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⚫
{{Short description|Traditional state in Delta State, Nigeria}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2021}}
{{Use Nigerian English|date=September 2021}}
{{Use Nigerian English|date=September 2021}}
⚫
{{Short description|Traditional state in Delta State, Nigeria}}


The '''Kingdom of Warri''', '''Warri Kingdom''' or '''Iwere Kingdom''', ([[Itsekiri language|Itsekiri]]: ''Oye Iwere'') was established in 1480, was part of the [[Nigerian traditional states]] ancestrally based in [[Ode-Itsekiri]], [[Warri South|Warri South LGA]], [[Delta State]], [[Nigeria]] <ref>{{Cite web |last=Royal |first=David O. |date=2022-08-20 |title=Eminent Nigerians, monarchs, storm Odi-Itsekiri for Olu of Warri |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/08/eminent-nigerians-monarchs-storm-odi-itsekiri-for-olu-of-warri/ |access-date=2022-12-19 |website=Vanguard News |language=en-GB}}</ref> with a palace erected in 1950s in the multi-ethnic city of [[Warri]], [[Warri South|Warri South LGA]], [[Delta State]], [[Nigeria]].
The '''Kingdom of Warri''', '''Warri Kingdom''' or '''Iwere Kingdom''', ([[Itsekiri language|Itsekiri]]: ''Oye Iwere'') was established in 1480, was part of the [[Nigerian traditional states]] its ancestral capital is based in [[Ode-Itsekiri]], [[Warri South|Warri South LGA]], [[Delta State]], [[Nigeria]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Royal |first=David O. |date=2022-08-20 |title=Eminent Nigerians, monarchs, storm Odi-Itsekiri for Olu of Warri |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/08/eminent-nigerians-monarchs-storm-odi-itsekiri-for-olu-of-warri/ |access-date=2022-12-19 |website=Vanguard News |language=en-GB}}</ref> with a palace erected in 1950s in the heart of the city of [[Warri]], [[Warri South|Warri South LGA]], [[Delta State]], [[Nigeria]].


[[File:Sigil Of the Olu of Warri kingdom.jpg|thumb]]
[[File:Sigil Of the Olu of Warri kingdom.jpg|thumb]]
The current Olu of Warri is [[Ogiame Atuwatse III]], who was crowned on 21 August 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-08-22|title=All hail Olu of Warri, Atuwatse III|url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/08/all-hail-olu-of-warri-atuwatse-iii/|access-date=2021-09-18|website=Vanguard News|language=en-US}}</ref>
The current Olu of Warri is [[Ogiame Atuwatse III]], who was crowned on 21 August 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-08-22|title=All hail Olu of Warri, Atuwatse III|url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/08/all-hail-olu-of-warri-atuwatse-iii/|access-date=2021-09-18|website=Vanguard News|language=en-US}}</ref>


==History==
==History==


According to [[Bini people|Bini]] and [[Itsekiri people|Itsekiri]] histories, [[Olu Ginuwa]], a prince of [[Benin empire|Benin]] Kingdom founded the Warri kingdom about 1480.
According to [[Bini people|Bini]] and [[Itsekiri people|Itsekiri]] histories, [[Olu Ginuwa]], a prince of [[Benin empire|Benin]] Kingdom founded the Warri kingdom about 1480.
In the 15th century it was visited by [[Portuguese language|Portuguese]] missionaries.<ref name="Punch1">{{Cite web |date=2021-08-20 |title=Warri Kingdom, according to history dating back 541 years |url=https://punchng.com/warri-kingdom-according-to-history-dating-back-541-years/ |access-date=2021-09-18 |website=Punch Newspapers |language=en-US}}</ref>
In the 15th century, it was visited by [[Portuguese language|Portuguese]] missionaries.<ref name="Punch1">{{Cite web |date=2021-08-20 |title=Warri Kingdom, according to history dating back 541 years |url=https://punchng.com/warri-kingdom-according-to-history-dating-back-541-years/ |access-date=2021-09-18 |website=Punch Newspapers |language=en-US}}</ref>
At the beginning of the 17th century, a son of the reigning [[Olu]] was sent to Portugal and returned with a Portuguese wife.<ref name=Punch1 /> Their son Antonio Domingo was Olu of Warri in the 1640s.<ref>{{cite web
At the beginning of the 17th century, a son of the reigning [[Olu]] was sent to Portugal and returned with a Portuguese wife.<ref name=Punch1 /> Their son Antonio Domingo was Olu of Warri in the 1640s.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.edo-nation.net/ayomike2.htm
|url=http://www.edo-nation.net/ayomike2.htm
Line 18: Line 18:
|work=Edo Nation
|work=Edo Nation
|access-date=2010-09-16}}</ref>
|access-date=2010-09-16}}</ref>
[[Olu Erejuwa I|Olu Erejuwa]], who reigned from about 1720 to 1800, expanded the kingdom politically and commercially, using the Portuguese to further its independence of Bini and to establish control over a wider area.<ref>{{cite web
[[Olu Erejuwa I|Olu Erejuwa]], who reigned from about 1760 to 1800, expanded the kingdom politically and commercially, using the Portuguese to further its control of tributaries in river trade and to establish control over a wider area.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200904271038.html
|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200904271038.html
|title=Olu of Warri Coronation&nbsp;– Focus On Itsekiri Cultural Heritage
|title=Olu of Warri Coronation&nbsp;– Focus On Itsekiri Cultural Heritage
Line 26: Line 26:
|access-date=2010-09-16}}</ref>
|access-date=2010-09-16}}</ref>


