhere in the world, a belief she carried
to this day as the mother of Warri Kingdom.
Asked about her current status, Olori said the induction was not a means of amassing personal gain, but a lifelong burden and a call to service. In his words,
“The responsibility of the enthronement is heavy… I was absolutely terrified of becoming the queen consort,” she replied with humor.
Olori further stated that his deepest passion in life is a constant effort to leave a lasting legacy of positive change, socio-economic development and quality education.
“I want to be remembered as the woman who pushed boundaries and broke down barriers for women, children and her people. A woman with a heart of service. A woman of faith whose belief in GOD truly inspired her in every action she took: whose love for God and for his people truly inspired them and (herself) to be better, to do better,” said she declared.
Olori also stressed the need for black nations to come together to build
relationships that could enable the parties to recognize and celebrate their true heritage while exploring opportunities for building human capital and societal progress.
Olori Atuwatse III is one of the few outstanding African women to be specially featured by
Essence, a clear indication of her passion for raising children, mentally emancipating and empowering women, and realizing a warri kingdom in the 21st century.
