The prince has inspired a new generation with his progressive attitude and his speech was the highlight of the ceremony for many who have often lamented the failures of leadership in the country. In a wide-ranging speech, he called for the region to look "beyond oil and gas."
Nigeria is the largest oil-producer in Africa, contributing 86% to the country's total export revenue.
The Niger Delta, in the southernmost part of the country has had to battle with insurgents, oil spills and pollution caused by behemoth energy companies in the region.
"We must look beyond oil and gas, and channel our energy in the right direction, towards the endeavors that will result in added value across the board," he said in the speech.
Many have expectations on the new Olu of Warri to set things in motion to rewrite the narrative of the region.
"The Niger Delta has had either the narrative of pollution or the narrative of insecurity, and I really feel like this is a turning,"
'Women no longer invisible'
The Olu of Warri also pledged that women would be given agency to play an active role in the community.
"We will ensure that women, both old and young, honored and respected not only by word, but in actual cultural practice.. So I say to our women today, you will no longer be invisible."
As is common in monarchies, he also bestowed new titles on his mother and wife to be known as Iye Olu Atuwatse III and Olori Atuwatse III.
Itsekiri business woman Tara Fela Durotoye attended the coronation ceremony,she says citizens of Warri, from all stratas of society were filled with excitement at the promise the new King brings to his people.
"I saw people break out in dance at his appearance. I saw people exclaim... I think Nigerians are looking for something different and something new, something fresh. And he represents all of that, in his age, his exposure, his educational background, the pedigree," she said."He brought so much to the throne, to see a forward thinking monarch, who understands technology, who understands entrepreneurship, understands the role of women. It was such a beautiful, beautiful experience and being a part of it gave me hope,"
Notable leaders including former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the Ooni of Ife, the king of Ile-Ife in South West Nigeria, were present at the ceremony to pay homage to the Olu of Warri at Ode-Itsekiri, the ancestral home of the Itsekiris. Across the country and in the diaspora, many tuned in to local broadcasts and gathered at viewing centers to witness history.The Itsekiris are an ethnic group who live in the westernmost part of the Niger River delta.
Tara Durotoye,said it was the second coronation she was witnessing, crediting the first attendance to her father, a historian who ensured his children were conversant with their culture."As a young girl at 10, I attended the coronation [of the immediate past Olu of Warri] and there was so much love for that king... every home was talking about the coronation...with different activities counting down to his installation as the Olu," she said.
"Sitting there today, as a 44 year old woman, mother of three children, and getting to participate in and be present at another coronation in my lifetime was very humbling."
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