Why Olu Of Warri Will Not Embrace Polygamy — Olori Ivie Atuwatse III

 

The wife of the Olu of Warri, Olori Ivie Atuwatse III, has said her husband, Ogiame Atuwatse III, will not take another wife, insisting that she is more than enough for the monarch.

Atuwatse made the comment while discussing her marriage and life in the palace during an interview with BBC News Pidgin published on Wednesday, September 23, 2026.

Responding to a question about how she would react if the monarch changed his position on polygamy, the queen dismissed the possibility, maintaining that her

husband would not reverse his decision.

“Firstly, His Majesty no go fit change him mind about polygamy. Make we just settle that one for there. Me alone, one me, I be like three women, so I dey alright for am,” she said.

Her position is consistent with the monarch’s earlier comments on the subject.

In a January 2026 interview with BBC Pidgin, the Olu of Warri explained that he had chosen monogamy despite the history of polygamy among traditional rulers, saying the responsibilities attached to his position already demanded much of his time.

“God did not give me that grace,” he had said, while explaining that he preferred to preserve peace within his home and spend time with his family.

Beyond the issue of polygamy, Atuwatse spoke warmly about being married to the monarch, particularly the experience of watching people recognise and celebrate his achievements.

“The thing wey I like about being married to His Majesty is that, all the fame or the popularity wey him get, na say I get to see the world celebrate his genius, his swag also, cos me too I dey celebrate am. And when the world dey celebrate am, e dey ginger me more,” she said.

She acknowledged, however, that the demands of royal responsibilities can limit the amount of time the couple spends together.

The lawyer also discussed her fashion choices, particularly the turban that has become part of her appearance at public engagements.

Addressing suggestions that her position as queen limits how she dresses, Atuwatse said her style was a personal choice and described her turban as an important part of her identity as queen.

“My dressing is how I like it. People ask me why I dey cover my hair. My turban na my crown, na so I dey see am,” she said, adding, “Anytime I dey in Queen mode, I like to dey cover my hair to just give respect to di office wey I get, and I no feel say I dey restricted.”

She also revealed that her involvement in the monarch’s appearance goes beyond her own fashion choices.

“You want make I tell you secret? I be my husband stylist,” she said.