A vibrant cultural exchange recently unfolded as the Olu of Warri Kingdom, Ogiame Atuwatse III, and His Majesty King Misuzulu KaZwelithini of the Zulu Kingdom in South Africa signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen economic and socio-cultural ties between their kingdoms.
The historic signing took place at the KwaKhangelamankengane Royal Palace in KwaNongoma, KwaZulu-Natal, coinciding with the Olu of Warri’s recognition among the Global Reputation Forum’s 100 Most Reputable Africans, an award presented by former South African Deputy President Her Excellency Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka in Johannesburg.
King KaZwelithini expressed optimism about the partnership, emphasizing its potential to benefit both peoples. “As brothers who carry ancestral mandates to lead with vision, strength, and unity, your visit confirms a bond that transcends borders, a bond of blood, history, and shared purpose,” he said. “It is my sincere hope that this engagement will open a corridor for sustained collaboration between the Amazulu and the people of Warri.”
He added, “Let us use this opportunity to lay the foundation for meaningful cultural exchanges where our youth, elders, and artisans can engage and rediscover who we are and who we can become. As traditional monarchs, we are called to respond to modern challenges with ancient wisdom. Today, we plant a seed of fraternal cooperation that will grow into diplomatic, cultural, and economic ties. May this visit mark the beginning of a new chapter of unity, dignity, and strength for all our people.”
In his response, Ogiame Atuwatse III expressed gratitude for the warm reception and reflected on the profound connection between the two monarchies. “This meeting goes beyond cultural and economic exchange—it is also divine,” he remarked. “I shared with the prince last night that history often repeats itself if you are observant. On my coronation day in August 2021, I described Africa as a gun, with the Niger Delta as the trigger point.”
He continued, “Interestingly, the barrel in my analogy is South Africa, so this meeting feels like the trigger point aligning with the barrel. I am here to sit with His Majesty, and I learned we were both crowned in the same year. Our shared experiences speak to a vision for Africa that transcends political boundaries and borders. This signifies seeing ourselves as borderless.”
The Olu of Warri also extended a warm invitation to King KaZwelithini to attend his 5th coronation anniversary on August 21, 2026, in Warri Kingdom.