A suprising moment at the Warri Palace has drawn attention online after an aide to the Olu of Warri gently stopped a woman from shaking the monarch’s hand.
The 47-second video, shared on Tuesday, shows the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, moving through a palace lounge with members of his entourage dressed in red and white Itsekiri regalia when the woman reached out to greet him.
An aide promptly intervened, politely preventing the gesture. Under long-standing palace customs, subjects are not permitted to initiate physical contact with the Olu; any form of handshake must be initiated by the monarch himself.
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Despite the brief intervention, the exchange remained cordial, with the Olu and the woman smiling as the protocol was observed.
Ogiame Atuwatse III, who ascended the throne as the 21st Olu of Warri in 2021, is widely regarded for blending tradition with modern engagement, including diplomatic outreach and active global representation, while upholding centuries-old Itsekiri customs.
