A video of the Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, conducting an inspection of a major infrastructure project while riding an electric scooter has taken Nigerian social media by storm. The clip, which showcases a modern and hands-on approach by the traditional ruler, has ignited a wave of reactions from citizens and celebrities alike, with many hailing him as a refreshing figure in leadership.
Monarch's Unique Inspection Tour Goes Viral
The now-viral footage was shared by the monarch himself on his official Instagram page on Friday, December 19, 2025. In the video, the stylishly dressed king is seen personally assessing the progress of the Trans-Warri-Ode-Itsekiri Road, a significant project executed by the Delta State government under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. Rather than a formal motorcade, the Olu opted for an electric scooter, navigating the road with his entourage following in vehicles behind him.
The caption accompanying the post read, 'His Majesty inspects the Trans-Warri-Ode-Itsekiri Road, a transformative infrastructure project delivered by the administration of His Excellency, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.' This simple act of a traditional ruler using a contemporary, accessible mode of transport for an official duty struck a chord with the online community.
Celebrities and Netizens Hail a 'Freshest King'
The video rapidly spread across platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, drawing comments from notable personalities and everyday Nigerians. Their reactions largely celebrated the king's relatable and progressive style.
Popular media personality and OAP do2dtun expressed his admiration, writing: "When they say a King is Kingin.. I love it." Skit maker and content creator Gilmore also joined the conversation, contributing to the positive buzz around the clip.
Other comments captured the public's sentiment:
- Fineside Uju Chisom commented: "The freshest king in Nigeria right now."
- destinylelekumor said: "If all our leaders get swag like this, even America go beg to enter Naija. Not those old ancestors we have as leaders."
- rolithompson proudly noted: "Are you still asking why itsekiris love their king?… OGIAME!!!! SUOOOO!???… what a time to b itsekiri."
While most reactions were celebratory, a few users, like Nosa Movado Obasogie, hoped such exposure to modern innovations would translate into community development projects, such as providing scooters for school children.
A Modern Monarch Embracing New Ways
This event underscores the evolving role of traditional institutions in contemporary Nigeria. Ogiame Atuwatse III, who was crowned as the 21st Olu of Warri on August 21, 2021, has often been associated with a vision that blends tradition with modernity. His approachable method of inspecting a state government project highlights a hands-on leadership style that resonates with a younger, digitally-savvy generation.
The incident is not the first time the Warri monarch has engaged with modern pop culture. Legit.ng had previously reported on his warm reception of former BBNaija stars Kellyrae and Kassia, who visited him in traditional Itsekiri attire, further cementing his image as a king in touch with current trends.
The viral scooter inspection has ultimately painted a picture of a progressive royalty, sparking discussions about leadership, accessibility, and the fusion of age-old tradition with a new-age mindset in Nigeria's socio-political landscape.