Later [[Warri]] served as the base for Portuguese and Dutch [[slave traders]]. Warri became a more important port city during the late [[19th century]],<ref>{{Cite thesis |title=Kingdom in the Creeks |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.14418/wes01.1.1865 |publisher=Wesleyan University |first=Allegra Otsaye |last=Harriman-Ayida}}</ref> when it became a centre for the [[palm oil]] trade and other major items such as [[rubber]], palm products, [[cocoa bean|cocoa]], [[Bambara groundnut|groundnut]]s, hides, and skins.<ref name="Nigeria, Warri--pictures ">''http://www.greatestcities.com/Africa/Nigeria/Warri_city.html''Retrieved 13 January 2008</ref>
Later, [[Warri]] served as the base for Portuguese and Dutch [[slave traders]]. Warri became a more important port city during the late 19th century,<ref>{{Cite thesis |title=Kingdom in the Creeks |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.14418/wes01.1.1865 |publisher=Wesleyan University |first=Allegra Otsaye |last=Harriman-Ayida|year=2018 |doi=10.14418/wes01.1.1865 }}</ref> when it became a centre for the [[palm oil]] trade and other major items such as [[rubber]], palm products, [[cocoa bean|cocoa]], [[Bambara groundnut|groundnut]]s, hides, and skins.<ref name="Nigeria, Warri--pictures">''http://www.greatestcities.com/Africa/Nigeria/Warri_city.html''Retrieved 13 January 2008</ref>
Warri was established as a [[provincial capitals|provincial]] headquarters by the British in the early 20th century.<ref name=ekeh>{{Cite book
Warri was established as a [[provincial capitals|provincial]] headquarters by the British in the early 20th century.<ref name=ekeh>{{Cite book
|last= Ekeh|first=Peter Palmer
|last= Ekeh|first=Peter Palmer
Line 34: Line 34:
|isbn=978-064-924-7
|isbn=978-064-924-7
|pages=31}}</ref>
|pages=31}}</ref>

⚫
===The Size Of The Kingdom Of Warri===
[[File:Kingdoms of Ife.jpg|thumb|right|alt=Ancient Kingdoms and their boundaries|Warri Kingdom size]]
In the work of [[Jean-François Landolphe]] published from his diary described the size of Warri Kingdom “The sovereign of this state owns not only both banks of the Benin river but also all the rivers of these parts as far as the tributaries of the Calabar or are near to it."<ref>Landolphe, Jean Francois, 1747-, and Jaques Salbigoton Quesne. Memoires Du Capitaine Landolpe, Contenant L'histoire De Ses Voyages Pendant Trente-six Ans, Aux Cotes D'Afrique Et Aux Deux Ameriques. Paris: A. Bertrand [etc.], 1823.</ref>

=== Military ===
In 1656, the equipment of the Warri military was dominated by arrows and [[javelin]]s with the use of few [[muskets]].<ref>{{harvp|Thornton |1999|p=81}}</ref> By the following century, Warri forces became accustomed to firearms.<ref>{{harvp|Thornton |1999|p=82}}</ref> In the late 18th century, the naval vessels of Warri were equipped with simple [[sails]] and primary sources documented that such vessels could carry some personnel of about 100. According to historian [[John Thornton (historian)|Thornton]], the Warri navy was unfamiliar with [[tacking (sailing)|tacking]]. Shields were built onto the vessels to provide protection for the personnel.<ref>{{harvp|Thornton |1999|p=83}}</ref> Warri vessels may have utilized artillery. Jean-François Landolphe provided a description of the King's canoes in the early 19th century which he mentions to have mounted 7 [[blunderbuss]]es arranged in series on a [[swivel]]. As a result, these guns could fire simultaneously and Landolphe states they were rarely used.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EUBeZE-63JAC&dq=landolphe+warri+canoe&pg=PA84|last1=Smith|first1=Robert Sydney|author-link=Robert Smith (professor)|year=1989|title=Warfare & Diplomacy in Pre-colonial West Africa|page=84|publisher=[[Univ of Wisconsin Press]] |isbn=9780299123345}}</ref>


