The 37-year-old monarch spoke on Saturday during his coronation as the 21st ruler of Warri Kingdom in Delta state.
While delivering his inaugural speech, he said the curse was placed on Nigeria by his grandfather, Wilson Gbesimi Emiko, the Olu Erejuwa II, and Uku Akpolokpolo, Akenzua II of Benin, over an alleged injustice meted out on the former.
The late Erejuwa II was the Olu of Warri between 1951 and 1986 while the Akenzua II was the Oba of Benin from 1933 to 1978.
The new king said there is a need to address the issue because he is a firm believer in the interconnection between the spiritual and the manifestation in the physical.
“While not seeking to reopen old wounds, it is pertinent to recall the grave injustice meted out to Olu Erejuwa II. He visited his royal majesty, Oba Akenzua II of Benin and recounted his ordeal. In his reaction, a curse was placed on the land by both of them,” he said.
“It is not recorded that Olu Erejuwa II reversed the curse on the land neither is it recorded that Oba Akenzua II did the same. Most probably, the issue was never revisited.
“As a firm believer of the intricate interconnection between the spiritual and the manifestation in the physical, I am a firm believer that the matter needs to be addressed.
“As the spiritual, cultural, political, and traditional ruler of this land, I, Ogiame Atuwatse III, the 21st Olu of Warri, the first son of Olu Atuwatse II, the grandson of and direct descendant of Olu Erejuwa II who was offended on this throne, hereby, reverse the curse placed over this land.
“In its place, I release forgiveness and healing to the federal government of Nigeria whose might was used to propagate that offence, and I decree unprecedented and an uncommon peace, prosperity, progress, development upon this land.
“I bring down the government of heaven unto this land and I direct it to flow as a course that can neither be sabotaged, slowed or stopped. It goes out as a strong ripple effect emanating from this kingdom to the Niger Delta, to the rest of the Nigerian nation and even the African continent.”
