Olori Ivie Atuwatse, wife of the Olu of Warri, has penned a heartfelt anniversary message celebrating a decade of marriage to Ogiame Atuwatse III. The royal couple’s journey, which began ten years ago, was commemorated through an emotional Instagram post that offered a rare glimpse into their profound relationship.
The Queen’s tribute, accompanied by intimate photographs of the royal couple, revealed the deep spiritual and emotional foundations of their union. In her reflective message, Olori Ivie expressed that her marriage to the Olu of Warri transcended mere personal desires, describing him as “beyond the man of my dreams” and “an answered prayer my spirit released.”
What makes their love story particularly compelling is its origins in friendship. The Queen recalled a pivotal moment when, during their friendship, she had casually declared her preference to marry no one else. A decade later, she affirms that this statement has proven prophetic, underlining the destined nature of their union.
The Queen’s message painted a portrait of a marriage that has been transformative on a personal level. She credited her husband’s unwavering love for helping her overcome deeply rooted fears and anxieties. A former addict to anxiety, I have been delivered by the steadfastness of his love towards me to trust,” she shared, describing how their relationship has been a journey of emotional healing and growth.
The Olu’s faith emerged as a central theme in Olori Ivie’s tribute, with the Queen describing it as their “family’s strong tower.” She emphasized how his protective nature and kindness have shaped their relationship, referring to him as “an extension of God’s love towards me on earth.” The Queen’s choice of the whimsical term “supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” to describe her husband in their first year of marriage, she noted, has only grown more fitting with time.
Their marriage, according to the Queen, represents more than just a union of two individuals; it symbolizes a story of divine redemption. Her anniversary message was interspersed with expressions of deep religious gratitude, using traditional phrases like “Baba Uwese” and “Baba Enedokpe” to convey thanksgiving for divine guidance in their marriage.
Looking toward the future, Olori Ivie expressed anticipation for “the next 50-plus years” together, suggesting that their journey has only begun. Her message highlighted not just the personal aspects of their relationship but also its significance within the broader context of the Warri kingdom’s royal heritage.
The Queen’s anniversary tribute offers a remarkable window into the private world of Nigerian royalty, where traditional leadership meets personal devotion. It presents the Olu not just as a monarch but as a husband whose impact on his wife’s life has been profound and transformative.
This tenth anniversary celebration comes at a time when the Warri kingdom continues to witness the progressive leadership of Ogiame Atuwatse III, whose reign has been marked by efforts to blend traditional governance with modern approaches. The Queen’s message underscores the strong personal foundation supporting their public roles as traditional rulers.
The anniversary celebration has resonated with many followers of the royal family, who see in the Olu and his Queen a model of enduring love and partnership. Their story represents a blend of traditional African royalty with contemporary expressions of love and commitment, offering an inspiring example of how traditional institutions can embrace modern values while maintaining their cultural essence.
As the Warri kingdom continues to flourish under their leadership, this tenth anniversary celebration serves as a reminder of the personal bonds that strengthen their public service, with the Queen’s tribute offering a touching glimpse into the heart of one of Nigeria’s most prominent royal marriages.
