The Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, has made a clear statement regarding his personal stance on marriage, firmly rejecting polygamy as an option for his life. In a recent interview with BBC Pidgin, the monarch elaborated on his reasons, highlighting his deep commitment to maintaining peace of mind and stability within his family unit.
Monarch's Personal Philosophy on Marriage and Family
Ogiame Atuwatse III, who married Ivie Atuwatse in 2014, explained that his approach to marriage is carefully balanced with his demanding role as a traditional ruler. He emphasized that he deliberately prioritizes his family over social expectations that might come with his position. "I live two aspects of life: the public and the private," he said. "When I am not on the throne, I am not very social. I prefer to stay at home. I have a wife and children, and I spend time managing my family."
The couple, who have three children together, represents a modern royal family where personal values take precedence. His wife, Ivie Atuwatse, is a lawyer and the daughter of the late prominent businessman, Idahosa Okunbo. The monarch added that he actively avoids unnecessary complications in his life, choosing instead to invest his time and energy into his home environment.
Rejecting Polygamy: A Matter of Grace and Practicality
When directly addressing the topic of taking multiple wives, Atuwatse stated, "God did not give me that grace." This spiritual perspective is coupled with practical considerations. He noted that his royal duties already consume significant time through numerous meetings and engagements with public officials and institutions. Therefore, preserving quality family time becomes crucial for his personal balance and well-being.
This stance challenges some traditional norms, yet it reflects a growing trend among contemporary leaders who blend cultural heritage with modern family values. The Olu's decision underscores a conscious choice to foster a harmonious domestic life amidst his public responsibilities.
Clarifying the Viral Scooter Incident
During the same interview, Atuwatse also addressed the viral video from December 2025 that showed him riding an electric scooter while inspecting the newly constructed Trans-Warri–Ode-Itsekiri Road in Warri, Delta State. The road project was undertaken by the Delta State Government, and the footage captured security operatives and government officials accompanying him during the inspection.
Explaining his unconventional mode of transport, the monarch said he opted for the scooter because the road had not yet been opened to the public and was free of vehicles. "I wanted to get a feel of the road. There was no traffic, and the road was safe to ride on," he clarified. He described many of the social media reactions as amusing and stressed that holding a public position does not necessitate appearing serious at all times. He firmly stated that riding the scooter did not constitute any form of misconduct.
Positive Outcomes from the Viral Moment
Interestingly, Atuwatse revealed that the video sparked renewed interest in Warri, with several individuals reaching out to make enquiries about land and housing opportunities in the area. This unintended consequence highlights how modern media can amplify local development and investment prospects. He added that many of his personal activities are typically conducted privately and away from public attention, making such viral moments rare glimpses into his life beyond official duties.
This comprehensive interview sheds light on the Olu of Warri's personal principles, demonstrating how traditional rulers navigate the complexities of public expectations and private convictions in today's Nigeria.