==Warri Crisis==
==Warri Crisis==
{{Main|Warri Crisis}}
{{excerpt|Warri Crisis}}
In 1997, the Federal Government under General [[Sani Abacha]] created a [[Warri South West|Warri South-West Local Government]] Council, with headquarters at the Itsekiri community of Ogidigben in [[Warri]]. Due to political pressure, the headquarters was relocated to Ogbe ijoh (an [[Ijaw people|Ijaw]] community) by the State Government but still not recognized by the Federal Government. Riots ensued, hundreds died, and six [[Shell Nigeria]] installations were taken over by youths.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2013-07-22|title=How Warri North crisis started - Egbema chiefs|url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/07/how-warri-north-crisis-started-egbema-chiefs/|access-date=2021-09-18|website=Vanguard News|language=en-US}}</ref> The [[Warri Crisis]] continued intermittently until 2005.<ref>{{Cite journal |date=2021 |title=WARRI CRISES: CAUSES AND IMPACT ON THE OIL INDUSTRY IN THE NIGER DELTA |url=https://www.ebsu-jssh.com/index.php/EBSUJSSH/article/download/31/29 |journal=EBSU Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities |volume=11 |issue=1}}</ref>


==Kings of Warri Kingdom, 1480 to present==
==Kings of Warri Kingdom, 1480 to present==
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{{Succession table monarch
{{Succession table monarch
| name1 = '''[[Olu Ginuwa|Ginuwa]]'''
| name1 = '''[[Olu Ginuwa|Ginuwa]]'''
| image1 =
| image1 = Olu Ginuwa Sigil.jpg|250px|Olu Ginuwa First of his name
| life1 = Unknown - 1510 (aged 30+)
| life1 = Unknown - 1510 (aged 30+)
| reignstart1 = 1480
| reignstart1 = 1480
Line 51: Line 57:
| family1 = [[Itsekiri]]
| family1 = [[Itsekiri]]
| name2 = '''[[Olu Ijijen|Ijijen Ogbowuru]]'''
| name2 = '''[[Olu Ijijen|Ijijen Ogbowuru]]'''
| image2 =
| image2 = Olu ijijen sigil.jpg|250px|Olu ijijen first of his name
| life2 = Unknown - 1510 (aged 28+)
| life2 = Unknown - 1510 (aged 28+)
| reignstart2 = 1510
| reignstart2 = 1510
Line 58: Line 64:
| family2 = [[Itsekiri]]
| family2 = [[Itsekiri]]
| name3 = '''[[Olu Irame|Irame]]'''
| name3 = '''[[Olu Irame|Irame]]'''
| image3 =
| image3 = Olu Irame.jpg|250px|Olu Irame First Of Name
| life3 = Unknown - 1550 (aged 40+)
| life3 = Unknown - 1550 (aged 40+)
| reignstart3 = 1538
| reignstart3 = 1538
| reignend3 = 1550
| reignend3 = 1550
| notes3 = 3rd Olu. He succeeded his brother. It is stated that he banished the three gods (Ibirikimo, Otueke, and Ike) and their worshipers from Ode-Itsekiri-Olu (Big Warri) because of their incessant ''noise-making". The gods and their worshipers moved to Orugbo which is a community about 3 km from Ode-Itsekiri-Olu.
| notes3 = 3rd Olu. He succeeded his brother. It is stated that he banished the three gods (Ibirikimo, Otueke, and Ike) and their worshipers from Ode-Itsekiri-Olu (Big Warri) because of their incessant "noise-making". The gods and their worshipers moved to Orugbo which is a community about 3 km from Ode-Itsekiri-Olu.
| family3 = [[Itsekiri]]
| family3 = [[Itsekiri]]
| name4 = '''[[Olu Ojoluwa|Ojoluwa]]'''
| name4 = '''[[Olu Ojoluwa|Ojoluwa]]'''
| image4 =
| image4 = Olu Ojoluwa.jpg|250px|Olu Ojoluwa first of his name
| life4 = Unknown - 1570 (aged 20+)
| life4 = Unknown - 1570 (aged 20+)
| reignstart4 = 1550
| reignstart4 = 1550
Line 72: Line 78:
| family4 = [[Itsekiri]]
| family4 = [[Itsekiri]]
| name5 = '''[[Olu Esigie|Esigie]]'''
| name5 = '''[[Olu Esigie|Esigie]]'''
| image5 =
| image5 = Olu esigie.jpg|250px|Olu Esigie First Of His Name
| life5 = Unknown - 1597 (aged 27+)
| life5 = Unknown - 1597 (aged 27+)
| reignstart5 = 1570
| reignstart5 = 1570
Line 79: Line 85:
| family5 = [[Itsekiri]]
| family5 = [[Itsekiri]]
| name6 = '''[[Olu Atorongboye (Olu Sebastian)|D. Sebastião Atorongboye]]'''
