The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, has stated that Olu of Warri polygamy is not a path he intends to follow. He explained that he deeply values peace of mind and stability in his family life.
The monarch married his wife, Ivie Atuwatse, in 2014. Together, they have three children. Ivie is a lawyer and the daughter of the late billionaire businessman, Idahosa Okunbo.
In an interview with BBC Pidgin on Friday, January 23, 2026, the monarch shared his views on marriage. He noted that he deliberately prioritizes his family over the social expectations tied to his royal position.
“I live two aspects of life: the public and the private,” the Olu stated. He explained that when he is not on the throne, he is not very social. Instead, he prefers to stay at home and manage his family.
When asked about taking more than one wife, he gave a clear answer. He remarked, “God did not give me that grace.” Consequently, he avoids complications by focusing his energy on his home.
The monarch explained that his role requires a lot of time and energy. He often attends long meetings with public officials and various institutions. Therefore, spending quality time with his family is essential for his personal balance.
Furthermore, he believes that keeping his personal activities private helps maintain his well-being. Although he is a powerful traditional ruler, he finds strength in a simple and stable domestic life.
The Olu also addressed a viral video from December 2025. The footage showed him riding an electric scooter while inspecting the Trans-Warri–Ode-Itsekiri Road.
Because the road was not yet open to the public, the monarch decided to use the scooter for ease of movement. “I wanted to get a feel of the road. There was no traffic, and the road was safe to ride on,” he said.
Moreover, he dismissed claims that the act was informal. He argued that occupying a public position does not mean a person must appear serious at all times. He added that riding the scooter was a safe and practical choice.
Interestingly, the viral video had a positive impact on the community. The Olu revealed that many people reached out to inquire about land and housing in Warri after seeing the footage.
In conclusion, the monarch continues to balance his royal heritage with modern values. By choosing peace and transparency, he remains a unique figure in Nigerian traditional leadership.
