The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, has explained why he has chosen to remain monogamous, stating clearly that polygamy is not a path he believes God has given him the grace to follow.
Speaking during an interview aired on BBC Pidgin, the revered monarch said peace, balance, and stability in his home are values he holds dearly, adding that he does not believe he can successfully manage more than one wife.
The Olu of Warri, who married Queen Ivie Atuwatse in 2014 and has three children, noted that despite public expectations that kings should have multiple wives, his personal conviction and lifestyle do not support such arrangements.
According to him, his life is already divided between intense public responsibilities and limited private time. When he is away from official duties, he prefers a quiet home environment where he can focus fully on his wife and children.
He explained that having multiple households would stretch his emotional energy, reduce quality family time, and make his private life unnecessarily complicated.
The monarch further stated that his role as a traditional ruler comes with constant engagements, meetings, and calls from top government officials, making moments of rest and family bonding extremely important to him.
He emphasized that spending quality time with his family helps him remain emotionally balanced, focused, and effective in carrying out his traditional responsibilities.
The Olu of Warri concluded by saying he is comfortable with his choice, stressing that understanding one’s limits is key to maintaining peace and purpose in life.