| name6 = '''[[Olu Atorongboye (Olu Sebastian)|D. Sebastião Atorongboye]]'''
| image6 =
| image6 = Olu Atonrongbeye.jpg|250px|Olu Atonrongbeye First Of His Name
| life6 = Unknown - 1625 (aged 28+)
| life6 = Unknown - 1625 (aged 28+)
| reignstart6 = 1597
| reignstart6 = 1597
Line 86: Line 92:
| family6 = [[Itsekiri]]
| family6 = [[Itsekiri]]
| name7 = '''[[Olu Atuwatse I (Olu Dom Domingos)|D. Domingos Atuwatse I]]'''
| name7 = '''[[Olu Atuwatse I (Olu Dom Domingos)|D. Domingos Atuwatse I]]'''
| image7 =
| image7 = Olu atuwatse I.jpg|250px|Olu Atuwatse First Of His Name
| life7 = Unknown - 1643 (aged 43+)
| life7 = Unknown - 1643 (aged 43+)
| reignstart7 = 1625
| reignstart7 = 1625
Line 93: Line 99:
| family7 = [[Itsekiri]]
| family7 = [[Itsekiri]]
| name8 = '''[[Olu Oyenakpagha (Olu Obanighenren)|D. Antonio Domingos Oyenakpagha Obanighenren]]'''
| name8 = '''[[Olu Oyenakpagha (Olu Obanighenren)|D. Antonio Domingos Oyenakpagha Obanighenren]]'''
| image8 =
| image8 = Olu oyenakpagha.jpg|250px|Olu Oyenekpagha
| life8 = Unknown - 1653 (aged 11+)
| life8 = Unknown - 1653 (aged 11+)
| reignstart8 = 1643
| reignstart8 = 1643
Line 100: Line 106:
| family8 = [[Portuguese people|Luso]] [[Itsekiri]]
| family8 = [[Portuguese people|Luso]] [[Itsekiri]]
| name9 = '''[[Olu Omoluyiri|D. Matias Ludovico Omoluyiri]]'''
| name9 = '''[[Olu Omoluyiri|D. Matias Ludovico Omoluyiri]]'''
| image9 =
| image9 = Olu omoluyiri.jpg|250px|Olu Omoluyiri first of his name
| life9 = Unknown - 1674 (aged 31+)
| life9 = Unknown - 1674 (aged 31+)
| reignstart9 = 1654
| reignstart9 = 1654
Line 107: Line 113:
| family9 = [[Portuguese people|Luso]] [[Itsekiri]]
| family9 = [[Portuguese people|Luso]] [[Itsekiri]]
| name10 = '''[[Olu Abejoye|D. Luigi Abejoye]]'''
| name10 = '''[[Olu Abejoye|D. Luigi Abejoye]]'''
| image10 =
| image10 = Olu Abejoye.jpg|250px|Olu Abejoye first of his name
| life10 = Unknown - 1701 (aged 27+)
| life10 = Unknown - 1701 (aged 27+)
| reignstart10 = 1674
| reignstart10 = 1674
Line 114: Line 120:
| family10 = [[Portuguese people|Luso]] [[Itsekiri]]
| family10 = [[Portuguese people|Luso]] [[Itsekiri]]
| name11 = '''[[Olu Akenjoye|D. Sebastião II Akenjoye]]'''
| name11 = '''[[Olu Akenjoye|D. Sebastião II Akenjoye]]'''
| image11 =
| image11 = Olu Akenjoye.jpg|250px|Olu Akenjoye First Of His Name
| life11 = Unknown - 1709 (aged 8+)
| life11 = Unknown - 1709 (aged 8+)
| reignstart11 = 1701
| reignstart11 = 1701
Line 121: Line 127:
| family11 = [[Itsekiri]]
| family11 = [[Itsekiri]]
| name12 = '''[[Olu Omagboye (Miguel)|D. Miguel Omagboye]]'''
| name12 = '''[[Olu Omagboye (Miguel)|D. Miguel Omagboye]]'''
| image12 =
| image12 = Olu Omagboye.jpg|250px|Olu Omagboye
| life12 = Unknown - 1730 (aged 21+)
| life12 = Unknown - 1730 (aged 21+)
| reignstart12 = 1709
| reignstart12 = 1709
Line 128: Line 134:
| family12 = [[Itsekiri]]
| family12 = [[Itsekiri]]
| name13 = '''[[Olu Akengboye|D. Agostinho Sabastião Octobia Akengboye]]'''
| name13 = '''[[Olu Akengboye|D. Agostinho Sabastião Octobia Akengboye]]'''
| image13 =
| image13 = Olu Akengboye.jpg|250px|Olu Akengboye First of his name
| life13 = Unknown - 1732 (aged 4+)
| life13 = Unknown - 1732 (aged 4+)
| reignstart13 = 1730
| reignstart13 = 1730
Line 135: Line 141:
| family13 = [[Itsekiri]]
| family13 = [[Itsekiri]]
| name14 = '''[[Olu Atogbuwa|D. Manuel Octobia Atogbuwa]]'''
| name14 = '''[[Olu Atogbuwa|D. Manuel Octobia Atogbuwa]]'''
| image14 =
| image14 = Olu Atogbuwa.jpg|250px
| life14 = Unknown - 1760 (aged 26+)
| life14 = Unknown - 1760 (aged 26+)
| reignstart14 = 1734
| reignstart14 = 1734
Line 142: Line 148:
| family14 = [[Itsekiri]]
| family14 = [[Itsekiri]]
| name15 = '''[[Olu Erejuwa I|D.Sebastião Manuel Octobia Erejuwa I]]'''
| name15 = '''[[Olu Erejuwa I|D.Sebastião Manuel Octobia Erejuwa I]]'''
| image15 =
| image15 = Olu Erejuwa I.jpg|250px|Olu Erejuwa First Of His Name
| life15 = Unknown - 1795 (aged 35+)
| life15 = Unknown - 1795 (aged 35+)
| reignstart15 = 1760
| reignstart15 = 1760
Line 149: Line 155:
| family15 = [[Itsekiri]]
| family15 = [[Itsekiri]]
| name16 = '''[[Olu Akengbuwa|D. Eyeolusan João Akengbuwa]]'''
| name16 = '''[[Olu Akengbuwa|D. Eyeolusan João Akengbuwa]]'''
| image16 =
| image16 = Olu Akengbuwa.jpg|250px|Olu Akengbuwa First of his name
| life16 = Unknown - 14 June 1848 (aged 53+)
| life16 = Unknown - 14 June 1848 (aged 53+)
| reignstart16 = 1795
| reignstart16 = 1795
| reignend16 = 14 June 1848
| reignend16 = 14 June 1848
| notes16 = 16th Olu. He succeeded his father. He was the last ruling king of the Itsekiri and the last Catholic Olu.
| notes16 = 16th Olu. He succeeded his father. He was the last Catholic Olu.
| family16 = [[Itsekiri]]
| family16 = [[Itsekiri]]
| name17 = '''[[Interregnum]]'''
| name17 = '''[[Interregnum]]'''
| image17 =
| image17 = |250px|The Warri Interregnum
| life17 = 14 June 1848 – 7 February 1936 (87 years)
| life17 = 14 June 1848 – 7 February 1936 (87 years)
| reignstart17 = 14 June 1848
| reignstart17 = 14 June 1848
Line 165: Line 171:
| family17 =
| family17 =
| name18 = '''[[Olu Ginuwa II|''Ginuwa II Emiko Ikengbuwa'']]'''
| name18 = '''[[Olu Ginuwa II|''Ginuwa II Emiko Ikengbuwa'']]'''
| image18 =
| image18 = Olu of Warri Ginuwa II.jpg|250px|Olu Ginuwa Second of his name
| life18 = Unknown - 1949 (aged 13+)
| life18 = Unknown - 1949 (aged 13+)
| reignstart18 = 7 February 1936
| reignstart18 = 7 February 1936
Line 172: Line 178:
| family18 = [[Itsekiri]]
| family18 = [[Itsekiri]]
| name19 = '''[[Erejuwa II|''Erejuwa II Wilson Ayoronmitsi Gbesimi Emiko'']]'''
| name19 = '''[[Erejuwa II|''Erejuwa II Wilson Ayoronmitsi Gbesimi Emiko'']]'''
| image19 =
| image19 = Olu of Warri Erejuwa II.jpg|250px|Olu Erejuwa Second Of His Name
| life19 = c.1908 - 17 December 1986 (aged 77/78)
| life19 = c.1908 - 17 December 1986 (aged 77/78)
| reignstart19 = 24 March 1951
| reignstart19 = 24 March 1951
Line 179: Line 185:
| family19 = [[Itsekiri]]
| family19 = [[Itsekiri]]
| name20 = '''[[Olu Atuwatse II|''Olu Atuwatse II Godwin Toritseju Emiko'']]'''
| name20 = '''[[Olu Atuwatse II|''Olu Atuwatse II Godwin Toritseju Emiko'']]'''
| image20 =
| image20 = Olu Atuwatse 2nd.jpg|250px|Olu Atuwatse Second Of His Name
| life20 = c.1945 - 5 September 2015 (aged 70)
| life20 = c.1945 - 5 September 2015 (aged 70)
| reignstart20 = 2 May 1987
| reignstart20 = 2 May 1987
Line 186: Line 192:
| family20 = [[Itsekiri]]
| family20 = [[Itsekiri]]
| name21 = '''[[Ikenwoli Godfrey Emiko|''Ikenwoli I Godfery Emiko'']]'''
| name21 = '''[[Ikenwoli Godfrey Emiko|''Ikenwoli I Godfery Emiko'']]'''
| image21 =
| image21 = Olu Ikenwoli I.jpg|250px|Olu Ikenwoli First Of His Name
| life21 = 19 March 1955 – 21 December 2020 (aged 65)
| life21 = 19 March 1955 – 21 December 2020 (aged 65)
| reignstart21 = 12 December 2015
| reignstart21 = 12 December 2015
Line 193: Line 199:
| family21 = [[Itsekiri]]
| family21 = [[Itsekiri]]
| name22 = '''[[Olu Atuwatse III]]'''
| name22 = '''[[Olu Atuwatse III]]'''
| image22 = Olu Atuwatse III.jpg|250px|Olu Atuwatse III Third Of His Name
| life22 = 2 April 1984 - Present (aged 37)
| life22 = 2 April 1984 - Present (aged 37)
| reignstart22 = 21 August 2021
| reignstart22 = 21 August 2021
Line 200: Line 207:
==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}
*{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MdI8DYItvg8C&q=gbs_navlinks_s|last1=Thornton |first1=John Kelly|author-link=John Thornton (historian)|year=1999|title=Warfare in Atlantic Africa, 1500-1800|publisher=[[Psychology Press]] |isbn=9781857283921}}


{{Nigerian traditional states}}
{{Nigerian traditional states}}
Line 205: Line 213:
http://itsekiricanada.com/olu.php
http://itsekiricanada.com/olu.php


⚫
{{DEFAULTSORT:Kingdom Of Warri}}
[[Category:History of Nigeria]]
[[Category:Nigerian traditional states]]
[[Category:Nigerian traditional states]]

Latest revision as of 13:06, 10 October 2024

The Kingdom of Warri, Warri Kingdom or Iwere Kingdom, (Itsekiri: Oye Iwere) was established in 1480, was part of the Nigerian traditional states its ancestral capital is based in Ode-Itsekiri, Warri South LGA, Delta State, Nigeria[1] with a palace erected in 1950s in the heart of the city of Warri, Warri South LGA, Delta State, Nigeria.

The current Olu of Warri is Ogiame Atuwatse III, who was crowned on 21 August 2021.[2]

History

[edit]

According to Bini and Itsekiri histories, Olu Ginuwa, a prince of Benin Kingdom founded the Warri kingdom about 1480. In the 15th century, it was visited by Portuguese missionaries.[3] At the beginning of the 17th century, a son of the reigning Olu was sent to Portugal and returned with a Portuguese wife.[3] Their son Antonio Domingo was Olu of Warri in the 1640s.[4] Olu Erejuwa, who reigned from about 1760 to 1800, expanded the kingdom politically and commercially, using the Portuguese to further its control of tributaries in river trade and to establish control over a wider area.[5]

Later, Warri served as the base for Portuguese and Dutch slave traders. Warri became a more important port city during the late 19th century,[6] when it became a centre for the palm oil trade and other major items such as rubber, palm products, cocoa, groundnuts, hides, and skins.[7] Warri was established as a provincial headquarters by the British in the early 20th century.[8]

The Size Of The Kingdom Of Warri

[edit]
Ancient Kingdoms and their boundaries
Warri Kingdom size

In the work of Jean-François Landolphe published from his diary described the size of Warri Kingdom “The sovereign of this state owns not only both banks of the Benin river but also all the rivers of these parts as far as the tributaries of the Calabar or are near to it."[9]

Military

[edit]

In 1656, the equipment of the Warri military was dominated by arrows and javelins with the use of few muskets.[10] By the following century, Warri forces became accustomed to firearms.[11] In the late 18th century, the naval vessels of Warri were equipped with simple sails and primary sources documented that such vessels could carry some personnel of about 100. According to historian Thornton, the Warri navy was unfamiliar with tacking. Shields were built onto the vessels to provide protection for the personnel.[12] Warri vessels may have utilized artillery. Jean-François Landolphe provided a description of the King's canoes in the early 19th century which he mentions to have mounted 7 blunderbusses arranged in series on a swivel. As a result, these guns could fire simultaneously and Landolphe states they were rarely used.[13]

Warri Crisis

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This section is an excerpt from Warri Crisis.[edit]

The Warri Crisis was a series of conflicts in Delta State, Nigeria between 1997 and 2003 between the Itsekiri, the Ijaw ethnic groups.[14] Over 200,000 people were displaced by the Warri conflict between 1999 and 2006. Over 700,000 people were displaced during this period by violence in Delta State overall.[15][16]

The conflict broke out following a government decision that changed the location of the Warri South West Local Government Council (LGA) to the Itsekeri community of Ogidigben from the Ijaw town of Ogbe Ijoh.[17][18] The Council headquarters was eventually returned to Ogbe Ijoh, which restored a fragile peace in 2005.[19]

The Warri Crisis is part of a broader conflict over oil in the Niger Delta.[19] Human Rights Watch determined that "although the violence has both ethnic and political dimensions, it is essentially a fight over the oil money."[20] Ongoing armed conflict in the Niger Delta region, and the appearance of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) in 2005 are continued expressions of these tensions.[15]

Scholars have warned that the conflict is complex and not amenable to "quick fixes".[21]

Kings of Warri Kingdom, 1480 to present

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The Kingdom of Warri has remained predominantly Christian since the coronation of its first Christian King/Olu Atorongboye also known as King Sebastian I in 1570, within a century of the foundation of the Iwere Kingdom. Below is a list of the rulers of the Warri Kingdom from inception. Note that written records began with the coronation of Olu Atorongboye Sebastian I in 1570.

NameLifespanReign startReign endNotesFamilyImage
GinuwaUnknown - 1510 (aged 30+)148015101st Olu. He was the eldest son of Oba Olua, the 14th Oba of Benin (r.1473–1480) and heir apparent to the throne of the Kingdom of Benin until he migrated from Benin to Warri, where he was later crowned.Itsekiri
Ijijen OgbowuruUnknown - 1510 (aged 28+)151015382nd Olu. He succeeded his father. He was the first King to reach Ode-Itsekiri (Big Warri) as his father settled down at Ijala community which became the burial place for all future Olu's.Itsekiri
IrameUnknown - 1550 (aged 40+)153815503rd Olu. He succeeded his brother. It is stated that he banished the three gods (Ibirikimo, Otueke, and Ike) and their worshipers from Ode-Itsekiri-Olu (Big Warri) because of their incessant "noise-making". The gods and their worshipers moved to Orugbo which is a community about 3 km from Ode-Itsekiri-Olu.Itsekiri
OjoluwaUnknown - 1570 (aged 20+)155015704th Olu. He succeeded his father. During his reign, he commenced the process of integration of the Ekpen's/Ekpenede, descendants of Okere with the local population in the kingdom.Itsekiri
EsigieUnknown - 1597 (aged 27+)157015975th Olu.He succeeded his father.Itsekiri
D. Sebastião AtorongboyeUnknown - 1625 (aged 28+)159716256th Olu. He succeeded his father. He was born Prince Eyomasan. He was the first Catholic Olu, in fact every king after him until 1848 was so. He had a strong tie with King Philip II of Spain, who ruled Portugal at the time. This relation led to him sending his son to study in Coimbra, Portugal from 1600 to 1611. He and all future kings were awarded the title of Dom (D.).Itsekiri
D. Domingos Atuwatse IUnknown - 1643 (aged 43+)162516437th Olu. He succeeded his father. He was initially home schooled by his father and the Bishop in Ode-Itsekiri, which resulted in him being able to read and write in Portuguese. He was later educated in Coimbra, Portugal from 1600 to 1611. He returned as a graduate, making him the first graduate in Sub Saharan Africa. Olu Dom Domingos was the first to marry a noble Portuguese lady, that came with him in 1611.Itsekiri
D. Antonio Domingos Oyenakpagha ObanighenrenUnknown - 1653 (aged 11+)164316548th Olu. He succeeded his father. On ascension to the throne he was named Obanighenren which translates to "Prince/King with the golden skin". He wrote a letter to Pope Clement X in 1652 which was delivered to the Pope successfully. He was educated at home and at an institute in Angola. Like his father, he married a Portuguese lady.Luso Itsekiri
D. Matias Ludovico OmoluyiriUnknown - 1674 (aged 31+)165416749th Olu. He succeeded his brother.Luso Itsekiri
D. Luigi AbejoyeUnknown - 1701 (aged 27+)1674170110th Olu. He succeeded his father.Luso Itsekiri
D. Sebastião II AkenjoyeUnknown - 1709 (aged 8+)1701170911th Olu. He succeeded his father. As a prince he was known as Dom Ludivico Domingo.Itsekiri
D. Miguel OmagboyeUnknown - 1730 (aged 21+)1709173012th Olu. He succeeded his father.Itsekiri
D. Agostinho Sabastião Octobia AkengboyeUnknown - 1732 (aged 4+)1730173413th Olu. He succeeded his father.Itsekiri
D. Manuel Octobia AtogbuwaUnknown - 1760 (aged 26+)1734176014th Olu. He succeeded his father.Itsekiri
D.Sebastião Manuel Octobia Erejuwa IUnknown - 1795 (aged 35+)1760179515th Olu. He succeeded his father.Itsekiri
D. Eyeolusan João AkengbuwaUnknown - 14 June 1848 (aged 53+)179514 June 184816th Olu. He succeeded his father. He was the last Catholic Olu.Itsekiri
Interregnum14 June 1848 – 7 February 1936 (87 years)14 June 18487 February 1936After the death of Olu Dom Eyeolusan João Akengbuwa there was a dynastic crisis following the death of all the potential successors which was followed by a period of political Interregnum. His son Prince Oritsemone left Ode-Itsekiri during the period of the crisis to form the Usele Community. Queen Iye Idolorusan ruled the kingdom for a time in the nineteenth century, but seems to have never been formally designated a monarch.[22]
Ginuwa II Emiko IkengbuwaUnknown - 1949 (aged 13+)7 February 19368 January 194917th Olu. He was a Nigerian traditional title holder and paramount leader of the Itsekiri. He was born Emiko Ikengbuwa. He succeeded his grandfather Olu Akengbuwa as Olu of Warri after an interregnum that lasted 88 years when Warri's political leadership was dominated by merchant princes.Itsekiri
Erejuwa II Wilson Ayoronmitsi Gbesimi Emikoc.1908 - 17 December 1986 (aged 77/78)24 March 195117 December 198618th Olu. He succeeded his father. He attended a CMS missionary school at Ogbesse, thereafter he did business with United African Company rising to become a provincial cooperatives president. As Olu of Warri, he was appointed regional Minister without portfolio and president of the Warri Divisional Traditional Council.Itsekiri
Olu Atuwatse II Godwin Toritseju Emikoc.1945 - 5 September 2015 (aged 70)2 May 19875 September 201519th Olu. He was born Godwin Toritseju Emiko. He succeeded his father. He was a lawyer by profession and was a recipient of the Commander of the Niger (CON) award from the Nigerian Government. Atuwatse II died in a hospital in Lagos in early September 2015, after suffering a domestic accident. He was 70 years old, and was preparing to fly abroad to receive intensive medical care before his condition worsened.Itsekiri
Ikenwoli I Godfery Emiko19 March 1955 – 21 December 2020 (aged 65)12 December 201521 December 202020th Olu. Ikenwoli Godfrey Emiko born to Olu Erejuwa II and Olori Eyinagboluwade Emiko. He succeeded his elder brother and was married to Olori Mary Emiko. They had three children.Itsekiri
Olu Atuwatse III2 April 1984 - Present (aged 37)21 August 202121st Olu. Tsola Emiko born to Olu Atuwatse II and Olori Gladys Durorike Emiko on 2 April 1984. He succeeded his uncle and is married to Olori Ivie Emiko (née Okunbo). They have three children.

References

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  1. ^ Royal, David O. (20 August 2022). "Eminent Nigerians, monarchs, storm Odi-Itsekiri for Olu of Warri". Vanguard News. Retrieved 19 December 2022.
  2. ^ "All hail Olu of Warri, Atuwatse III". Vanguard News. 22 August 2021. Retrieved 18 September 2021.
  3. ^ a b "Warri Kingdom, according to history dating back 541 years". Punch Newspapers. 20 August 2021. Retrieved 18 September 2021.
  4. ^ J.O.S Ayomike. "Edo people's renaissance". Edo Nation. Retrieved 16 September 2010.
  5. ^ Gab Ejuwa (26 April 2009). "Olu of Warri Coronation – Focus On Itsekiri Cultural Heritage". Vanguard. Retrieved 16 September 2010.
  6. ^ Harriman-Ayida, Allegra Otsaye (2018). Kingdom in the Creeks (Thesis). Wesleyan University. doi:10.14418/wes01.1.1865.
  7. ^ http://www.greatestcities.com/Africa/Nigeria/Warri_city.htmlRetrieved 13 January 2008
  8. ^ Ekeh, Peter Palmer (2005). Warri City and British Colonial Rule in Western Niger Delta. Urhobo Historical Society. p. 31. ISBN 978-064-924-7.
  9. ^ Landolphe, Jean Francois, 1747-, and Jaques Salbigoton Quesne. Memoires Du Capitaine Landolpe, Contenant L'histoire De Ses Voyages Pendant Trente-six Ans, Aux Cotes D'Afrique Et Aux Deux Ameriques. Paris: A. Bertrand [etc.], 1823.
  10. ^ Thornton (1999), p. 81
  11. ^ Thornton (1999), p. 82
  12. ^ Thornton (1999), p. 83
  13. ^ Smith, Robert Sydney (1989). Warfare & Diplomacy in Pre-colonial West Africa. Univ of Wisconsin Press. p. 84. ISBN 9780299123345.
  14. ^ Nigeria: INC Wants Lasting Solution to Warri Crisis. By Sola Adebayo, 5 February 2003, Vanguard (Lagos).
  15. ^ a b Leton, Marcus (2006). "Oil And The Urban Question - Fuelling Violence and Politics in Warri" (PDF). Niger Delta Economies of Violence Working Papers (8). Retrieved 28 September 2021.
  16. ^ “Violence left 3 million bereft in past seven years Nigeria reports”, New York Times, March 14th 2006, p.A6
  17. ^ "How Warri North crisis started - Egbema chiefs". Vanguard News. 22 July 2013. Retrieved 18 September 2021.
  18. ^ "Warri Crisis: Causes and Impact on the Oil Industry in the Niger Delta". EBSU Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities. 11 (1). 2021.
  19. ^ a b "Nigeria" (PDF). Refugee Documentation Centre of Ireland. 22 October 2010. Retrieved 28 September 2021.
  20. ^ Editorial Introduction: The Warri Crisis,the Niger Delta, and the Nigerian State, Meredeth Turshen. ACAS Bulletin, No. 68, Fall 2004.
  21. ^ Falode; Egunjobi (2022). "Investigating and Addressing Oil Related Conflicts in Niger Delta: A Case Study of Warri" (PDF). International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science. 6 (7).
  22. ^ Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr.; Professor Emmanuel Akyeampong; Mr. Steven J. Niven (2 February 2012). Dictionary of African Biography. OUP USA. pp. 1–. ISBN 978-0-19-538207-5.

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